Love, Medicine and Miracles: Lessons Learned about Self-Healing from a Surgeon's Experience with Exceptional Patients (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The idea of the exceptional patient is not taught in medical school..." (more)
Key Phrases: privileged listener, exceptional patients, survivor personality, Becoming Exceptional, The Healing Partnership, The Will (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Siegel, a New Haven surgeon, believes that the power of healing stems from the human mind and will, that his scalpel only buys time against cancer, and that self-love and determination are more important than choice of therapy. His philosophy has caused radical changes in his practice. Siegel recounts many arresting anecdotes: joyous stories of patients who survived against all odds, sad chronicles of those who seemingly gave up and assented to their own deaths. The author's credentials make this one of the more plausible books on the mind-body connection. For most public libraries and holistic health collections. Judith Eannarino, George Washington Univ. Lib., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Run, don't walk, to the nearest bookstore and get this amazing book that explains how you can 'think' yourself sick or well...Every family should have a copy. It can be a lifesaver." -- Ann Landers

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (May 4, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060919833
• ISBN-13: 978-0060919832
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,165 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #21 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Alternative Medicine > Healing
  #94 in	Books > Parenting & Families > Family Health
  #100 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Self-Help > Motivational

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE, MIRACLES AND MEDICINE, March 3, 2000

By A Customer

This book is an upbeat, positive approach and plan in dealing with any life altering diagosis. A perfect gift of hope and love for the patient, the patient's family, friends or yourself.

If medical treatment is already underway there may be a recognizable need to give a gentle reminder to a physician or healthcare giver that TenderLovingCare in the treatment of a patient is needed and expected. . (Perhaps, there is only a wish by you to thank the doctor for TLC already given), Love,Medicine and Miracles is a perfect gift; a perfect venue. Dr. Seigel's book makes the point and serves as a definitive reminder of the significance of LOVE, MEDICNE and MIRACLES in rendering treatment to a patient.

The book was recommended to me when my husband was diagnosed with a catistrophic cancer;cholangio carcinoma, by a cancer patient who twice had cancers go into remission. Since, that time it has been a favorite gift for those who need positive encouragement; those awaiting, or who have received a frightening dignosis. How difficult it is to know what to say to help. I find that the gift of this book, LOVE, MEDICINE and MIRACLES provides the positive message of love and caring that I want for my family and friends. Dr. Siegel says it so much better than a just a bouquet of flowers would.

During the many weeks of hospital time and treatment that my husband unerwent I realized THIS BOOK SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING FOR EVERY DOCTOR, NURSE and CAREGIVER. It is down to earth and forthright in the information,suggestions and examples given; truly a bright light in what is often a dark tunnel.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The Perspective of a Physician with Advanced Cancer, January 27, 2009

By	Benjamin Walker (Portsmouth, RI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Five years ago I was diagnosed at the age of 46 with Stage IV colon cancer. What a shock! While receiving treatment (surgery and chemo), I read the medical literature on the subject, so I could understand the evidence behind the various treatment options. I also read this book as well. As I read Dr. Segal's book, I was impressed, and moved, by the author's approach. Indeed, I was so impressed that I looked into joining one of his "exceptional cancer patient" (ECaP) groups.

Still, I was concerned that the evidence presented in the book, while heart warming and convincing sounding, was purely anecdotal. Had any proper studies on his methods been carried out and published? Somewhat to my surprise, I found the following article: Gellert GA, Maxwell RM, Seigel BS: "Survival of breast cancer patients receiving adjucntive psychological support therapy: a 10-yr follow-up study." J Clin Oncol 1993; 11:66-69. In this study thirty-four women with breast cancer attending the ECaP program were matched with comparable patients (age, stage of cancer, etc.) from tumor registries. At ten years, there were no differences between the groups in terms of survival (approximately 40% alive at the end of the study).

How disappointing! I have read that Bernie Segal dismissed the study's methods, and hence its results. My reaction to that is twofold. First of all, as he was one of the principal authors of the study, he had control over the study's methods. It seems disingenuous to criticize its methods after its completion, given its negative results, especially when he had control over the design of the study. Would he have found its methods acceptable had it shown positive results? Secondly, even if the study's methods were less than ideal (A larger number of patients in the study would have been preferable.), why has he not restudied the matter during the last fifteen years? My guess is that he lacks confidence that a second study would produce more positive results. What other explanation can there be? In summary, I find the results of this study, combined with the lack of a repeated study by Dr. Segal, absolutely damning with regards to Dr. Segal's theories and methods. Anecdotal evidence, which is what is presented in the book, since it can be chosen selectively and distorted, is no evidence at all.

Somewhat disturbed by the above research, I read what other studies that I could find on psychological adjunctive treatments for cancer. Based upon Dr. Segal's, and others', books, it has become conventional wisdom that a positive attitude improves one's survival duration and odds. Sadly, it appears that the evidence (1: Cunningham et al Psychooncology 1998: 7:508-517; 2: Goodwin et al; NE J of Med; 2001; 345:1719-1726; and others) does not support this theory.

Regarding my personal case, while I have not persued psychological methods (those espoused by Dr. Segal or those promoted by others) in dealing with my cancer, I have done extremely well. Thanks to chemotherapy and the quality care by my physicians and nurses, more than five years after the diagnosis, I am still alive. While the cancer has progressed, and I am not expected to live another year with it, I cannot complain about how well I have done: only 2-3% of colon cancer patients with cancer stage IV disease on the best available chemotherapy survive so long. Indeed, had I enrolled in one of Dr. Segal's "exceptional cancer patient" groups, or even had I privately battled cancer with the methods that he describes, then my case might be touted as proof of the validity of his methods. So much for anecdotal evidence!

In summary, I find that the book promotes disproven ideas.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mind Over Matter, March 12, 2000

By	Dr. Lucille G. Fischer (Titusville, Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

Bernie Siegel's message is a powerful lure for those who would like to be exceptional patients. He demonstrates through numerous anecdotes that an individual can not only make themselves sick, but can also make themselves well. However, before wellness can occur, Siegel says, understand yourself including your stressors and conflicts. Having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer shortly before the end of the last century, I am intrigued with his technique for drawings which illustrate the inner workings of the subconscious. Also, as an educator of literature, I can relate to Siegel's many historical examples, namely Solzhenitsyn's novel, THE CANCER WARD. Personally, I found Siegel's positive attitude very encouraging. He basically reiterated what my own oncologist told me: "Attitude is everything when it comes to survival."