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This is a collection of essays by eleven analytically trained psychiatrists concerning their serious illnesses. Robert Cancro, M.D., states in the Introduction, “This volume recognizes that all humans must confront adversity in all its multiple forms. The confrontation can lead to collapse or to efforts to cope.” These doctors adjusted extremely well, enjoyed life, and many discovered new interests in the arts and spirituality.
The editor, George Nicklin, M.D., explains in the preface that the purpose of the book is to show how doctors in peril cope with severe medical conditions and to enhance the lives of others by inspiring them to fight to remain alive and productive. In the chapter, “Massive War Injuries,” he recounts his experiences in World War II as an infantryman and medical aide in the Battle of the Bulge and the second Battle of the Rhineland after he was drafted at age 18. During four months of intense combat, he had a mystical experience which convinced him that he would survive. Nicklin sustained 55 shrapnel wounds, was evacuated by stretcher and had multiple surgeries in U.S. Army hospitals to repair his injuries. He attributes his survival to prayer, penicillin, good medical and surgical care, and an optimistic attitude. He feels that he used this difficult experience to attain a better way of life.
In “Multiple Systems Failure,” Earl W. Biassey, M.D., tells of his struggle with hypertension, congestive heart failure, cancer of the prostate treated with irradiation and surgery, followed by persistent hematuria and rectal bleeding due to the radiation treatment. He continues to enjoy seeing his patients and when asked about retirement states, “A psychoanalyst never retires, he just loses his patience.” He also enjoys being with his grandchildren, singing in his church choir, taking voice and piano lessons, playing guitar, water color painting, sculpting, and stamp collecting.
Silas Warner, M.D., in “Waiting for a Heart Transplant and Beyond,” recalls his