EAST SETAUKET, N.Y., February 5, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- When Dr. E. Roy Berger spoke the words, "malignant melanoma," he watched his patient Carl's face transform with mixed emotions of disbelief, horror and anger. Carl was fixed to his seat, shackled by fear, and Dr. Berger wondered whether he should continue speaking. One of the many riveting passages of a new autobiography, Common Bonds: Reflections of a Cancer Doctor (now available from 1stBooks Library), a book which will inspire readers while revealing the trials and tribulations of being a doctor in today's busy world.
"My explanations about his cancer, treatment options, and expected outcome were now meaningless to him," writes Dr. Berger, recounting this scene in his office. "I could see he wasn't listening anymore. He was wrestling with the as yet unspoken question: Am I going to die?" An oncologist, Berger deals with similar situations like this everyday. Now, as a service to cancer patients and their loved-ones, Berger has released his medical autobiography to offer hope and an inside view that is rarely seen.
With the assistance of Linda A. Mittiga, Berger's book offers cancer patients and their families, friends and health care workers a unique opportunity to examine the mind and conscience of a busy cancer practitioner. Common Bonds opens the door to better communication and understanding and creates greater patient awareness of the physician's emotional involvement, an often overlooked aspect of the battle against cancer.
"I show laymen and patients what a cancer doctor thinks and feels, how strong the common bonds between doctor and patient can be and what it's like to be the person at the other end of the stethoscope," says Berger, who based the book on the rigors of his daily work.
Common Bonds also portrays actual cases, which makes it a moving, illuminating narrative of doctor-patient relationships. Cancer patients will easily relate with the people featured in Berger's stories. "You'll feel compelled to keep reading, even long stretches, to determine the fate of the various patients introduced, " said Berger.
A medical oncologist, researcher and lecturer around the country, Berger is a partner in a highly regarded private practice, North Shore Hematology-Oncology Associates. He has participated in numerous research studies that have led the Federal Drug Administration to approve drugs such as Strontium and Flutamide, both of which are considered advances in the treatment of prostrate and other cancers.
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