Augustus vs. His Cancer

Augustus's internal battle against the cancer that is part of him, and his struggle to maintain dignity and hope.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Initial Remission

The Initial Remission The Amputation Augustus lost his leg to osteosarcoma. He was declared NEC (no evidence of cancer). He thought he was cured. The New Normal He returned to school. He played basketball. He met Caroline. He thought he had beaten it. The Fear Despite remission, he feared oblivion. He wanted to do something meaningful.

The Recurrence

The Recurrence The PET Scan Augustus's PET scan shows cancer everywhere. He is terminal. He keeps it secret for a while. The Civil War He tells Hazel his cancer is made of him. He cannot fight it without fighting himself. It is a civil war with a predetermined winner. The Despair Augustus feels robbed of a heroic death. He breaks down. He says he doesn't even get a battle.

The Final Days

The Final Days The Decline Augustus grows weaker. He is in pain. He uses a wheelchair. He loses dignity. The Gas Station Incident He sneaks out, gets sick, and breaks down completely. He says he hates himself. The Death Augustus dies in the ICU. His body finally gives out. The civil war ends.

Before the story begins

Before Amsterdam, revealed during trip

After Amsterdam