Book Review: Congratulations, You Have Cancer by Leslie Bishop
Published May 14, 2007
Leslie Bishop's uplifting approach to accepting a diagnosis of breast cancer underlies her inspirational work, Congratulations, You Have Cancer. Her positive mindset toward having the deadly lump removed, subsequent radiation, and then chemotherapy can help give anyone diagnosed with the same invasive ailment hope for a joyful future.
Cancer does not mean death. Throughout Congratulations, You Have Cancer is Bishop's overwhelming belief system that a wholesome outlook after the diagnosis is a critical factor in restoring health to your body, mind, and spirit, and possibly preventing future recurrences.
Merely admitting the presence of the cancerous growth is not enough. You must accept it. Initial shock and denial and even anger are only natural, especially if you are an outgoing, physically active and fit individual. Cancer claims its victims seemingly at random. You don't need to know why the disease started. Dwelling on a cause or the "Why me?" syndrome is an obsessive waste of time. Accepting cancer as a chance to foster new understanding about your self and your existence can lead to enrichment and enlightenment. It can help you "Send it on its way."
Bishop tells about her first reaction when chemotherapy was recommended. The idea that toxic chemicals would be injected into her, chemicals which would attack the cancer but would also kill healthy blood cells as well, was indeed fearful. She was terrified.
Congratulations, You Have Cancer also tells of the importance of belief in an "awesome God/Universe." Bishop claims that, "Every person who crosses our path is an angel in disguise." In her case, one particular angel had a supportive, optimistic message for her. She just needed to tune in and listen to it instead of paying attention to negative thoughts in her own head.
Her angel/friend suggested a different outlook about chemo. Instead of thinking of cells dying within, Bishop was taught to think of the chemicals as rejuvenating and healing every single part of her body that they would touch. Sure, she would lose her hair, her appetite, but like a newborn babe these things would begin anew within her. Her body would start over without the cancer cells present. Well-being would be slowly restored.
Regis Schilken's stories reflect his search for meaning in a very human but frightening way. He has produced five novels, two of which have been published: THE OCULI INCIDENT and THE ISLAND OFF STONY POINT. Both have been adapted into screenplays.
- Book Review: Congratulations, You Have Cancer by Leslie Bishop
- Published: May 14, 2007
- Type: Review
- Section: Books
- Filed Under: Books: Health, Books: Self-Help, Books: Spirituality, Books: Women
- Writer: Regis Schilken
- Regis Schilken's BC Writer page
- Regis Schilken's personal site
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Comments on this articleComments
I agree with Natalie.
Of course, if you did have cancer, it's a lot better to think good thoughts than bad ones, but if you have cancer and you're going to rely on good thoughts, or even on chemotherapy/radiation and/or whatever other medical treatments alone, then you're reading the wrong book.
There are many better books on cancer and cancer treatments. There are many healthier and more effective ways to cure cancer, and I'm a strong advocate of nutrition. I'm in the health industry, so I have personally seen many miracles happen with the right knowledge.
In response to the email from Natalie,
It makes perfect sense for you to feel this way. Society has been holding this belief for a very long time thay we are victims of our circumstances and there is not much we can do about it. But, we have come along way with our thought system and beliefs! People and Science are realizing now that indeed our thoughts, FEELINGS, EMOTIONS and beliefs play a huge role in wether we are allowing our health or not and that it is all connected. Please read the book! You may find it opening you up to a new perspective!
In response to Natalie and Betty.
It makes perfect sense that you both would feel this way after reading the book review as it is only an opinion of what the reviewer perceived. It is indeed society's beliefs that we are victims of our circumstances and there is nothing we can do about it. If you READ the book you would understand that it is not just about positive thoughts, it is about becoming aware of how you are FEELING on a daily basis and becoming aware of your emotions! Our emotions play a huge role in wether we are allowing our well being or not. The thought that the body/mind/spirit are all connected and create experiences within us has been proven and demonstrated by many people and even Science! There are of course many other ways people find to allow health into their life but please do not discount something if you have not even read it! Anyway, its all good! :)
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/63885)
The claim that you can recover from cancer if only you think enough positive thoughts is extremely dangerous and damaging. Turn it around: if the cancer kills you, does this mean you didn't think enough positive thoughts?
Of course not. It simply means the mutation of your cells was more powerful than the combination of medicine and your own immune system. That is in no sense the "fault" of that nature of your thoughts.