Reservations for Nine: A Doctor's Family Confronts Cancer

by George Beauregard

The book is a combined memoir and medical saga of one large family's multi-year battle with cancer, with a victory and a tragedy. Although it describes the unusual circumstance of a family in which a physician father and a son were stricken by advanced-stage, early-onset cancers, the book primarily focuses on the inspiring story of the son, who--at age 29--was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and fought valiantly for 3 years before succumbing at 32. The son's diagnosis reflected an alarming development--the global rise of cancer in younger people. The book is framed to be helpful to cancer sufferers and their families and offers wide information about the science behind cancer and its treatment--past, present, and possible future. It also chronicles the harsh experience of undergoing treatment, faced with extraordinary courage. The book deals with family, love, loss, science, and spirituality.

Genres: Nonfiction

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard To Put Down!

This one is one of those books I was reluctant to put down but at the same time, one probably shouldn't curl up and read all day if they expect to get anything accomplished in terms of day to day responsibilities. The book evokes many feelings even for one that has never met the Beauregard family. Feelings such as: sadness, anger, heartache, empathy, frustration, helplessness, gratitude, admiration and more.
The Beauregard family is indeed quite a large one -- especially now with the addition of their children's spouses and the grandchildren. As it begins we are introduced to this strong and loving bunch: the dad, George who is a physician, wife and mom Kathy who also works in healthcare, big brother Dan, their firstborn followed by Patrick, Kaylin and Brendan. This family is most everything you'd want a healthy, happy and strong family to be and like every family, it has its stories, traditions, values, tragedies and triumphs. As it goes on, it also has something else: cancer diagnoses. First, dad George begins to notice occasional blood in his urine; a minute amount at first. As a doctor he knows that this isn't a good thing but he is also a very busy man and thinks perhaps it could be an infection. He goes to the doctor and is diagnosed with bladder cancer (and successfully treated after having surgery to remove his bladder). Some years go by as he and Kathy watch their family grow, vacations are enjoyed, family dinners out, holidays, kids move forward into middle school and beyond. Then their son Patrick marries, a joyful occasion and celebration. A month later Patrick has stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Norovirus? A flu? Appendicitis? He ends up in the emergency room and is diagnosed eventually with Stage 4 colon cancer. Thus begins Patrick, his wife Amanda and family's epic fight, parents and siblings behind them every step of the way. Surely it can't get any more challenging?
I loved reading about the family's closeness and the supportive and head on way they face challenges. Patrick, a former U.S Marine kept himself in great shape; facing the most toxic chemo regimen (he selected it as opposed to two other chemo protocols that are a little easier) and went through more rounds than his doctor had ever seen be tolerated by someone! I admired their strength as a family and their determination to keep living life!
I was less enthusiastic about the scientific explanations that seemed beyond me in some areas (others may appreciate this information). I also found it a little repetitive in a couple areas but not a big deal. Those two things are the reason I debated between four or five star ratings. A very good read!

[Penny J Vidler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a real life heartbreaking story of a family and their very strong son, brother, husband, dad and his very hard fought battle with CRC colon cancer stage I've at the very young age of just 29. He was such a strong young man who wanted to stay with his family but lost the battle after such a hard fight .
I lost my Mother just a few months after her 60th birthday to Colon Cancer that spread to her liver , hers was found too late to even try to do any treatments. I was 38 when my Mother died , when I had my scheduled wellness check after she passed , I told my doctor about my Mothers cancer and that she had passed away. Thank goodness I had a very attentive Doctor, he said to be safe we are going to schedule you for a colonoscopy, the doctor that did the procedure removed 6 cancerous polyps , she said if I had waited until the recommended age of 50 for the colonoscopy there was a good chance I would have colon cancer , so scans and spreading the word o the importance of them is so great .
I am so saddened for the loss of such a divine young man like Patrick.
Thank you for sharing his and your families story .
PJV

[Eric F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reservations for Nine by George Beauregard is a very touching and emotional book. The story of a family going through one of the hardest things in life, cancer, is difficult to read or hear. The author writes about his son Patrick, who was only 29 years old when he found out he had stage 4 colorectal cancer. Even though he was a young, healthy man who had just gotten married, receiving this news was very hard, not only for him, but also for his family and friends.
What I liked most about the book is how close the family stayed during this very difficult time. You can feel their love and support in every part of the story. Even though the story is sad, it is also full of strength, hope, and family unity.
Reading this book made me think more about how important family is and how we need each other when life is hard. It’s a beautiful and personal story that many people can learn from. It made me feel thankful for the people I love.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving story.

This is a moving book that will deeply touch your heart. ''Reservations for Nine'' tells the story of a family affected by cancer. The process the entire family went through to overcome adversity and the loss of a son. This story could help families going through cancer. The resilience this family demonstrated in these lines is worthy of admiration and can be an inspiration to anyone who reads this book. As someone who had a family member with cancer, this book touched me deeply. I would recommend this book to everyone, even if you don't have a family member going through this, this book will generate empathy for those with cancer.

[Laura B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-touching memoir!

Wow! This is such a heart-touching memoir that will leave you speechless. In this book, Beauregard opens up his heart and explains what his family went through with his son’s diagnosis.
I like reading this type of book because you can feel the humanity in people, and somehow you develop empathy for the family facing these difficulties. I think no one is exempt from facing such a hard disease as cancer, but the way we face it makes all the difference. In this book, Beauregard shows us how he and his family got through it, with all the ups and downs that come along the way and how as a family they overcame it.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reservations for Nine tells the story of a family plagued by cancer. This family's son, Patrick, battled advanced cancer for three years. Patrick fought an unparalleled battle against this disease, which affected his health and mood. He had the support of his family, but cancer still won, and Patrick died three years later.
This story of struggle and resilience is both inspiring and moving. Furthermore, the book is designed to be helpful for cancer sufferers and their families, offering extensive information on the science behind cancer and its treatment. I truly believe it's a helpful read for anyone who has or knows someone with this disease.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must- read
“Reservations for nine” is a thought-provoking memoir of a family’s struggle towards cancer. George Beauregard has decided to put their family story into words to give people who are going through a similar situation a glimmer of hope and some help.
Along these pages, George reveals part of their suffering but also gives information about the science behind this terrible disease and its treatment.
It’s a concise, well-explained and moving book to read and think about the importance of having a close-knit family in those situations. I liked the way George shared his emotions and also his son’s story to leave a hopeful message to the world. It’s highly recommended.

[Gianfranco F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking but very nice

MThis book, as a 30-year-old reader, has moved me all over inside. The reflections it makes regarding life and family, how really many times a multiplicity of factors can change our course, makes you think too much regarding what you are doing today for your family and yourself. Science and medicine may have come a long way, but life is still a racket or rather a roulette wheel. I have respect for cancer and diseases in general, but this book has also taught me that, rather than fearing it, you have to be very aware of the present and live it wisely. This book is spectacular.

[Cynthia Mccormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written

Well written and informative, not just about colorectal cancer, but other cancers as well. Good description of how hard it is to make ones way through the red tape of the health care system, even for a doctor.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

At its heart, Reservations for Nine is both a memoir and a medical journey — a deeply personal account of one family’s years-long battle with cancer. Written by George Beauregard, a physician and father, the book centers on his 29-year-old son Patrick’s shocking diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer, an illness that has become an increasingly common and deeply troubling reality for young adults.

Beauregard brings to this story not only the experience of a parent and a physician, but also of a cancer patient himself. In 2005, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Though he recovered, that experience reshaped his view of medicine, mortality, and his role as both caregiver and clinician. His perspective as a survivor lends this memoir a rare emotional and professional depth.

Over the course of three years, readers follow the Beauregard family through the emotional and medical rollercoaster of treatment, hope, setbacks, and ultimately, loss. Patrick fought with strength and faith, and his family surrounded him with unwavering love. The book ends with one victory and one unimaginable tragedy — and yet, it’s told with such grace, clarity, and heart that you come away feeling more connected to life, not less.

The Beauregards are a tight-knit, athletic, and faith-filled family. George and his wife Kathy raised four children: Daniel, Patrick, Kaylin and Brendan. Patrick’s wife Amanda, Dan’s wife Melissa and Paul, Kaylin’s husband are also lovingly included in the family’s story. It’s clear from the beginning that theirs is a family built on showing up, on joy, and on facing hardship together.

As Beauregard writes, “When cancer strikes, everyone in the family is touched.” That simple line echoes throughout the book. Cancer isn’t just a medical diagnosis — it becomes a constant presence, shifting the weight of each day. And yet, what shines most in this story is not the disease, but the love and strength that surround it.

For readers drawn to the medical details, the book includes clear and compassionate explanations of diagnoses and treatments, delivered in language that is both accessible and precise. And woven throughout is Patrick’s unwavering Catholic faith. A particularly resonant quote comes from a homily inspired by Padre Pio: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” This line became a mantra for the family, grounding them during the hardest moments of Patrick’s illness.

Despite its heavy themes, Reservations for Nine isn’t weighed down by sadness. It’s a tribute — to Patrick, to family, to faith, and to the legacy of love that carries on. It invites us to reflect on the “dash” — the line between a person’s birth and death — and how it represents everything that truly matters.

This book is for anyone who has sat beside a hospital bed, carried the weight of someone else’s pain, or searched for meaning in the middle of a storm. It’s about showing up for each other, even when it’s hard. And it's about holding onto joy, even in the face of heartbreak.