Hi Sophie! 

I'll preface this by saying that I realize that what I am about to write might be controversial.  It helped me gain a sense of control, but I am in no means saying this is a cure or the only way to deal with things.  In fact, I believe that a balance in all aspects, Western medicine and alternative therapy is the best way to health.

I worked intensively through my chemotherapy with a Traditional Chinese doctor who is a strong believer that most disease, especially cancer, is a result of the environment of the cells, and less often caused by genetic defects. She believes in teaching you to shower your subconscious in love and guide it into achieving the outcome that you want for yourself.  I read the book "The Biology of Belief" by Bruce Lipton and watched his online videos.  These are a small introduction into this concept which has been in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years.

I also have noticed that inflammation seems to have a big role in cancer and how it spreads.  I have been following Dr. Weil's anit-inflammatory diet but without the vitamins since my diagnosis.  It is not too restrictive and his food pyramid is available online for free.  It is very similar to the diet that my TCD put me on during chemotherapy in which she encouraged me to not eat meat, dairy, or sugar.  I could sweeten things preferably with stevia or alternatively with organic maple syrup or honey.  I've since reintergrated some dairy (greek yogurt, occasional cheese) and very occassionally meat and one dessert per week.

Anyways, I found reading these resources (and others) if anything a good way to distract myself during treatments.

Wish you best of luck! 

sophie, I was diagnosed two years before you, in January.  My son was a senior in high school.  I'd been mentally planning celebrations surrounding his graduation for several years, and then I got 'hit by the bc bus'.  I had six rounds of chemo, three weeks apart.  That took me up to June 3.  I had my moments yet was still able to make it to all of dear son's end-of-school activities, banquets, band concerts, awards ceremonies and graduation. Certainly, I was glad I made the effort, especially the days when I'd have rather stayed in bed with the covers over my head.

On June 12, we held the most beautiful graduation party in our back yard. The weather was gorgeous, the food delicious, and we entertained about 150 friends and family. Of course, I relied heavily on my husband, sister and several close friends to help bring it all together.  Now, two years out from the diagnosis, it's surprising to realize how much life I've lived in that time.

So I am sending my very best wishes your way that you will get through this incredibly rough and difficult time in your life.

One of the best books I read at the beginning of my 'journey' was "Getting Well Again" by O. Carl Simonton.  I most often prefer newer books.  Yet it's so incredibly insightful that it doesn't matter when it was written (1992).

January, whoa, you are still incredibly new to your diagnosis.  You'll go through a roller coaster of emotions, that's for sure.  God bless you, hugs to you, and prayers being sent up for you.

Divine, I can definitely get behind this one: "I want to concentrate on living well." I think it is very important to enjoy all that can be enjoyed as fully as possible, even during evil chemo days and other objectively miserable stuff.

Gutsy, thank so much for posting that. I had seen an interview with this guy ages ago, and then promptly forgot about it, till now. He is very thoughtful and knows an awful lot.

It is a wonderful book. A great retrospective on cancer through the ages and how society has dealt with it.The author is a doctor.

Have you read the Anti-Cancer Diet?



It's a fabulous book, IMO. ...I have been reading about cancer and diet, and this book is amazing. Gives you some of the science and also a very clear idea about cancer-fighting foods. (Just check with your doctor to make sure all of them are indicated given your particular diagnosis).



One thing the book emphasizes is the importance of green tea in the diet. The best green tea in terms of cancer comes from Japan (the processing in Japan maintains the health properties better than the processing in other countries, go figure) Also should be steeped for 8-10 minutes for fullest effect. I have started drinking it like crazy, they say 3-5 cups a day and it is an incredible food.

A positive attitude is certainly great for stress levels....too much stress is bad for a lot of reasons.  However, I just cant understand how a positive attitude helps with cancer.  I highly doubt that my cancer cells understand what im thinking!

Divine...I love what you had to say...thank you!! xo Lisa