Talk Cancer

Question:

I would also recommend that you read Dr. Bernie Seigals books!

I read these following surgery and radiation for tonsil cancer.  I am not so enamored of these as many others.  They give you some good information about support after cancer, but there is a dark undercurrent of self-blame for the cancer in here too.  Segal denies it, but I have no question that much of the book has a "you are responsible for causing your own ilness theme". I suggest that instead you join a local support group or if the is one, your local Wellness Center. I suspect many or most of you will disagree with what I have said.  THat is oka y too.           Allan. — Allan B. Elkowitz                |   Children’s Hospital, Boston      | Emergency Cancellation Archimedes

Response:

… there is a dark undercurrent of self-blame for the cancer in here too.  Segal denies it, but I have no question that much of the book has a "you are responsible for causing your own ilness theme". I suspect many or most of you will disagree with what I have said.

Quite the contrary.  My mother read one of Segal’s books when she was dying of pancreatic cancer.  She agreed with your point of view.  One of her more printable comments was that it was a "load of cr*p".

Response:

I would also recommend that you read Dr. Bernie Seigals books!

I read these following surgery and radiation for tonsil cancer.  I am not so enamored of these as many others.  They give you some good information about support after cancer, but there is a dark undercurrent of self-blame for the cancer in here too.  Segal denies it, but I have no question that much of the book has a "you are responsible for causing your own ilness theme". I suggest that instead you join a local support group or if the is one, your local Wellness Center. I suspect many or most of you will disagree with what I have said.  THat is oka y too.           Allan. Allan, I will certainly agree with you about the support group.  There is nothing better and nothing will take it’s place. It is too bad that so many do not take advantage of group support. Seigel certainly recommends support groups, especially in his book "How to Live Between Office Visits"  I respect your opinions and appreciate your response.  Let’s get folks to their appropriate support group.  We know that it works.  Have a terrific day! James

Response:

I would also recommend that you read Dr. Bernie Seigals books! I read these following surgery and radiation for tonsil cancer.  I am not so enamored of these as many others.  They give you some good information about support after cancer, but there is a dark undercurrent of self-blame for the cancer in here too.  Segal denies it, but I have no question that much of the book has a "you are responsible for causing your own ilness theme". I suggest that instead you join a local support group or if the is one, your local Wellness Center. I suspect many or most of you will disagree with what I have said.  THat is oka y too.          

Ok. I’m one who would tend to disagree. My wife has a low grade chondrosarcoma (tumour on her spine). Thank God the prognosis is as good as can be expected. She had surgery to remove the tumour/tissue from around two of her vertabre, C6 and C7. At some point after finding out she had cancer, one of her friends suggested she read one of Segal’s books. She loved it. So much so that she now has all of his books. She now takes great pleasure in lending her books to all of our new found friends at our cancer support group, and to others with less serious ailments as well. I’m not saying these books are the be all and end all to self help, but with the right attitude, they can be inspirational, which in my opinion is what they’re ment to be. And inspiration as we all know is 99% attitude. I’ll admit, that if you look for it, a dark undercurrent of self blame can be found, but this reminds me of an old saying… "if you go looking for trouble, you’ll usually find it". I think that with books such as these, one must approach them with a very open mind, and if negative aspects are found, try and find a way to turn them around to your favour. Finally, to explain why I’m so pro Segal’s books, its because they *have* really helped my dear wife. They have made a difference, and helped to ease her mind, when I could not, and to a degree, gave some of the control back to her. And to me thats all that counts. Keep the Faith! Jeff Halifax NS Canada

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