Surviving Cancer with Your Strengths
by Traci McCausland
Coming October 14th, 2025
Preorder today!
Strengths. Cancer. Your Way.
Thanks so much to Dr. Richard Deming for his endorsement of my book! He practices what he preaches and is a big believer in physicians having more education in humanities so they can relate to their patients' varied backgrounds, beliefs, and needs. Dr. Deming's work in the cancer and survivorship arena is astounding. I am so honored to have his below endorsement!
Treating cancer patients involves a lot more than killing cancer cells. Sir William Osler wrote, “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease”. In addition to treating "the disease”, it's important to address the physical, psychosocial, emotional, sexual, financial, spiritual, and philosophical needs of cancer patients and their families. Surviving Cancer with Your Strengths emphasizes this mind-body-spirit approach to healing.
I had a bit of a pinch me moment when Richard Deming, MD invited me to join him on his Above + Beyond Cancer Education Series. He is an absolute legend in the cancer community, and I’ve admired his work for years. You may be familiar with him as the medical director of MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center in Des Moines. I first learned of Dr. Deming when I read an article in the Des Moines Register after he was seriously injured in a freak bicycling accident. It talked about how he was now the patient when he’s walked so many through their life and death diagnoses. He shared a quote I’ll never forget. He said, “In reality, we’re all just dangling by a thread.”
Dr. Deming sees people beyond their diagnoses and is known for the compassionate care he provides. At Above + Beyond Cancer he has led cancer survivors on medical missions and inspirational mind-body-spirit pilgrimages to Mount Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Machu Picchu.
I’ve had the honor of doing advocacy work with him in Washington D.C. on the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Iowa team. There are always new things to learn and reflect on when you’re in the room with Dr. Deming! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with all of us!
Click the YouTube link below to watch our conversation!