Reversal: When A Therapist Becomes A Patient

by Eric Anthony Galvez

4 years of college. 3 ½ years of grad school. A 5-minute phone call from a doctor changed everything. Eric was finally done with school and had everything going for him. Young people aren't supposed to get tumors, but he A golf ball-sized brain tumor between the brain stem and the cerebellum. When a Therapist Becomes a Patient is a compilation of journal and personal blog entries by a single, young, active male physical therapist that was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It chronicles his experiences when the tables were turned and he became a patient to the people he used to work with. Follow his unique journey from the shocking diagnosis, the weeks before the surgery, the mysterious Radiation therapy, the lengthy rehab process, the struggles to find a new path in life, to his triumphant return to "normalcy"! Essays are included from family and friends that describe their personal experiences with having a loved one face these monumental challenges.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2007

About the author

I spent my entire adult life preparing for a career as a physical therapist to help others rehabilitate from catastrophic diagnoses. However as a physical therapist, it is engrained in our practice to be good teachers, and I decided to share my story with others and publish my first book, Reversal: When A Therapist Becomes A Patient, regarding my unique experiences as a young healthcare professional turned young brain tumor patient. It stands out in the market because it contains:

1. The humorous and entertaining perspective of a young active male brain tumor patient presented in a conversational tone.
2. The logical perspective of a patient with a medical background when faced with difficult medical dilemmas
3. Multiple perspectives from the loved ones closest to a patient
4. A real time format that is easy to read and validates the authenticity of the situation
5. A book soundtrack available exclusively on iTunes
6. The perspective of a second generation Filipino American patient vs. the views of his overprotective traditional Filipino parents

I republished my second book, Awakening: Becoming A Brain Tumor Thriver. I published my second book because it is very easy for survivors to fall off the radar of their loved ones after they are in “the clear” after treatment. Some chose to resume their past life and re-establish their previous role in society. Others chose to define a new role in life. After treatment for an unexpected brain tumor diagnosis that derailed my plans to open up my own physical therapy practice, I picked myself up, dusted off my shoulders, and found a new path in life. Awakening, Becoming A Brain Tumor Thriver is the story of how I applied my experience as a former physical therapist to tumor/cancer survivorship. I found many extraordinary organizations and individuals that inspired me to start my own organization. Follow my personal growth through my blog posts as I encountered new situations and adventures. Also included in the blook are the perspectives of some of the people closest to me in this amazing journey. Follow my journey from “brain tumor survivor” to “brain tumor thriver”.

For more information about me or the books please visit my website www.ericgalvezdpt.com. It's now available online!

Reviews

[Annalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reversal is a frank, honest autobiography written in real-time about a young, athletic physical therapist's process in dealing with the diagnosis, surgery and rehabilitation for a brain tumor. He gives clear insights for those undergoing the same life-changing events as he did and also for those treating those individuals. I was struck by Eric's descriptions of challenges of day-to-day life and stunned by different stranger's reactions to him. I know it only gives me the smallest taste of what he has dealt with since his dianosis, but as a physical therapist myself, I feel the book gave me valuable insight into the lives of my own patients. I highly recommend Reversal for all students entering healtcare related fields, especially physical and occupational therapy.

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend wrote this about his experience going from being a physical therapist to becoming a patient (thus the title. stay with me people!). Just when you think life is perfect- young, healthy, going out all the time, you can have the rug pulled out from under you. The catch is that Eric takes the experience and weaves it into a story of triumph that resonates with people who are recovering from tumors, friends of people who are, or anyone who has a heart. He offers the tools you need to get back on your feet again (yes, literally too) physically and emotionally. Inspiring!

[Reno · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend wrote this book. It gives readers a look into his journey in conquering a brain tumor diagnosis. This book also gives insight on the perspective of close family and friends watching a loved one go through something of this magnitude.

I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to feel inspired. If you think your life is rough, read this book to achieve proper perspective.

[Burke Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Educational on many levels...
By giving honest and truthful descriptions of various events along his experience, the author does a great job of sharing a unique perspective of a young, athletic physical therapist who must undergo treatment as a patient and then endure the emotional and physical struggles of recovery through his own therapy and everyday life. The style allows the reader to associate with the author personally throughout the book thanks to humor and emotional insight. The additional first-person perspectives of family, friends and healthcare professionals that are included in the book contribute to a well-balanced and informative account of the author's experience outside of his own view.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book because it needed to be written. I AM NOT A WRITER! I'M JUST PRETENDING TO BE ONE! The book is unique because it contains:

1. The humorous perspective of a young active male brain tumor patient
2. The logical perspective of a patient with a physical therapy background
3. Multiple perspectives from the loved ones of a patient dealing with monumental health issues
4. A book based on a personal blog
5. A book soundtrack available exclusively on iTunes
6. The perspective of a 1st Generation Filipino American patient vs the views of his over protective, traditional Filipino parents

Check out my website www.ericgalvezdpt.com for details.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the first book I've read written by a friend, but it is the first one where I was part of some of the experiences in the book, too. Eric used his blogs to create a book showing his emotional and physical experiences thru surviving a benign but poorly placed brain tumor. I'm very proud of him for writing this and found it very emotional and easy to read.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inspiring story about a physical therapist who undergoes brain surgery and a long recovery from a brain tumor. While the journey is told through many lenses the writing itself could have been done more professionally but the story comes through either way.

[Tricia]

to-read

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric, I totally hear ya dude!