[One Sip of a Book] Osteosarcoma Was Cancer... A Certain Actor's 10 Years

Editor's Note Some sentences encapsulate the entire content of a book, while others instantly resonate with the reader, creating a connection with the book. We excerpt and introduce such meaningful sentences from books.

The author was diagnosed with osteosarcoma while actively working as an actor and advertising model. Because the disease name did not include the word "cancer," he did not think it was serious. He never imagined that after three major surgeries, he would endure a difficult time for over ten years. As his body ached, he became interested in the mind. He became convinced that many illnesses, not just cancer, are related to the mind and that the body and mind are definitely connected, but he wanted to understand this more scientifically. Majoring in nuclear engineering, the author transferred to the Department of Counseling Psychology and began studying later in life, learning about mindfulness, healing, and health psychology. As he freed himself from negative emotions like anxiety and anger that tormented him, his health recovered, and he finally received a "complete cure" diagnosis. He confesses, "Coming back from the brink of death did not suddenly make me enlightened."

I was diagnosed with cancer at a university hospital. My wife and I were indifferent. The doctor explained about osteosarcoma, but I felt calm as if I had just heard "it's the flu." There was no dramatic fainting or turning pale like in dramas. I did not plead, "Doctor, please save me," nor did I sob. It was not because I was brave. Like the saying "ignorance is bliss," I simply did not know the name osteosarcoma. Moreover, the disease name itself did not include the word cancer like stomach or liver cancer. I felt at ease. As the saying goes, ignorance is courage; I vaguely thought I would only need a simple procedure. - p.22~23

Since I matured, life has never been easy. I struggled attending a university that did not suit my aptitude to fulfill my father's wish, and when my job in Japan was suddenly canceled after I was set to start, I felt hopeless and even contemplated suicide. I suffered betrayal and was tormented by debt collectors because of family issues. - p.30

"Doctor, but is there a serotonin pill?"

Throughout the lecture, an easy, simple, inexpensive, and side-effect-free method to produce serotonin was explained. Yet, the question was asked about an even easier and faster method than that. It might have been a desperate question from a patient wanting to heal quickly, but I think it also revealed a facet of human laziness and impatience. I felt embarrassed as if the instructor's one hour of passionate effort was wasted. But the reactions around me were even more surprising. - p.125

To ease the mind, one does not need to undertake ascetic practices like Buddha or earn a doctoral degree. Outwardly smile and fill your heart with gratitude. If you fill your mind with despair, fear, anger, hatred, envy, and depression, you become lethargic, violent, and avoid life. The way out is to continuously cultivate gratitude for small things. Life is sustained by this steady gratitude, allowing escape from chaos and emptiness. There is one trap: we all know the truths of dieting and the mind but fail to practice them. - p.127

When unpleasant things happen, we tend to confront and try to do something. We drink, play games, or chain-smoke. We cry out loud, go to karaoke and sing until our voice breaks, or meet friends to complain. But it is better not to confront negative emotions. The more you confront them, the more your insides rot. Do you feel better after drinking? - p.168~169

May Your Heart Become Warm | Written by Kim Ji-gyeong | Ollim | 248 pages | 17,000 KRW