Elizabeth, MD, Ph.D: Diagnosed in 1999, Ovarian and Uterine Cancer.
She was told: “You don’t understand. You must face this. You are dying and you don’t have more than a few weeks, maybe 2 months. We don’t think you will make it until Christmas.” Elizabeth is retired and enjoying life.
Elizabeth: “In the beginning of this journey, I felt disbelief and anger. Since my successful treatments, I came to accept ‘what is’ and enjoy the moments in life. It is sad, but I find that some cancer patients are not sure if they want to live. You must want to live. I find that cancer patients who do the best are those who become advocates for themselves, who direct their own therapies versus patients who just go along with their doctors. People should not lose hope. Keep on searching; follow your heart.”
Julie, Attorney: Diagnosed in 2008, Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
She was told: “You have three to four months to live.” Julie is practicing law, enjoying her family and raising her kids.
Julie: “I have gained a tremendous appreciation for every day I am alive. I looked down the barrel of a gun. My transformation has been immensely positive. Life is just beautiful. Enjoy it! If you are considering conventional treatments, take a close look at the success of those treatments. Don’t blindly follow the herd.”
Janet, Former Practicing Nurse: Diagnosed in 1995, Metastatic Lung Cancer.
She was told: “You have three to six weeks to live.” Janet is retired and enjoying life.
Janet: “I truly believe how I eat impacts every cell in my body. I am now more open and trusting. I used to be cynical, skeptical and an angry person. I believe anything is possible. I thank God my doctor was open-minded and encouraged me to explore macrobiotics. Unfortunately, we eat like pigs in America. I believe there is more than one way to heal cancer. I never would have tried integrative or alternative therapies, but my doctor suggested it. Since I left hospice, life has been great. I thank God every morning for the new day, before my feet hit the floor. Never give up, never give up!”
John, Electrical Engineer and Corporate Executive: Diagnosed in 1991, Melanoma.
He was told: “There are not any successful treatments here. You may want to consider participating in a study.” John is retired and enjoying life.
John: “Cancer puts everything in perspective about what is important in life. In my former life, I was a corporate star, a hotshot executive. That is not important anymore. I now see my kids and grandkids. I now have more time to meditate, read and study all kinds of things about the world. I recommend meditation to everyone. I believe it is very helpful. People eat too much food. They throw poison in their bodies. Stay away from it. Statistics don’t tell you anything about what will happen to you. They can’t tell you about any particular person or a specific issue. Surround yourself with people who want to be healthy.”
There is much to be learned from cancer patients who have faced dire cancer prognoses and who survive, and thrive, many years past their so-called expiration dates. I will update you in future blog posts about their: advice, feelings, opinions and pearls of wisdom. We can all learn from their unique perspectives.
Have a Wonderful Healthy Day and Keep the Hope!
Rick Shapiro, Author