Is a Biopsy-Proven, Terminal Cancer Diagnosis Equivalent to a Death Sentence?
Short Answer:
Unequivocally NO, terminal cancer is not equivalent to a death sentence.
Fact:
There are many people who have been given a terminal cancer diagnosis who are thriving today, many years later. More people have “beaten the odds” than you think. I have personally met hundreds who were given short “time frames,” such as: 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year to live. They have been afflicted with all kinds of cancer including brain cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, kidney cancer and others. I personally know many cancer doctors, in the integrative and alternative worlds, whose clinical work and recommendations have engendered extraordinary long-term outcomes for patients after receiving veritable “death sentences” from their prior cancer doctors.
Beating Terminal Diagnoses And Prognoses
The people whom I refer to above are real. No exaggerations, no hyperbole.
Most of them embarked upon “roads less traveled” and implemented various treatment strategies comprising integrative and complementary therapies from reputable practitioners. They were fortunate to find sophisticated and deeply knowledgeable cancer specialists. Not all doctors and healthcare practitioners are reputable and knowledgeable
Of course, there are no guarantees in life, and the challenge of fighting terminal and stage 4 cancer is a complex and nuanced endeavor. Everyone’s internal biochemistry and health are different, and people respond differently to various therapies and challenges. Some people find treatments and protocols outside of the strict “standard of care”, after receiving a dire prognosis, which may alter the path and stop the progression of life-threatening metastatic cancer. There are innumerable factors and issues to consider. However, I will say it again, make no mistake – a terminal cancer diagnosis is not necessarily a death sentence, in the short term or long term. But transformational-systemic medical regimens need to be introduced and monitored closely in a precise-personalized manner, whether they are novel-standard of care, non-standard of care, or combined-integrative interventions. Many conventional doctors are unaware of the medical benefits and power of other treatments and therapies that may extend lives, save lives and, simultaneously, enhance quality of life.
Common Theme: The Strong Will To Live And The Desire To Find A Way
When given a dire diagnosis, a death sentence or an expiration date, people generally become numb and shocked. This kind of sobering-fatalistic news from one’s trusted doctor can be emotionally paralyzing. Many retreat into depression while some are galvanized to fight. Based on my interviews and discussions with hundreds of people, I have concluded that those who have a “fighting spirit” and proactively seek out other therapies, have a better chance to beat the lifespan predictions of their doctors, compared with those who descend into an emotional abyss. I am not stating that the will to live, combined with the implementation of alternative or new integrative therapies guarantees a longer lifespan. However, an indomitable spirit, a purpose that keeps them going or a specific objective they want to enjoy, seems to be prevalent among extraordinary thrivers.
What Does Beating The Odds Or Defying A Terminal Cancer Diagnosis Mean?
Does it mean you are “cancer free“? Does it mean the tumor or metastatic condition is completely eradicated? Does it mean the cancer challenges are under control and “not” progressing? Does it mean the progression has slowed to a snail’s pace? It can mean any of these things, but it certainly means the patient is living far beyond the doctor’s dire prediction, generally with a good quality of life.
So, again, there are no guarantees, but if you want to do “whatever it takes” to live, I encourage you to engage in deep research and find sophisticated, reputable cancer practitioners who are involved in safe, evidence-based, conventional, integrative or alternative treatments and therapies. Science is constantly evolving and there are always other multi-faceted therapies and approaches to try. If you have difficulty finding a highly reputable, hopeful, progressive cancer doctor, or practitioner, whether conventional, integrative or alternative, retain someone knowledgeable to help you in your search. Along these lines, there are several doctors in my book – Hope Never Dies – whom you may want to consider, and other practitioners exist, nationwide, who may be helpful in your ultimate quest to find peace, enduring health and a greater quality of life.
Have a Wonderful Healthy Day and Keep the Hope!
Rick Shapiro, Author 
Hope Never Dies on Amazon