Click Here To Purchase From Amazon Ordinary Miracles

Author: S. David Nathanson, M.D.

ISBN: 978-0-275-99469-3

This work is about the “ordinary” – ordinary in that now many men and women are surviving breast cancer. It’s also about miracles – courage, trust, persistence, faith, fortitude, and hope.

We know that survivors are making it through their breast cancer ordeals with the advances in technology and research.  Early detection, radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy – along with a caring physician – increase the survival rates of patients with breast cancer.

There are 71 stories from survivors – all bring something different to the table as they walk us through the ordeal of breast cancer. Dr. Nathanson reveals that he believed he knew these patients so well that there would be nothing new in their stories, but he admits that he discovered “wisdom” in each. 

There is an emotional value in having medical information. Having the information dispels myths and serves as a solid guide from which patients are able to make the best decisions about their healthcare. Research done by patients about their disease and an explanation from the healthcare professional with regard to before, during and after treatment seems to give the patient more control. There’s nothing like not knowing – why you are being called back after the mammogram, why the needle biopsy results are taking so long, or if it’s true that surgery “let’s the air in” during surgery and causes the tumor to spread more quickly.

Dr. Nathanson tells of one woman’s research that led her to believe that carrots were beneficial in the treatment of cancer. She took to heart what she read in the media so much so that she turned orange from eating so many carrots. She even encouraged others to do the same – Dr. Nathanson admits that he pictured a neighborhood full of “orange women.” I learned from this that it is much wiser to ask questions of your team before starting anything as drastic that could be unnecessary or harmful. 

Listening to the patient seems to be in-style now, too. Dr. Nathanson believes the days when patients thought the “the doctor knows best” are gone. Also gone is the idea that physicians were somehow “gods.”  It is now common practice for patients to help with their own treatment – getting more involved, cooperating as a team for support and information.

Support is valuable – not just from the healthcare team. It may come from family members, friends, co-workers, support groups, etc. At this “bump in the road,” the patient needs support and comfort. For example, the patient may need someone to drive and be with them at an appointment. 

“Research shows that faith and spirituality contribute to healing, too.”  Whatever your belief, it stands to reason that it will support and comfort you through this ordeal. Can we expect spiritual guidance from our physician? “Less than one in ten doctors ask a patient about their faith and religious beliefs. Yet 70 percent of patients would like their doctor to incorporate their religious beliefs into their treatment. Ten percent would like their doctor to pray with them.”

Good things often come when we are in pain or agony – Beethoven’s 9^th Symphony. The man was suffering from lead poisoning, leaving him deaf, and often in pain and agony. Yet, he wrote music. Dr. Nathanson writes that there are many examples in various outlets showing this to be true. 

Courage, trust, persistence, faith, fortitude, and hope are truly miracles of life. Breast cancer is an ordinary ordeal nowadays – simply made easier with miracles. 

This book is highly recommended for everyone.

The above review was contributed by:  Sue Vogan: Sue is a Writer & Author of NCO-No Compassion Observed: To read more of Sue's reviews Click Here 

Click Here To Purchase From Amazon Ordinary Miracles