This compilation of words and verse from around the world reiterates the message “It’s how you take it”. People who have survived cancer and ‘thrived’ on it share their wisdom, reiterating that your perspective about cancer can influence how well you recover.
Dennis Robinson
Dennis recovered from terminal, metastasized colon cancer, by using a natural, holistic and nutritional approach.
“It is a simple thing to be healed of cancer. It is the body that does the work, not my head. I only furnish it with the tools needed to obtain good health. My journey was interesting and I still claim that cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me. It woke me up out of my passivity and gave me focus and energy and an awareness of my character. Cancer good or bad it is, as all of life, depends on how you look at it. For me it was very good and taught me much about myself. After all, it matters to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end. I always say it is about the journey not the cancer”
Christine Clifford
“Don’t say your world stopped after your cancer diagnosis. You can make the choice today to turn it around so that your world will only just begin. It is a good experience to learn how to overcome a cancer diagnosis and to be in charge of your body rather than a victim. Laugh often – it is good medicine.
Christine Clifford Beckwith, Founder and CEO of the Cancer Club was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994. She took the news very badly. The reason behind it was her mother was diagnosed with cancer when she was 19 years old. She didn’t get enough support resources which we have available today so she couldn’t survive. But Christine put herself together and motivated herself to lead a more positive and healthier life. Now she is a CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) and has helped thousands of people in their healing journey from cancer.
A poem
(Contributed by a visitor to the website Healing Cancer Naturally)
THE CANCER CHANT, I WILL RANT
Cancer, I didn’t give you the right,
To invade my body and take a bite.
This is my body and with all my might, I will prevail with one hell of a fight.
To the cancer inside, I will battle and kill.
For that is my body’s God given will. To my cancer, these words I do send”.
Gilda’s Club
Gilda’s club pursues the mission of creating communities of free support for people suffering from cancer. They provide medical care, networking and support groups, workshops, education and social activities.
Reflection
- What were your very first thoughts after your cancer diagnosis?
- To go from ‘victim’ to ‘victor’, how can you take charge of your healing?
- “The body can’t heal, if the mind doesn’t support”. What can you do to maintain a happy and positive frame of mind?
- If you look back at your ‘life-before-cancer’, what would you like to change?
- What new direction can your life take, after cancer?
Author
Written by a first-year student of Mass Communications from Mt. Carmel College, Bangalore, who wishes to remain anonymous.
I’d like to share what mother and I went through the last 5-6 months. My mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer with Liver and Skeletal Metastasis in early June this year. She could barely walk a few steps, eat proper food or sit and talk for some time. The doctors gave her anywhere between 6 months to 2 years of survival chance with treatment.
From then on, I knew it’s not just drugs that she would need, but constant physical, emotional and spiritual support. I spoke to a host of alternative therapy practitioners and decided to use naturopathy and ayurveda for all side effects management resulting from her palliative chemotherapy treatment. I quit my job and flew back from the US. With the help of my aunt (her loving sister), I designed a program for her – a holistic and Integrated approach – making continual improvement and changes to it with time. Mom has been following it with utmost discipline.
Earlier this week, after about 5.5 months, a PET Scan revealed that there is very little metabolic activity in her body, with her liver and skull showing no activity at all. The lab reports of her liver and blood have also considerable improved. Mom has a lot more energy now. She not only does all daily chores herself, but also cooks for all occasionally, and is also planning to resume work shortly.
It’s too early to say anything about what is going to happen from now on, but I’m glad we are leading a happier, healthier and more meaningful life. Cancer did change her life and mine too.
Dear Santhosh, many thanks for sharing your mother’s story. We are delighted that she has responded so positively to her treatments – the combination of mainstream as well as holistic/ integrated. It sounds like you and her sister are playing a crucial role as her care-givers too. Most importantly, you are giving meaning to the cancer experience … this is a crucial healing outcome! We wish you all the very best going forward and hope that you will be able to inspire others too. Cheers, Vijay
Hello Mr. Santhosh,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Can you please provide an update on your Mother now?
My wife has been diagnosed with incurable cancer, so I am planning to relocate to India (I am currently living in the USA) to consider alternate treatments.
Your feedback will be really helpful in this regard.
Thanks and Regards