What’s With the Socks?
What Nobody Told Me About Cancer, Emotional Whiplash, and the Weird Stuff in Between
Everyone knew Cynthia Wrisley needed support. For some reason, everyone brought socks. Diagnosed with breast cancer in her forties, Cynthia discovered that treatment was only part of the story.
What’s With the Socks? is her honest, heartfelt, and sometimes downright funny account of the emotional whiplash, unexpected kindness, and weird stuff nobody prepared her for.
For anyone going through a difficult experience or trying to better understand what someone they love is facing, this memoir offers a little perspective, some reassurance, and hopefully a laugh or two.
THE BOOK
What happens beyond the appointments?
Talking to your children. Navigating other people’s advice. Losing your hair and your patience. Accepting help when you are used to being the helper. And figuring out why you still feel unsettled when everyone else thinks you should be celebrating.
Cynthia writes about the parts of cancer that don’t fit neatly into a medical chart, with personal stories about family, friendship, body changes, and life after treatment. The book closes with “Tiny Survival Notes from the Sock Drawer,” practical takeaways she wishes someone had shared sooner.
PART ONE
What’s with the Shock?
PART TWO
What’s with the Noise?
PART THREE
What’s with the Socks?
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
“It was heavy without feeling heavy (if that’s possible?)”
–Jesse B.
“I have friends who have survived breast cancer and one who did not. This book brought all my feelings right into focus. Thank you, Cynthia.
— Kathy P.
BEYOND THE BOOK
More stories. More conversations.
Explore reflections on life’s unexpected turns, the people who help us through, and the moments of humor and connection along the way.
Can We Just Pretend Everything’s Normal for Five Minutes?
“How are you feeling?”
Meet Joanie. My Wig and I Have a Complicated Relationship.
The day I found out I had cancer changed how I saw myself.
Your Hearts in the Right Place. Now What?
When I was going through cancer treatment, a lot of people reached out and asked, “What do you need?”
HONEST CONVERSATIONS. UNEXPECTED LAUGHTER.
Cynthia brings candor, warmth, and humor to conversations about cancer, the emotional realities of treatment, and how we show up for one another. Invite her to speak with your group or connect with her for an interview.
A FEW THINGS YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING
Who is What’s With the Socks? for?
The book welcomes patients, survivors, caregivers, friends, and family members, along with readers who appreciate candid, sometimes funny memoirs about navigating unexpected change.
Is it relevant to people facing something other than cancer?
Yes. Although Cynthia writes about her experience with breast cancer, the book explores uncertainty, identity, relationships, and accepting help. Those themes can resonate with people facing other life-altering illnesses or events.
What can caregivers, friends, and family take from the book?
Cynthia offers a personal perspective on receiving support and living with feelings that can be difficult to explain. Her stories give loved ones a closer understanding of the experience and a starting point for conversations about what might help.
Does the book offer medical advice?
No. What’s With the Socks? shares Cynthia’s personal experience and observations. It does not provide medical advice or treatment recommendations.