The Art of Conversation in Cancer Care: Lessons for Caregivers, is organized around the themes of mortal time and healing conversation with patients and their caregivers. Mortal time is not ...
MoreThe Art of Conversation in Cancer Care: Lessons for Caregivers, is organized around the themes of mortal time and healing conversation with patients and their caregivers. Mortal time is not so much a specific period, but rather, the psychological experience encountering mortality that accompanies the diagnosis of cancer. The book has three major sections. In part I, the many ways people experience mortal time are articulated. These include a range of adaptive and less adaptive methods such as dysfunctional avoidance. In part II, the basic elements of healing conversation are described, with an emphasis on the hope that can spring from talking with a trusted companion. We discuss empathy, listening carefully and responding thoughtfully and compassionately. In Part III, the topic is guidance for caregivers. This section includes material on the risks and costs of caregiving as well as personal virtues that help a person navigate the demands of mortal time with their loved one. We discuss resilience and the consequences of absorbing suffering including empathy shift where the cancer caregiver becomes less empathic with minor illnesses in others. We conclude with the power of healing conversation in mortal time as a source of hope. The book includes numerous patient vignettes that illustrate the art of conversation in cancer medicine.
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