Between Life and Death

Between Life and Death

Dr Kashyap Patel is a renowned oncologist in the US who works with terminally ill cancer patients. Through him, we meet Harry, who, after a life full of adventure, is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. As he stares death in the face, Harry leans on Dr Patel, an expert in understanding the process of death and dying. His questions and fears are addressed through the telling of stories of many other patients that Dr Patel has treated-from the young and vivacious to those who had already lived full lives, from patients who could barely afford their rent to those who had been wildly successful. What ties these stories together is the single thread of the lessons Harry learns along the way, lessons that ultimately enable him to plan his own exit from the world gracefully-to die well and without fear. This is a beautifully written book that touched my heart and soul. ..I fell in love with each patient and their story, and didn't put it down until I read the entire book! You will hear the stories of people affected by cancer, their journey from diagnosis to the other side and the man that helped them go from a state of fear and anxiousness to one of complete peace through the process. This book provided a real perspective to my life, how I am living it and with whom. It also left me feeling more equipped to support those around me that are dealing with chronic and acute illness. Kristy Kuhl, Charlotte, NC Between Life and Death tells stories of cancer patients who are at the end of their lives. Many times the dying don't want to burden their family members and friends with their questions and beliefs on what death means, and Dr. Patel serves as their guide. Throughout this book Dr. Patel teaches his patient, Harry, as well as the reader how different belief systems handle death. Dr. Patel shows his role is not only an oncologist, but he also serves as a spiritual guide and friend to his patients as they reach the end of their life. His ability to connect so authentically with his patients is reflected in the way he interacts with and touches the core of his patients. Jennifer Roberts, Charlotte, NC According to the Daily Guardian news paper Between life and Death is "An oncologist's take on life, death and our quest for immortality""DEATH is inexorable but still no one wants to talk about it. Dr. Kashyap Patel, beautifully touches this subject by sharing the experiences with his patients. The stories of sheer strength and resilience that each of the patients showed in the face of inevitable will leave each reader inspired and fill with the sense of gratitude. It is heart warming to see how Dr Patel helps his patients in their most difficult journey for which no one is prepared. A must read to awaken your soul to forgive and forget, learn to be grateful, cherish every moment and make the best of the journey called life to embrace dying with no regrets." Digisha Modi, India "Between LIFE and DEATH" is a collection of real-life stories of those ordinary human beings who put up extraordinary bravery in the face of certain death. For some reason, when hearing stories about the fight against cancer, society has forgotten and virtually ignored that hidden behind every battle is a real human being, be they a father, a mother, a daughter, a son, a husband or a lover. In the jumble of chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, and surgery, this human being is lost. All too often, the winner is invariably the tumor; even when it is defeated, it leaves behind a human being shattered by fear and quaking with radiation and chemotherapy side-effects. So how some exemplary individuals do chose to accept cancer as an autumn leaf getting ready o fall off a tree and make their transition from the land of manifest existence to return to the land they came from before birth.Excerpts (words of Rumi)  "And when we die, we release back to the earth the elements we borrowed from it that constituted our body. These elements eventually give birth to new life forms and organisms. The elements of our body participate in the natural world long after we are gone.""Everything you see has its roots in the unseen world. The forms may change, but essence remains the same. Every wonderful sight will vanish, every sweet word will fade. But do not be disheartened. The source thee came from is eternal, growing branching out, giving new life and joy." Dr. Kashyap Patel is a practicing oncologist has has worked directly with cancer patients for the past twenty years. He is the CEO of Carolina Blood and Cancer Care Associates. A certified trainer for physicians with the Education in Palliative and End-of Life care program, he has been a speaker at several continuing medical education events. He is also the vice president of the community oncology alliance, medical director of the International Oncology Network and chairman of the clinical affairs committee at the Association of the Community Cancer Centers, all in the US.Dr. Patel has led committees in