Judy M2 Posted May 27, 2021 Share Posted May 27, 2021 I just finished reading my oncologist's book about his experiences in life and his journey as a cancer doctor. It was a quick and friendly read. Here is an excerpt that I think captures the spirit of the book: "In truth, I've been an oncologist long enough now to know that fear, confusion and hopelessness can take over very quickly--like a few seconds after bad news. They are the trapdoor--away from healing, away from empowerment, away from peace. The trick to avoiding that trapdoor is remembering that how you are doing is correlated with what you are doing. Tiny actions lead to feeling a tiny bit better, a tiny bit closer to where you want to be. So instead of shutting down, meet one of your most basic obligations, and then another. Eat something healthy, walk when you can, take your medicine, listen to your favorite song, keep your appointments, talk with your family, call your friend, tell someone you love them, watch a funny movie or reread that book you love. Do the things you must and do the things you love--that's the oncology patient's equivalent of putting one foot in front of the other, moving away from that chasm of hopelessness a little at a time. Inching closer to peace." When my husband and I first sat in Dr. Steven Eisenberg's office, he rubbed the top of my husband's head while he told us how he wanted to (aggressively) treat my Stage IIIB adenocarcinoma. I'm not sure why he did that, but I knew then he was like no doctor I'd ever met before. He's been a great cheerleader for me throughout my treatments. I recommend this book for both patients and caregivers. Dr. E tells about his near-death experience as a teenager and the struggles he's had in his chosen profession, the people who motivated him to overcome it all, and how he has come to use music to form a strong bond with his patients. I hope just this post will help someone who is going through a rough time. I think that reading the book could help even more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LexieCat Posted May 27, 2021 Share Posted May 27, 2021 Thanks, Judy, Just downloaded it for my Kindle app on my iPad. I remember when I was going through my initial diagnosis back in 2017 (lobectomy), I read "Emperor of All Maladies." It's all about cancer research and treatment through the ages, and it's an absolute page-turner (they made it into a PBS miniseries, too). I mentioned it to my surgeon, who was also a huge fan of the book. Every challenge I have faced in my life has been helped by the reading I've done. When I get bad news (or puzzling or concerning news or circumstances in my life), books are my best friends. I guess it's my way of regaining a modicum of control--over myself and my attitude, even if I can't change the facts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy M2 Posted May 27, 2021 Author Share Posted May 27, 2021 Thanks Lexie, I will download your recommendation! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VickiP Posted May 29, 2021 Share Posted May 29, 2021 I know I am coming out of nowhere but I got "Emperor of Maladies" based on LexieCat's recommendation. I downloaded it from my library and am listening to it on my headphones. It is amazing! There is so much I didn't know about the history of cancer discovery. Somehow things make a little more sense. Thank you very much, LexiCat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LexieCat Posted May 29, 2021 Share Posted May 29, 2021 Oh, I'm so glad you're enjoying it! It really is an amazing, fascinating book. It really gives you a great appreciation of how the science has progressed. I should make everyone read this who claims that the pharmaceutical companies are "hiding" a cure for cancer, just so they can make money. This has been a difficult process, with many dead ends before new treatments are discovered and refined so they are actually effective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJM Posted June 1, 2021 Share Posted June 1, 2021 I read it a long time ago. Pre cancer. I also think it is an excellent read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouT Posted June 1, 2021 Share Posted June 1, 2021 Looks like a couple of books I need to download. Thanks for the input folks. Lou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanny Posted June 2, 2021 Share Posted June 2, 2021 Thank you!!! Could not have read your post a better time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dona Posted July 18, 2021 Share Posted July 18, 2021 On 5/27/2021 at 1:13 PM, Judy M2 said: I just finished reading my oncologist's book about his experiences in life and his journey as a cancer doctor. It was a quick and friendly read. Here is an excerpt that I think captures the spirit of the book: "In truth, I've been an oncologist long enough now to know that fear, confusion and hopelessness can take over very quickly--like a few seconds after bad news. They are the trapdoor--away from healing, away from empowerment, away from peace. The trick to avoiding that trapdoor is remembering that how you are doing is correlated with what you are doing. Tiny actions lead to feeling a tiny bit better, a tiny bit closer to where you want to be. So instead of shutting down, meet one of your most basic obligations, and then another. Eat something healthy, walk when you can, take your medicine, listen to your favorite song, keep your appointments, talk with your family, call your friend, tell someone you love them, watch a funny movie or reread that book you love. Do the things you must and do the things you love--that's the oncology patient's equivalent of putting one foot in front of the other, moving away from that chasm of hopelessness a little at a time. Inching closer to peace." When my husband and I first sat in Dr. Steven Eisenberg's office, he rubbed the top of my husband's head while he told us how he wanted to (aggressively) treat my Stage IIIB adenocarcinoma. I'm not sure why he did that, but I knew then he was like no doctor I'd ever met before. He's been a great cheerleader for me throughout my treatments. I recommend this book for both patients and caregivers. Dr. E tells about his near-death experience as a teenager and the struggles he's had in his chosen profession, the people who motivated him to overcome it all, and how he has come to use music to form a strong bond with his patients. I hope just this post will help someone who is going through a rough time. I think that reading the book could help even more. Judy thx for the excerpt, his encouraging words really struck home with me and brought tears to my eyes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dona Posted July 18, 2021 Share Posted July 18, 2021 On 5/27/2021 at 2:00 PM, LexieCat said: Thanks, Judy, Just downloaded it for my Kindle app on my iPad. I remember when I was going through my initial diagnosis back in 2017 (lobectomy), I read "Emperor of All Maladies." It's all about cancer research and treatment through the ages, and it's an absolute page-turner (they made it into a PBS miniseries, too). I mentioned it to my surgeon, who was also a huge fan of the book. Every challenge I have faced in my life has been helped by the reading I've done. When I get bad news (or puzzling or concerning news or circumstances in my life), books are my best friends. I guess it's my way of regaining a modicum of control--over myself and my attitude, even if I can't change the facts. LexieCat, thx for the book recommendation. Downloaded it last nite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 Hey, Here's a book from a guy who was cured of lung cancer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgetO Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 Whozat guy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJM Posted July 23, 2021 Share Posted July 23, 2021 On 7/19/2021 at 5:58 AM, Tom Galli said: Hey, Here's a book from a guy who was cured of lung cancer! Goddam* right! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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