Customer Reviews

Music and Cancer: A Prescription for Healing

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I loved this book, both as an ovarian cancer survivor and a music lover. Having heard both Dr. Nagarsheth's lecture and the performance of the NED rock band at the annual Ovarian Cancer National Alliance conference in July, I was very eager to follow up by reading his book. He approaches his writing from the perspectives of both a gynecologic oncologist and a musician---what a unique combination! THe book motivated me to return to my piano playing, something I had let go since my diagnosis. He writes from the perspective of a doctor and an artist: He "gets" it and is able to synthesize his facts, thoughts, and feelings in a way that makes sense to me. It is a very readable, engaging book, patient-oriented, and filled with love, hope, and dedication to his patients. I highly recommend it and have purchased it for both my local gynecologic support groups.

What does music have in common with cancer? Plenty. Dr. Nagarsheth explains how music, particularly his percussion instruments. Besides being an oncologist, he is a musician. It's easy to relate to the way he compares his knowledge of both of his expertise. As a two-time cancer survivor with my own recipe for healing, I can tell you that music soothed my soul when I was going through cancer. I also purchased the music CD by N.E.D. the band and you can see how he practices what he preaches.

Dr. Nagarsheth along with his companions does a marvelous job in articulating the connections between music and medicine. It is a book that is easily approachable by anyone with an interest in music or medicine and provides a strong foundation in the process. As a musician and medical student I've known many of the concepts Dr. Nagarsheth talks about but he organizes and presents the information in a way that makes it strikingly clear. One of the brilliant analogies he presents ties the process of sight reading to that of reacting to a new diagnosis of cancer. You don't know what's ahead of you and it's easy to panic by taking too much in at once, but by having a methodological process by which to react, something foreign isn't as startling. The subtitle of the book is a prescription for healing and I think this book does a good in giving people direction in the maze of medicine. I would recommend this to anyone struggling with cancer. Furthermore I would recommend it to anyone in the healthcare professions as well as those with an interest in music. It's a book that provides positive optimism in a uniquely interdisciplinary fashion.

I run a non profit for ovarian cancer awareness and education. Seeing cancer patients daily, this book teaches the powerful effect that music has over the disease and the direct impact on healing and dealing with the horrific side effects of treatment.

Music therapy needs to become a standard in treatment for cancer; not an option. I highly recommend this book to all cancer patients, caregivers, medical students and musicians - and anyone wishing to make a difference in the life of a cancer patient.

Music and Cancer is not just a book about navigating a cancer diagnosis, its a great way to navigate through life.
Dr. Nagarsheth has done a fantastic job of relating music principles to the healing process. This book is filled with resources for Survivors and caregivers as well.
As a cancer Survivor, I find great comfort in knowing there are oncologists like Dr. Nagarsheth who cared enough to put it in a book. Thank you.

I would recommend this to anyone with the slightest interest in music. It's not just about malignancies. It's about your body, health, and being at one with yourself through music.