The Light Within: The Extraordinary Friendship of a Doctor and Patient Brought Together by Cancer

by Lois M. Ramondetta, Deborah Sills

The luminous true story of a friendship that shed the boundaries of the doctor-patient relationship and became less a confrontation with death than a celebration of the joys of life When young gynecologic oncology fellow Lois Ramondetta was first summoned to the room of a new patient, neither she nor the forty-nine-year-old professor of religion she encountered named Deborah Sills thought they had much in common. They certainly had no idea that they were about to embark on a transcendent odyssey that would become a soul-deep friendship. Now their heartfelt story, The Light Within , follows these two women through a decade of friendship and "big lives"—husbands, children, friends, and careers—ultimately crossing the country and traveling to foreign lands, where they spoke and wrote together about the intersection of doctors, patients, and spirituality. Both women searched together and openly for answers with honesty and intimacy until Deborah passed away in the spring of 2006.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2008

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gem of A Book!

I'm so glad I purchased this book for a variety of reasons. For one, having lost my beloved mom to cancer just barely a year ago, the grief is still real as is my frustration, disappointment and yes, even some anger at the way mom's sudden diagnosis and care was handled. I STILL feel that one doctor especially, ADDED to all of our emotional pain including mom's and I cannot get past that.
This book reflects upon the relationship that can develop between a doctor and a patient diagnosed with a likely terminal illness. In THIS instance, the patient, a vibrant college professor of religion who lives a wonderful life with a supportive loving husband and two children, varied interests, etc is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Deborah Rose Sills has several doctors at MD Anderson Cancer Center including gynecologic oncology specialist, Dr Lois Ramondetta. Dr Lois also has a busy, active and increasingly happy life with her young daughter and her soon to be husband, Nuri. The doctor and patient soon connect and before long, a friendship develops first between the two women and growing to include their families. It should be noted here that Dr Lois is not in violation of any ethics because she is NOT her primary doctor. She was a consultant when Deborah was hospitalized.
I believe that the BEST doctors are those who can, when appropriate, step outside of their roles enough to not only see their patients as human beings with lives, loves, likes and dislikes while at the same time BEING human themselves ! Medicine and surgeries and treatments are not the ONLY things that heal. I believe healing (note I didn't say "curing") can come via friendship, love, appropriate touch, laughter, good nutrition, and also faith! I believe that when a doctor truly cares about and sees the person rather than just the pathology, pathways to trust, hope, resilience, peace, wisdom and potential for much goodness happens. The path may lead to physical improvement, remission, or even a more peaceful passing.
This book really is special -- as are the two women who wrote it! I Highly recommend!

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just read The Light Within, a true story written by a woman dying of ovarian cancer and her gynecological oncologist. It is an interesting book and there are a few things I want to remember:

* Perspective is everything. One cancer patient told another patient to "Enjoy the chemo." Chemotherapy looks extremely appealing to someone who can no longer be treated. We can view our own situations with new eyes and handle life better than we previously believed. My little frustrations (dirty floors, kids not listening the first time, and fruit flies top today's list) are hardly worth thinking about.
* The patient-doctor relationship is extremely important, especially if long-term care will be needed. If I ever require extensive medical care, I will find a doctor who cares about me as a person. Doctors who personally connect with their patients fight for a cure.
* Cancer is a family experience, and every person in the family suffers.
* Friendships make life worth living. I want to be a better friend and listener.
* Deborah, the cancer patient, could light up a room because she knew who she was and embraced life in each moment. Each day is a gift and should be treated as such.
* Accessorize. Deborah wore things she loved and did not wait for a special occasion to wear pretty things that spoke to her. Life is too short to dress like other people and not wear the clothes that we love (so what if other people think they are too bright, super ugly, or out of style?!).

[Anannthan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a friendship of 2 women's who help each overcome conflicts an problems such as family problems and the suffering of a disease.

Lois Ramondetta is a professional doctor who did a surgery on a patient and sadly failed and came back home with a frown. That's when she had another patient named Deborah Sills who was suffering cancer and Lois Ramondetta is scared that she could be the cause of another death. But, Deborah Sills strongly said " Just do your best " and with pride, she said " YOU CAN DO IT "

Since they were happy the had courage in each other until the surgery was going to happen a new nurse came and their friendship broke up.

I recommend this for people who want to become a doctor.

Find out what happens next ......

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book first caught my eye because it was written by a patient and an oncologist who became friends. The two women document their emerging friendship, and as someone in the field, I found this blurring of boundries very interesting. This is truly a book about the human side of medicine, and illustrates what makes us go into oncology.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anita was kind enough to send me this book. It was painfully close to so many of the emotions I am experiencing. Interestingly, it had more detailed and relevant information about Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT) than any other source. A must read for anyone who wants to understand about dealing with cancer.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both of the individuals who wrote this book come vividly to life. They explore the boundaries between doctor and patient in a way that most could not. I feel that my life and thinking have been enriched from meeting these two women through the book.

[Annabel]

Written by a cousin of mine who is an oncology doc. I liked this book and was impressed with the depth of the relationship she and her patient had during the course of her patients cancer treatment. Not to mention her own life journey

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lois Ramondetta is a gynecological oncologist when she meets Deb, a professor of religion who has a particularly virulent form of cancer. The two women become friends. The memoir shares the power of friendship and speaks to the light within that is the magnificent part of being human.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's a beautiful story and gives a human perspective on the doctors caring for cancer patients.

[Linda]

author was interviewed on MPR this morning on the way to work. Sounded interesting. I have two very upbeat folks going thru difficult times - Maybe a recommendation to them?

[Mela V · Rating 5 out of 5]

a book worth reading..touches the soul i only wish more doctors treated their patients like this..