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In My Hands: Compelling Stories from a Surgeon and His Patients Fighting Cancer
In IN MY HANDS, surgical oncologist Dr. Steven Curley shares the empowering lessons he's learned over 25 years from his cancer patients' unique stories of struggle, perseverance, and triumph.
As Chief of Surgical Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Steven Curley has worked with cancer patients for over two decades. While his life's work has been to help his patients live longer lives, he found that they helped him in ways he never could have expected.
IN MY HANDS is a rare, often emotional look at some of Dr. Curley's real patients and real situations in modern cancer care. These stories of resilience, hope, and determination changed and inspired Dr. Curley, and he uses these same stories to encourage patients dealing with the fear and uncertainty coupled with a diagnosis of cancer. Every story in the book has a theme inspired by his patients: Hope, Courage, Strength, Determination, Wonder, Cooperation, Creativity, Diligence, Service, Perseverance, Wisdom, Grace, Consideration, Gratitude, Discernment, Reverence, Resourcefulness, Faith, Beauty, Acceptance, and Empathy. Some are positive messages, reminding us of the importance of maintaining balance between family, work, and leisure activities. Others are examples of the remarkable resilience of the human spirit when facing the reality of and the surgical risks that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Realistically, despite remarkable advances in multidisciplinary cancer care, some remind us cancer is still a potentially lethal and destructive disease affecting patients and the family and friends supporting them. While many people are told that there is no hope in their situation, Dr. Curley's patients taught him to always provide hope, to push the envelope and give people a chance, and that hope is a critical component of treatment and care. IN MY HANDS is medical narrative at its finest, and provides insight into medicine and patient care along with fascinating details about one of our most feared diseases.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published May 22, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 7, 2018
Just finished reading In My Hands by Steven A. Curley, M. D., FACS. What impressed me the most is that he is very compassionate towards his patients. When told that he cares to much, he refused to change. He gets to know each patient and never thinks of them in terms what body part has the cancer. When the patient future is very dark, he walks with then through the struggle and does not distance himself like some doctors do.
His stories of his patients indicate his deep and admiration for patients fighting the battle. Through these pages, you will also learn about the unfairness of life, the trickiness of cancer and how you can never predict how long a person will live after treatment. Life is very unpredictable and cancer even more so.
But as a doctor, you must work hard to give each person the best care possible and strive to give them their best chance of surviving. That means timely follow-ups and trying new techniques when there are desperate challenges
The best doctors like Dr, Curley always walk the path with you.
I received a finished copy of this book from the Publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way made a difference in my thoughts or feelings in this review. of this book from the Publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way made a difference in my thoughts or feelings in this review.
His stories of his patients indicate his deep and admiration for patients fighting the battle. Through these pages, you will also learn about the unfairness of life, the trickiness of cancer and how you can never predict how long a person will live after treatment. Life is very unpredictable and cancer even more so.
But as a doctor, you must work hard to give each person the best care possible and strive to give them their best chance of surviving. That means timely follow-ups and trying new techniques when there are desperate challenges
The best doctors like Dr, Curley always walk the path with you.
I received a finished copy of this book from the Publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way made a difference in my thoughts or feelings in this review. of this book from the Publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way made a difference in my thoughts or feelings in this review.
September 6, 2018
This nonfiction book written by a cancer surgeon about him and his encounters with his cancer patients will have you crying as well as smiling while reading it because it is just so powerful and captivating all in one. The book is made up of chapters with each beginning with a quote that sums up what each story will be about. Each of these quotes are from remarkable individuals in life ranging from Samuel Johnson to Henry David Thoreau to Maya Angelou. It begins with Curley describing his early life and where he was born and such in the Southern states of Texas and New Mexico. Dr. Curley’s accounts vary and are either victorious or downright sorrowful. I, myself sobbed out loud after reading a chapter of an unfortunate case where a woman who was raising a son all by herself succumbed to cancer even though her family history says the opposite. Another saddening story that brought tears to my eyes was the story of a woman who because she was diagnosed with cancer saw her husband leave her just like that and even causing her to lose her job. It brought to my heart the cold lesson that “life is unfair at times and all we have to do is cope with it and know that this world and life we struggle to upkeep and maintain is just tragic and imperfect.
Dr. Curley’s writing was so easy to read and understand it kept me hooked the entire time I was reading it. It made his stories interesting and exciting even though yes there was the inevitable sadness and wow moments throughout. The stories are all the way from his early years to the present moment where he mentions that he has grandchildren by his two oldest kids. The patients he talks about are diverse from the elderly to those in their 40s and 30s. He had a patient that he talked about who joked about his family members wanting him to die already so they can collect his insurance money. He had a patient who looked so healthy on the outside but on the inside he had a huge tumor growing in him. He was losing his appetite and after his operation he was given hamburgers and fries by his family which caused me to smile because it sounds just like my own family when I was hospitalized as a kid to remove my tonsils. Hehe. Then he also talked about another patient who died suddenly during his surgery because he had a clot that got in the way. I tell you this book was so good and so eye-opening it all made me read on for more gripping experiences. The one terrifying (well to me) fact about cancer that I learned from this great book was that cancer can regrow. Yeah. After reading this book, I came to dislike this disease with so much passion that I am planning now to try and avoid it at all costs. Oh well.
And after reading this book, I think it should be read by all different types of people, regardless of age, skin color, ethnic background, religion, etc. Since cancer is “indiscriminate and promiscuous, it does not care if you are a hard-working farmer, a housewife putting in twelve-plus hours taking care of a family, a student, a mechanic, a teacher, or a high-level executive of a big corporation.” It also is very unjust as it steals anyone of his or her life-force. Therefore, that’s my recommendation for this book. At first glance, I was reluctant to read it because honestly I am someone who finds nonfiction works to be boring but once I delved into Dr. Curley’s book here, I could not put it down. The stories grasp your mind like a magnet and they just get to you because hey! We are all in this world for survival and long life. We don’t want to die young now right? Yeah. That’s me. So my word to you? Give this book a chance and buy it today. I assure you it will not be a waste of your time as you will learn (just like me) that this disease is unstoppable and can infect anyone from yourself to a beloved family member! So have a great day, buy this book right away, and fight cancer for life!
Dr. Curley’s writing was so easy to read and understand it kept me hooked the entire time I was reading it. It made his stories interesting and exciting even though yes there was the inevitable sadness and wow moments throughout. The stories are all the way from his early years to the present moment where he mentions that he has grandchildren by his two oldest kids. The patients he talks about are diverse from the elderly to those in their 40s and 30s. He had a patient that he talked about who joked about his family members wanting him to die already so they can collect his insurance money. He had a patient who looked so healthy on the outside but on the inside he had a huge tumor growing in him. He was losing his appetite and after his operation he was given hamburgers and fries by his family which caused me to smile because it sounds just like my own family when I was hospitalized as a kid to remove my tonsils. Hehe. Then he also talked about another patient who died suddenly during his surgery because he had a clot that got in the way. I tell you this book was so good and so eye-opening it all made me read on for more gripping experiences. The one terrifying (well to me) fact about cancer that I learned from this great book was that cancer can regrow. Yeah. After reading this book, I came to dislike this disease with so much passion that I am planning now to try and avoid it at all costs. Oh well.
And after reading this book, I think it should be read by all different types of people, regardless of age, skin color, ethnic background, religion, etc. Since cancer is “indiscriminate and promiscuous, it does not care if you are a hard-working farmer, a housewife putting in twelve-plus hours taking care of a family, a student, a mechanic, a teacher, or a high-level executive of a big corporation.” It also is very unjust as it steals anyone of his or her life-force. Therefore, that’s my recommendation for this book. At first glance, I was reluctant to read it because honestly I am someone who finds nonfiction works to be boring but once I delved into Dr. Curley’s book here, I could not put it down. The stories grasp your mind like a magnet and they just get to you because hey! We are all in this world for survival and long life. We don’t want to die young now right? Yeah. That’s me. So my word to you? Give this book a chance and buy it today. I assure you it will not be a waste of your time as you will learn (just like me) that this disease is unstoppable and can infect anyone from yourself to a beloved family member! So have a great day, buy this book right away, and fight cancer for life!
July 7, 2018
Just finished reading In My Hands by Steven A. Curley, M. D., FACS. What impressed me the most is that he is very compassionate towards his patients. When told that he cares to much, he refused to change. He gets to know each patient and never thinks of them in terms what body part has the cancer. When the patient future is very dark, he walks with then through the struggle and does not distance himself like some doctors do.
His stories of his patients indicate his deep and admiration for patients fighting the battle. Through these pages, you will also learn about the unfairness of life, the trickiness of cancer and how you can never predict how long a person will live after treatment. Life is very unpredictable and cancer even more so.
But as a doctor, you must work hard to give each person the best care possible and strive to give them their best chance of surviving. That means timely follow-ups and trying new techniques when there are desperate challenges
The best doctors like Dr, Curley always walk the path with you.
I received a finished copy of this book from the Publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way made a difference in my thoughts or feelings in this review. of this book from the Publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way made a difference in my thoughts or feelings in this review.
His stories of his patients indicate his deep and admiration for patients fighting the battle. Through these pages, you will also learn about the unfairness of life, the trickiness of cancer and how you can never predict how long a person will live after treatment. Life is very unpredictable and cancer even more so.
But as a doctor, you must work hard to give each person the best care possible and strive to give them their best chance of surviving. That means timely follow-ups and trying new techniques when there are desperate challenges
The best doctors like Dr, Curley always walk the path with you.
I received a finished copy of this book from the Publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way made a difference in my thoughts or feelings in this review. of this book from the Publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way made a difference in my thoughts or feelings in this review.
June 5, 2018
In My Hands: Compelling Stories from a Surgeon and His Patients Fighting Cancer by Steven Curley is a compilation of stories by a sensitive physician and tells the stories of his cancer patients. These real stories put the meaning into compassion, hope and dignity as people struggle with the diagnosis of cancer and all that goes with that from various chemical treatments to surgery. As Chief of Surgical Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Steven Curley has been in practice for over twenty years, and that wealth of experience and knowledge certainly speaks to his humanity when dealing with this dreadful disease. The stories are named, from hope to empathy, and in doing so, Curley embraces all that comes with fighting cancer. Often his patients seemed to grace him with newfound emotions, and a deeper capacity for empathy. This is a touching collection that will benefit anyone who chooses to read it, caretakers, patients, and the medical world could all learn from this book. Highly recommend.
June 14, 2018
This book is incredible. The struggle and spirit of Dr.Curley, and his patients is something I think everyone needs to read at least once. This collection of stories is an inspiration to those struggling, and it shows us something we don't get to really see first hand often: the strength of the human spirit faced with the black fear/hopeless that cancer brings.
I'll admit that no matter how much fiction I read, it'll never come close to the emotional experience of reading these real stories.
What makes this book unique is that it's told from the Dr.'s perspective, whereas most books of this kind are told from the patient's point of view (or the patient's surviving family). The unique voice really shows us the "other side of the fence" when it comes to struggling with cancer.
If you are going into the field (even as a caretaker), know someone who is struggling with cancer, or you struggle with the diagnosis yourself, you've got to read this book.
I'll admit that no matter how much fiction I read, it'll never come close to the emotional experience of reading these real stories.
What makes this book unique is that it's told from the Dr.'s perspective, whereas most books of this kind are told from the patient's point of view (or the patient's surviving family). The unique voice really shows us the "other side of the fence" when it comes to struggling with cancer.
If you are going into the field (even as a caretaker), know someone who is struggling with cancer, or you struggle with the diagnosis yourself, you've got to read this book.
August 20, 2018
Emotional, inspiring, and hopeful, 'In My Hands' Dr. Steven Curley draws on his most memorable experiences throughout his 25 year career as a surgical oncologist. Whilst he dedicates his life to helping those with cancer leading longer and more fulfilled lives, he has found his own life profoundly affected by his patients. He has used the lessons learned from his patients and put them into stories with motivating themes, such as Empathy, Determination, Perseverance, Courage, and Wisdom. You will surely be inspired by the inner strength and outstanding bravery of some of these patients, continuing to live heir life, whilst their own body conspires against them If you are anything like me, you will definitely reflect on your own life and re-evaluate what is really important. I am certainly hoping to live my life a little more optimistically and find more enjoyment doing the little things with the people I love.
October 29, 2018
I picked this book up from my library’s “new nonfiction” shelf because it said, “compelling stories from a surgeon and his patients fighting cancer”. Well, I love true stories about people facing challenges. This was a quick read, that, maybe, if myself or a family member were right in the middle of fighting cancer, I might eat up every word. But, since I’m not, I read this for the people stories. People who kept their humor. People who were positive. People who were strong. There were some stories that made me cry and some that were humorous. It was an interesting and informative read. I did skim parts that read more like a medical journal, as I’m not facing cancer so not in my research everything phase. I feel this would definitely be a good read for people and their families who are facing a cancer diagnosis, especially liver, colorectal cancer.
This is nonfiction and I would give it a pg rating.
This is nonfiction and I would give it a pg rating.
July 17, 2018
Never has a book lived up to its title’s subheading as much! “Compelling stories from a surgeon and his patients fighting cancer” they truly are. Steven Curley has learned such a lot from his patients and sees their stories as gifts. The stories collected and presented here are full of hope, respect and honesty. The stories and the way Curley relates them provide incredibly rich context beyond simply an illness and its treatment. Each person’s story shows them as the unique individuals they are or were – these are so much more than case histories. Curley is careful to point out that for privacy reasons, no actual names or identifying features are used, however. He has done his profession and his patients proud
with this book. I only hope that if I ever develop cancer myself I am fortunate enough to be treated by a doctor even a tenth as committed and passionate.
with this book. I only hope that if I ever develop cancer myself I am fortunate enough to be treated by a doctor even a tenth as committed and passionate.
August 6, 2018
There might be certain expectations a reader has in picking up a book like this, but In My Hands offers much more. There are the obligatory medical details but Curley’s writing is far from jargonistic and exclusionary. He explains things in sufficient detail to make sure the reader understands, yet without being patronising. This is a balancing act he is obviously skilled in. It is
evident that communication is important to Curley and central to his professional practice. This is a thorough exploration of the subject matter of cancer from a highly experienced doctor, but more than that, it is heartfelt. This man’s mission is to battle in the war on cancer and to make a difference to people’s lives, not only in his career, but by sharing his experiences and those of his patients.
evident that communication is important to Curley and central to his professional practice. This is a thorough exploration of the subject matter of cancer from a highly experienced doctor, but more than that, it is heartfelt. This man’s mission is to battle in the war on cancer and to make a difference to people’s lives, not only in his career, but by sharing his experiences and those of his patients.
September 5, 2018
I found this book a fascinating insight into the behind the scenes everyday work life of an oncology surgeon. I found it to be really well-written, with compassion, dignity and all focus on the patients themselves. The author doesn’t seem at all conceited about the fact that he has saved lives. He admits that he feels he has failed and cancer has won on occasions. He has humility. Patients and relative complain that cancer’s not fair and Doctor Curley is the first to agree. He is driven to do everything he can to counteract the condition and its impact. There is undeniable horror that he unflinchingly portrays. There are moments of pure triumph also. This is like the warts-and-all inside scoop on cancer, treatment and patients.
The good, the bad and the ugly. The reality.
The good, the bad and the ugly. The reality.
August 13, 2018
Medical insight is something that should be sought after by all. To know what a surgeon goes through by reflections of their patients would be hard to determine. What with each individual and their individual issues it could be said, downright impossible, yet here we are. The insight taken by the perspective of the patient is told in such a way that, medically speaking, anyone can understand the trials and tribulations expected of a world-class surgeon who stands against cancer. Through heart-warming tales of his actual clients, Dr. Curley truly shows his cards as a true doctor to a patient friend. Read this book.
March 6, 2021
Each chapter is an anecdote involving a patient and their case that has a teaching point for the reader and is one that was learned by the author. I love reading about the humanistic side of medicine, the lessons learned, and examples of effective (and ineffective) communication. This was an overall strong book (with humor and lightheartedness thrown in very tactfully) with points and quotes I will revisit.
February 26, 2023
This is a very upsetting book to read, horrible, but the surgeon tells his story well in his magnificent fight to save lives, the book is very details with drama, emotion from all parties. A book rich in detail and best suited for medical professions working in the field
June 28, 2018
Great read of people dealing with cancer. The Author, a cancer doctor, offers real stories that will leave you amazed at the human spirit.
July 13, 2022
A must read book for everyone interested. For a detailed book review - visit my book reviews blog post
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews