The
Journey Through Cancer
Dr. Jeremy Geffen
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Being fortunate
in that I have never been affected by cancer I was unsure of how
I would relate to this month's book "The Journey Through Cancer."
Hearing much about the author, Dr. Jeremy Geffen before hand, I
decided to delve in whole heartily and see with what I would come
away with.
Immediately I found I was drawn in by the genuine empathy and compassion
of Dr. Geffen who has undoubtedly drawn on his past experiences
to deliver an inspiring, profoundly insightful read. Quickly you
learn of Dr. Geffen's own journey through cancer when he tells of
his father who he had just rediscovered a relationship with, is
diagnosed with stomach cancer. While still a senior in medical school
at the New York University of Medicine, Geffen is forced to face
many of the struggles, uncertainties and unanswered questions that
cancer diagnosis often brings. The pain of seeing his father treated
as just another statistic or number with minimal options and no
hope for survival gives him deep perception into the importance
of the doctor patient relationship and the need for more compassionate
approaches to treating and healing cancer patients and family.
Grounded in conventional medicine he distinctly identifies the importance
of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, however he encourages the
integration of aromatherapy, relaxation, journaling, yoga, guided
imagery, acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, therapeutic touch,
reiki, and support groups. He also recognizes the lack of research
for alternative medicine treatments provided in cancer clinics in
countries outside Canada and the Unites States.
As many people see cancer as a war, Geffen chooses to embrace the
disease and view cancer as a journey similar to rafting down a river,
and encourages cancer patients, friends and families to see it in
the same light. He chooses to look at what being affected by cancer
can teach us, and how much this experience, although extremely trying
can tell us about ourselves, others and life.
For each of the 7 levels in "The Journey Through Cancer"
the reader will explore deeply the connection the physical, mental,
emotional and spiritual aspects of our beings have in the healing
and recovery process.
With emphasis on caring for the whole person, each level will identify
and discuss the following chapter topics: Education and Information;
Psychosocial Support; The Body as the Garden (exploring alternative
and complementary therapies); Emotional Healing; The Nature of the
mind; Life Assessment; and The Nature of the Spirit.
Jeremy Geffen M.D., F.A.C.P is a broad-certified medical oncologist
and a fellow of the American College of Physicians. He is also the
founder and director of the Geffen Cancer Center and Research Institute
in Vero Beach, Florida (www.geffencenter.com).
To my surprise as I drew to a close I realized my excitement and
encouragement for a one man's idea of what the future of medicine
holds.
This book is an extremely rare find offering great insight, inspiration
and clarity into a disease that so often leaves patients, friends,
family and even medical experts unsure of the next step.
A Review
By Tara
Favreau
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