At the end of 2009, Wayne Cooke published his inspirational book, On the Far Side of the Curve: a Stage IV Colon Cancer Survivor's Journey, describing his then six year fight against cancer. In the Life and Times of Papa Vark; the Memoirs of a Cancer Survivor, the author, now in his eighth post-diagnosis year, offers many of the anecdotes and events of his life that might be lost if he did not make the effort to write them down. He sets forth his personal program for survival including an analysis of the skills that he has acquired over his life, and the importance of emotional support, a loving family and a sense of humor. Also included in this compelling book are the sixteen lessons that Cooke developed to cope with the fear and uncertainty of dealing with his disease and to move forward.