Alice in Cancerland

Much of what I've read or seen with regards to fighting cancer on your own revolves around taking care of your body.  Nutritionally, spiritually, mentally.  We all know this, but it takes effort.  I'm finally ready.  No more excuses.  I'm home, my guests have departed, my financial aid forms have been submitted, and the brain fog has lifted somewhat.  Let's get this party started...

So begins a new chapter since my diagnosis.  The quest to gather the information that speaks to me.  To uncover treatments that resonate with me.  To unravel the mystery that lies within me.  To knock this tumor right out of me!  Just this last week has brought much inspiration:

First I stumbled upon Outsmart Your Cancer, by Tanya Harter Pierce, in a thrift store.  It has already proven to be a comprehensive resource for alternative and non-toxic cancer cures, as much of what I've found via Google ends up being covered in this book.

I finally got around to watching The Beautiful Truth, a documentary following the story of a 15 year-old boy, Garrett, who did a school project on nutrition as a major factor in preventing and curing disease, even cancer.  His parents own a farm that rehabs orphaned or injured wildlife and he always researched proper diets for the animals they were taking care of.  All of his research stressed the importance of a proper, natural diets for the animals.  So he began to wonder why you never heard any such thing with regards to humans.  So he began digging, and oh, what a tangled web he uncovered!  The movie provided much food for thought, even if it did sensationalize much of the information.  Discussion of that very flaw with Boyfriend did allow me to declare, "Isn't the benefit of being inspired to learn more worth getting past the presentation?"  He agreed.

Then came Crazy Sexy Cancer, part two in my "Cancer-Movie-Night" series.  A documentary by actress Kris Carr, who turned the camera on herself when she was diagnosed with a rare, terminal form of cancer, was a DELIGHT, if a movie about cancer could ever be such a thing.  Her positive attitude, often turning to raw sadness, grief, overwhelm, and more, really hit the nail with what I feel on a regular basis.  But I've been at this for TWO MONTHS.  The movie chronicled four years of highs and lows during her journey with cancer.  She met other cancer patients going through their chosen treatment paths, all with varied backgrounds, family lives and outcomes.  She spent the four years exploring every option, from diet to acupuncture to yoga to laugh therapy to reiki to spiritual practice.  The movie ended positively, with her cancer not giving her any outward symptoms and her doctor declaring the cancer stable enough that she need not see him or get another MRI scan for a full 12 months.  It was a powerful message for me - never give up, never stop exploring all your options.  Some of my favorite lines (paraphrased):

"It's all in our heads, we all have cancer of the mind."
"I feel like Alice in Cancerland."
"Fuck cancer."  (I want one of the hats from the movie!)
"What are you, one of those guys who likes cancer chicks?"

I'm definitely ordering Kris Carr's book (along with a slew of others) tomorrow.  Can't wait!

I was also inspired enough to purchase Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer today, along with about 53 pounds of organic fruits and veggies.  That's right, I'll be kicking my tumor's ass with knowledge and juice.  Let the juicing begin!