Tell Me the Truth: Conversations With My Patients About Life And Death

by Ranjana Srivastava

'Cancer patients put up with the most and complain the least, endowed with an uncommon wisdom that is a privilege to observe. It is not simply that they see the big picture; if you spend long enough with them, they help you see it too.'

What really happens when someone hears the words, 'You have cancer?' What has preceded it and what comes after? Written with great compassion and honesty, this is a rare view from the other side of the desk. Oncologist Ranjana Srivastava reflects on the very human side of the medical profession – the moral dilemmas, the anxieties, the empathy – and shows us that the best doctors are the ones who keep learning by listening to their patients.

This book is much more than an oncologist's diary; it is an acknowledgement of the incredible courage of ordinary people as they confront the big issues of life and death.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medical, Medicine

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2010

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. What an amazing book. It runs you through the whole gamut of human emotions – love, loss, despair, hope – and spits you out on the other end. Maybe a bit shaken. Maybe a bit sad. But left with a great and shining love for humankind (yes, I did just say that), and a much greater appreciation of everyday life. It left me thankful for a healthy, functioning body. Thankful that my parents and siblings are still around. Thankful, in short, that I don’t have cancer. (Yes, as terrible as that sounds.)

Tell Me the Truth: Conversations With My Patients about Life and Death is a non-fiction book by Melbourne oncologist (cancer specialist) Ranjana Srivastava. Each chapter tells the story of a different ‘real life’ cancer patient – usually ranging from their first diagnosis, to how they coped with it, to their death. It’s told in an elegant, reflective style, from a doctor’s point of view, as she sees many of her patients become ravaged with cancer and eventually die. Of course, there are the ‘miracle recoveries’, but more often than not, the cancer runs its course.

[Pam Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard reading this book as each chapter tells of someone who dies. Ranjana is an oncologist and she tells the stories of her patients with sensitivity, with heart. She is honest with the reader about her reactions and treatments which are not always as perfect as she would like. And she tries to be honest with her patients whilst remaining professional and positive. I hope she continues to inspire younger doctors to do the same.

[Felicity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, where do I begin? I overcame my morbid anxiety-filled phobia of death after reading this book. As someone who suffers from panic disorder and fears death, I have to say this brought me a lot of comfort and peace, somewhat the most inspirational book I've ever read. The courage from these people and their stories just evoked so many emotions out of me. I was in tears by the end of each person's chapter. I guess someone could think it was a 'morbid' book but I found it to be nothing but comforting and wonderful. I just felt so at peace for these people who no longer had to suffer in pain. An amazing book and well written. It was nice to see all of this from a doctor's point of view. 5 out of 5 from me.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ranjana used to write a column in a Monthly magazine and I always found it fascinating and insightful. This book is just the same. Each chapter is about the different patient and explores and range of issues including "You are the doctor", where as a relatively inexperienced oncologist she is torn between suggesting chemo which is the only weapon that she has to offer as an oncologist, and the knowledge that the cancer is too far advanced for it to help. She explores the issues of patients who undergo treatment because of the family that insists that everything that can be done, must be done and of the patient who wants her to help them end the agony quickly.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I assumed this book would lead me to reflect on life and living, in a similar vein to Tuesdays With Morrie. I also worried that this could be a depressing and difficult read. Instead, this book is really about the importance of communication - how much we leave unspoken or how we avoid speaking the truth when it is most needed. This book was filled with touching stories and the tone was very understated. Yes, there are lessons in here about living and dying but more importantly the author has highlighted the importance of good old-fashioned humanity and compassion in our dealings with others.

[Sally Clowes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well written. I'm taking a break for now though because there are too many sad stories to digest. Perhaps I'll continue it, later.

[Tito Quiling, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought a copy of this book at a student summit, and was honestly enamoured with how Dr. Ranjana shared how her life as an oncologist and a parent brought her to put these experiences into her writing. This book is sensitive with the personal details of her patients, intertwined with her musings--from doubts, anxieties, to success, and being grateful as she navigates her patients' conditions and stories. In a way, she also reminds us that learning can come from the simplest matters, sometimes in the face of death, where strength is measured by how you pay it forward.

[Hesha Tabbycatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for all current and future doctors. With elegance and humility, Dr Ranjana Srivastava lays everything bare; her accounts of treating dying cancer patients are raw, honest and highly thought provoking, revitalising the idea that medicine is the delicate art of balancing the science with the humanity. I feel so thankful that I was able to meet someone as inspirational as her.

[Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, yet awful book to read. Awful because many of the patients are (obviously) dying. But beautiful in the way that Ranjana is able to talk to them, about them, and about her thoughts and her journey. Highly recommended.

[Shanee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book 3 years ago; at the time I thought it was a fairly good book but didn’t think too much of it otherwise but years on there are quotes from this book that resonate with me time and time again in my day to day work. I wish I kept this book so I could read it again.

Previous review:
It is a book written by an oncologist which shares the stories of some of the cancer patients she has met in her career thus far. Their cancer journeys are heart wrenching and remarkable at the same time. As for the author's interpretation of these stories, there were some parts that I found insightful. To be frank, there were also some parts where I got annoyed that she appeared to be unkind towards her junior colleagues or frustrated, in various parts of the book, that she meant to make certain kind gestures towards her patient or patient's family but somehow didn't get around to it (come on, just do it!). A bit of a mixed bag but overall happy that I read it.

[Marcella Purnama · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sister, a medical doctor, told me to read this book. I have been interested in the topic of death and dying for a while, and have read other books by doctors on the same topic.

I really like this book. It's honest. The stories remind me again on what's most important in life.

Like the author wrote on the last pages of the book, 'A quiet and reflective moment spent in the presence of the dead provides fresh insight into the gift of life.'

Agreed.

[Jo Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest look at cancer, death and the health care system.

[Fiona Freemantle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it- loved her writing style and the human side of things the author brings to her medical practice. I have much respect for Ranjana.

[Beks]

read in paperback

a moving account of a doctor's experience with cancer patients, their loved ones, and her experiences as an oncologist at one of Australia's leading hospitals

[Sylvia]

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