NEW SERIES: A DAY IN THE LIFE

As I rummage around on the internet, there is a lot of information about what to expect when fighting cancer with chemotherapy and radiation. But what about those treating their cancer with alternative methods? How is it different from those who choose a more conventional path?

When I began my holistic cancer odyssey, I did so with immediate, drastic change. I agreed to my husband, who was more enthusiastic about the idea than I was, to give it 3 months and then regroup.

That season in my life was NOT easy. It was an intense, overwhelming life OVERHAUL. Although I am able to write this post with a light heart now, my life was very heavy then.

After my diagnosis I dealt with depression at times- feeling ripped from my old life of money spent making our new apartment together a home, nights out with friends, trying new restaurants every weekend, and newly married life with my husband of almost 3 months. Now I felt like I was looked at as “that crazy girl risking treating her cancer with alternative methods.” There was no more going out to restaurants, no alcohol- not even red wine, and every penny we had went to paying insurance deductibles for conventional monitoring, for alternative doctors who were NOT covered by our insurance, and for a 100% organic raw vegan diet with expensive supplements.

And people talked. Most would talk behind my back and have very little to say when I answered their question of “How are things?” Some spoke up and told me they disagreed with my decision but knew there was nothing they could say to change my mind. Most just smiled and said something like “Well, we’re praying for you,” with a concerned smile.

Not all alternative/holistic protocols are the same. Mine happened to be mostly nutritional with detoxification procedures, most of which is outlined by Bill Henderson’s book: “Cancer-Free: Your Guide to Gentle, Non-Toxic Healing.” The cancer I had was a slow-progressing cancer that is tricky- if treated (conventionally) in early stages it has a high success rate of remission, but if it progresses to later stages it can often “morph” into other kinds of cancer such as leukemia or more agressive Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. So, don’t let the “slow-progressing” label fool you. We took the protocol very seriously.

Notice I say “we?” My husband, Kevin was my #1 advocate. He was tough on me when I needed him to be and let me cry in his arms when I needed him most. Advocates are so important and anyone fighting cancer holistically needs one on a daily basis.

This week I will be starting a series based on reflections of my journal I wrote during the days of my cancer treatment.

Topics I will address include:

A Day in the Life On My Alternative Cancer Protocol

5 Tips for Alternative Cancer Confidence

You Need an Advocate to Support You!

Facing the Critics of Alternative Cancer Treatment: Friends, Family and Forums Who Mean Well

The Three Day “Eat For the Cure!”