Love, Medicine and Miracles: Lessons Learned about Self-Healing from a Surgeon's Experience with Exceptional Patients

As someone with newly diagnosed prostate cancer, I found Bernie Siegel's book to be extremely helpful. Many people do not realize that surgeons are like mechanics. They know their field but often do not tap into the wholistic approach. It is very important to use every available resource to help the patient recover: spiritual, emotionsl, diet, exercise. If the Dr. tells the patient that he is going to die, and he/she believes it, you've taken away the hope that might have saved a life. There should always be hope.

This book has changed my life! I am 43 years old with a wonderful husband of 18 years and three beautiful children, 14, 13 and 10. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. It was by chance that it was caught, but nonetheless it is breast cancer. I am currently receiving radiation and have four more weeks to go. During the first week, I was sick to my stomach, felt weak, tired, couldn't eat and was a mess until I read this book. My neighbors had to drive me to my treatments and I had to wear headphones during the treatments. After reading the book I am a new person and went into treatments driving myself and hopping on the table without headphones. They were thrilled with me and I told them that everyone must read this book. I have share it with everyone I can and my mother said she can't put the book down.
I am very religious and at first wondered why me since I speak with God everyday, now I know how to visualize and love life to the extreme and am so happy to be alive. I still have the meditation part to go, but that will come. I also feel as though God is trying to lead me on a differnt path that I am on and will find out in time what that is.
I must say this book is not just for people with illnesses, but for everyone. Thank you for changing my life!! I wish I could tell everyone in the world how wonderful this book is.

Bernie Siegel's message is a powerful lure for those who would like to be exceptional patients. He demonstrates through numerous anecdotes that an individual can not only make themselves sick, but can also make themselves well. However, before wellness can occur, Siegel says, understand yourself including your stressors and conflicts. Having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer shortly before the end of the last century, I am intrigued with his technique for drawings which illustrate the inner workings of the subconscious. Also, as an educator of literature, I can relate to Siegel's many historical examples, namely Solzhenitsyn's novel, THE CANCER WARD. Personally, I found Siegel's positive attitude very encouraging. He basically reiterated what my own oncologist told me: "Attitude is everything when it comes to survival."

This book is an upbeat, positive approach and plan in dealing with any life altering diagosis. A perfect gift of hope and love for the patient, the patient's family, friends or yourself.

If medical treatment is already underway there may be a recognizable need to give a gentle reminder to a physician or healthcare giver that TenderLovingCare in the treatment of a patient is needed and expected. . (Perhaps, there is only a wish by you to thank the doctor for TLC already given), Love,Medicine and Miracles is a perfect gift; a perfect venue. Dr. Seigel's book makes the point and serves as a definitive reminder of the significance of LOVE, MEDICNE and MIRACLES in rendering treatment to a patient.

The book was recommended to me when my husband was diagnosed with a catistrophic cancer;cholangio carcinoma, by a cancer patient who twice had cancers go into remission. Since, that time it has been a favorite gift for those who need positive encouragement; those awaiting, or who have received a frightening dignosis. How difficult it is to know what to say to help. I find that the gift of this book, LOVE, MEDICINE and MIRACLES provides the positive message of love and caring that I want for my family and friends. Dr. Siegel says it so much better than a just a bouquet of flowers would.

During the many weeks of hospital time and treatment that my husband unerwent I realized THIS BOOK SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING FOR EVERY DOCTOR, NURSE and CAREGIVER. It is down to earth and forthright in the information,suggestions and examples given; truly a bright light in what is often a dark tunnel.

This is a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it for anyone who's dealing with any sort of physical challenge. I had an orthopedic condition that dominated my life for several years, and Siegel's book taught me valuable lessons in dealing with my condition.

The first lesson is the importance of the patients asserting themselves in the doctor-patient relationship - not in a negative sense, but more as establishing a partnership in fighting the condition. One disappointment of mine is that Siegel's teachings haven't had more of an impact on the medical community. In fact, with the onset of managed care, medicine has gone even further in the opposite direction, and patients have to work harder than ever to become a "partner" in their treatment.

The second lesson is the overiding importance of love for your health - both in increasing your chances of recovery and reducing the chances of getting sick to begin with. His message can easily be lost in today's analytical world of medicine, but it's crucial.

The message in this book really applies to everyone - regardless of their health.