Death
Paul is confronted with the fact that his death will approach quickly and is in close proximity. Death and life are two opposites, antonyms of a sort, and by giving life a chance, he simultaneously doesn’t let death win. This is one of the main points in the book, as Paul’s death never is explicitly discussed or described.
Cancer
Cancer on its own is one of the main points and themes in the book, as we follow a doctor turned patient on his journey as a bearer of cancer. Different points of his life are described, as he explains how the life of a patient unfolds, from the beginning when the diagnose if given till the consultation, research and treatment.
Living life to its fullest potential
Paul Kalanithi is diagnosed with cancer in the middle of the book. As he himself has studied various degrees in medicine, as well as having a residency in neurological surgery, he knows a lot about his own case and disease. He decides to live life as much as he can, finding reproductive options before he dies for his wife. He also battles cancer as much as he can, not letting it take over without a fight.
