Better Off Bald

Andrea Wilson Woods
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MEDICINE
  • COMPLETE SERIES

Better Off Bald is a serialized nonfiction podcast that chronicles the story of 15-year-old Adrienne Wilson's 147-day battle with primary liver cancer. As she lay dying, Adrienne taught others, including her older sister Andrea who raised her, how to live.

  1. Better Off Bald

    EPISODE 1

    Better Off Bald

    Better Off Bald chronicles my sister Adrienne’s 147-day battle with liver cancer; the book also shows how I reared Adrienne from the time she was eight until she died at the age of fifteen. While I narrate the story in present tense, I use flashbacks to explain how I gained custody of Adrienne from our mother, how our relationship evolved over time, and how we displayed our unconditional love for each other. Adrienne’s courageous spirit is revealed as she squeezes more life in 147 days than most people do in a lifetime. From meeting Jay Leno to spending the day with Dave Navarro of Jane’s Addiction, Adrienne makes every moment count. As she lay dying, my younger sister Adrienne taught me how to live.

    7 min
  2. Better Off Bald

    EPISODE 2

    Better Off Bald

    Working in an ER is supposed to consist of broken bones, chest pains, deep cuts, maybe an occasional gunshot wound. I believe he has never given this kind of news before. Dr. Lin glances at Adrienne, but then turns to me. “She has tumors in her liver and lungs.”

    34 min
  3. Better Off Bald

    EPISODE 3

    Better Off Bald

    In my head, I stop speaking. This is the first time I’ve said the ‘C’ word aloud and I say it to this angry, horrible woman whose child, I’m sure, is perfectly healthy.

    30 min
  4. Better Off Bald

    EPISODE 4

    Better Off Bald

    I have never heard of liver cancer before. Cirrhosis, yes, too much alcohol causes liver damage. What did he say? H something. Cellular is the second word. Need the fog sucked out of my head. Can’t think.

    30 min
  5. Better Off Bald

    EPISODE 5

    Better Off Bald

    So instead of praying for the cancer to go away, I pray for something more realistic. Please god, if you are out there, please let it be ovarian cancer. Adrienne can live without her ovaries, but not her liver. Women survive ovarian cancer.

    31 min
  6. Better Off Bald

    EPISODE 6

    Better Off Bald

    Adrienne looks at the four of us with a determined gleam. “I’d rather be dead than deaf.” I want to strangle her. She would rather be dead than deaf?

    29 min
  7. Better Off Bald

    EPISODE 7

    Better Off Bald

    “Here’s the deal: I’m your parent first, then your sister, and when you get older, I hope to be your friend. Got it? One more thing, don’t ever threaten me again.”

    25 min
  8. Better Off Bald

    EPISODE 8

    Better Off Bald

    “Cancer gave me cheekbones and an excuse to wear a strawberry wig. I get to spend time with my family, which was really rare before this. I’m getting a new bed when I get home. All things positive and light have resulted from the tiny bulbs that have decided to live on my liver and lungs.”

    17 min
See All Season 1 (40)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Better Off Bald is a serialized nonfiction podcast that chronicles the story of 15-year-old Adrienne Wilson's 147-day battle with primary liver cancer. As she lay dying, Adrienne taught others, including her older sister Andrea who raised her, how to live.

Information

  • Creator
    Andrea Wilson Woods
  • Episodes
    118
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2017 – 2020 Build Your BLISSS LLC
  • Show Website
    Better Off Bald