When Breath Becomes Air is an unforgettable, heart-wrenching book about a young neurosurgeon’s battle with cancer. Paul Kalanithi was just 36 years old when he was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. He was faced with a daunting decision: to fight the cancer and extend his life, or to accept his mortality and live his remaining days to the fullest.
Kalanithi chronicles his journey with cancer with remarkable grace and openness. He writes about the physical, emotional, and mental toll that the disease takes on him and his family. He shares his hopes and fears, his triumphs and setbacks, with brutal honesty. His writing is beautiful and moving, and it gives readers a rare glimpse into the mind of a doctor confronting his own mortality.
When Breath Becomes Air is an inspirational and powerful book about facing death with courage and dignity. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever been touched by cancer.
How did Paul Kalanithi's wife, Lucy, support him throughout his illness?
Lucy Kalanithi met her husband, Paul, while they were both studying at Stanford University. She was a medical student and he was a neurosurgery resident. They married in 2007, after Paul had completed his residency.
In 2013, Paul was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. He had surgery to remove the tumor, but the cancer had metastasized and he began treatment with immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Throughout his illness, Lucy was Paul's primary caregiver. She helped him with everything from managing his medications to providing emotional support. She was also a source of strength for Paul, helping him to stay positive and to keep fighting.
In February 2015, Paul published an essay in The New York Times about his experience with cancer. In it, he credited Lucy with helping him to see the beauty in life, even in the midst of his illness.
Paul passed away in March 2015, at the age of 37. Lucy continued to support other patients and families affected by cancer, through her work as a doctor and through her writing. She published a memoir about her experience as a caregiver, When Breath Becomes Air, in 2016.
How did Paul Kalanithi's story change after he was diagnosed with cancer?
Paul Kalanithi's story changed dramatically after he was diagnosed with cancer. A successful neurosurgeon, Kalanithi was suddenly faced with his own mortality and was forced to confront the fact that he might not live to see his young daughter grow up. This realization had a profound impact on Kalanithi and his writing, which became more reflective and introspective. While before he had been primarily focused on his career and the intellectual challenge of medicine, after his diagnosis Kalanithi became more interested in the meanings and experiences of life and death. This change is evident in his posthumously published book, When Breath Becomes Air, which is widely considered to be a masterpiece of literature.
What did Paul Kalanithi's friends and family think of his decision to write about his experience with cancer?
Paul Kalanithi's friends and family were supportive of his decision to write about his experience with cancer. Some were even inspired by his transparency and willingness to share his story with the world. However, there were also those who thought that he was "sharing too much" and that he should keep his private thoughts and feelings to himself. But overall, the majority of people close to him respected his decision and understood why he felt the need to write about his journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Kalanithi famous for?
Paul Kalanithi is best known for his book When Breath Becomes Air, which tells the story of his life and illness battling stage IV metastatic lung cancer.
What did Dr Kalanithi study at Yale?
Dr Kalanithi studied English Literature at Yale.
How did Kalanithi become a neurosurgeon?
Kalanithi became a neurosurgeon because he was fascinated by the opportunity to help patients who suffered from debilitating injuries.
When breath becomes air by Paul Kalanithi about?
Paul Kalanithi was a neurosurgeon and author. His memoir, When Breath Becomes Air, tells the story of his life and illness battling stage IV metastatic lung cancer.
What kind of cancer did Paul Kalanithi have?
Paul Kalanithi had stage IV metastatic lung cancer.
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