Silk and Clay
A Physician’s Journey of Cancer, Survival, and Restored Faith
by Dr. Deepak Thekkoott, M.D.
Read the #1 Amazon Bestseller in Oncology Books
He was a cardiologist at the top of his game—until his own body turned on him. On an ordinary Monday, a sudden cramp in Dr. Deepak Thekkoott’s leg sent him on a harrowing journey from healer to patient. Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, he was thrown into the chaos of hospitals, chemo, and confronting death—all while trying to hold his family, his faith, and his sense of self together. Silk and Clay: A Physician’s Journey of Cancer, Survival, and Restored Faith is a richly layered narrative that weaves together medicine, memory, and migration—told with unflinching honesty and spiritual depth. It is about what it means to heal when the cure might kill you, and to carry centuries of culture and love through each brutal day. With sharp detail, searing vulnerability, and flashes of dry wit, Dr. Deepak invites us into a body broken, a spirit searching, and a soul that refuses to be undone.
Dr. Deepak Thekkoott, M.D.
Dr. Deepak Thekkoott is a Brooklyn-based cardiologist known for combining clinical excellence with compassionate care. With decades of international experience in the U.S. and U.K., he currently practices at Maimonides Medical Center and helps train the next generation of heart specialists. A fellow of both the American College of Cardiology and the Royal College of Physicians, he holds seven board certifications in cardiovascular medicine. Born and educated in southern India, Dr. Thekkoott brings a global perspective to his work and life. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Deepa, and finds joy in serving others with what he calls “a heart filled with love.” His son, Soorya, is pursuing graduate studies in mathematics after completing active duty service with the United States Air Force and currently serving for the Washington, DC Air National Guard.
Praise for Silk and Clay
Dr. Mike Klaybor, Ph.D.
Psychotherapist
“Silk and Clay is not just a story of illness. It is a testimony to what it means to live withsoul-deep honesty. To let your body be reshaped by suffering and your spirit softened by grace. To be clay—broken, fired, and formed anew. And to be silk—resilient, fluid, luminous with the light of faith.”
Rev. Dr. Phuc Luu, Ph.D.
Author
“Dr. Deepak’s journey needs to be read and re-read, not for the sake of knowing another person’s path of heartache, suffering, and survival, but to have someone join you on your own path. Too often physicians do not allow others to look beneath their god-like and professional exterior, which is the tragedy of the healing experience itself, but through humor, humility, and honesty, Dr. Deepak becomes not only a clinician, but also a client and co-conspirator on the path to wholeness and wellbeing. Silk and Clay moves beyond memoir into another realm of writing, a place where I invite all readers to visit.”
What Dr. Deepak’s Patients Say
Carolyn M.
“I love Dr. Deepak… He diagnosed my sister with lung cancer stage 4. When she was in the hospital, he would stop by to visit… He showed the love of Jesus to everyone.”
Tamie J.
“I have cardiomyopathy… He’s been my Dr. For many years… He saved my life literally more then once and has added years to my life… I’m 60 yrs young and he is the best Very Best Doctor I have ever known.”
Jean T.
“Words cannot express the love I have for Dr Deepak. Years ago when I started having heart issues, and this wonderful man came into my room and told me to not be afraid that he was going to do everything he could do to let me know what was going on and that is exactly what he did.”
Molly L.
“He was compassionate when I lost my son… He saved my husband’s life… He really cared and showed us his kindness.”
Tammy S.
“Such a fine man and doctor. He spends time with my husband who has Alzheimer’s and makes sure he understands his condition.”
Kathryn M.
“Dr. Deepak was chosen by God to be a Doctor. Always so kind, sweet, and reassuring all will be fine.”
Coming Soon
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Coming Soon
- Audiobook
Silk and Clay Retreat
- Healing of Trauma
- Spiritual Practices
- Transformational Growth
“Silk and Clay is not just a story of illness. It is a testimony to what it means to live with soul-deep honesty. To let your body be reshaped by suffering and your spirit softened by grace. To be clay—broken, fired, and formed anew. And to be silk—resilient, fluid, luminous with the light of faith.”
Dr. Mike Klaybor
Psychotherapist, Klaybor and Klaybor
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