Handling the situation
When first diagnosed with terminal cancer, I found myself in a situation I knew little about and had no control over, which for some can lead to feelings of anxiety and hopelessness. By working at staying positive and raising my self-esteem, I formulated a strategy, and in doing so, regained a certain amount of the control
Seek help
The mountain that lies ahead will be a lot easier to climb if you can share the ordeal with a friend or family member. Remember you will not be at your best and someone to confide in may offer you a balanced perspective.
Condition management
With our immune systems depleted we are more susceptible to catching colds and flu bugs etc. and far more vulnerable to secondary infections – especially if you have had chemotherapy or radiation. You need to take precautions to make a positive effort to stay away from people and places where you might pick up illnesses: e.g. Public transport, family gatherings, group meetings, hospitals, GP surgeries.
Mindset & Attitude
It is generally accepted that negative thoughts and long term anxiety make us sick, whilst positive thinking and optimism reduces stress and leads to better recovery from medical procedures. Surveys show that people who have a positive attitude do better and recover quick from medical treatment. Although it probably seems impossible in this situation, it is worth working at it, in order to reap the benefits of improved chances of survival.
You have been dealt a devastating blow but we are all on this earth for a relatively short period anyway and we can be certain that we are all going to die at some stage, just like every one of our ancestors. In coming to terms with it, it will reduce fear and may even provides the strength you need. More on the importance of positive thinking, laughter, spiritualisation and relieving boredom can be found at mindset & attitudei
Visualisation
Visualisation is a form of self-hypnosis which can foster the healing processes of the body
Focusing on strong imagery can translate into positive physical effects on the body.
First you need to be in a relaxed state
- Find a quiet place
- Relax in a favorite chair or lie down.
- Get comfortable and loosen clothing
- Uncross your arms and legs
- Get centered by concentrating on the rhythm of your breathing and heart beat
- Totally relax your body and mind
Next create an image
- Visualise your body’s cells healing you while your immune system fights off invading disease cells and relieving your pain.
- Close your eyes and imagine yourself in the healing process or as you want to be.
- Watch as your body heals you
- Feel the healing taking place
- Know the healing is being accomplished
This should be repeated both morning and evening, regularly over about 6 weeks.
I visualised a strong forearm holding a split cane, whipping the cancerous cells in my lung until they bleed. Then I pictured my body’s defensive white cells attacking and destroying the bleeding tumors. By taking a deep breath I picture the air flooding into my lung and delivering oxygen deep into the cavities and extending the size of the lung.
The Million Dollar Question
Why me? What have I done to get cancer?
Things to consider
- There are more than 200 types of cancer
- Every year 310,000 people are diagnosed in UK with 156,000 deaths.
- About 100 years ago, the occurrence of death related to cancer was around 1 in 100. Today it is around 1 in 3 (that’s a doubling every generation and doesn’t bode well for future generations unless we can identify some of the causes
Major changes over this period
- Computers
- Micro-wave ovens
- Traffic and industrial pollution
- Nuclear power / radiation
- EMF
- Excess use of antibiotics
- Aircraft flights
- Central heating
- Development of open spaces
- Intensive farming
- Processed foods
- Use of plastics
- Mobile phones
- Toxins – these days, there are over 20,000 toxins in our society
- Water supply – fluoride etc
- Stress
Latest research suggests that we might inherit faulty DNA and RNA from our parents and that the damaged cells are repeated and magnified with each generation!
Also some scientists are considering the possibility that cancer is caused by or encouraged by certain parasitic infestations.
Benchmarking
When faced with boring daily routines, I find that it is easier to achieve results by turning the tasks into challenges and goals to beat. This creates both a sense of fun and achievement. I use benchmarks to demonstrate to myself that I am improving.
pH strips – to measure the acidity of my body
A healthy body needs to have a neutral pH level of around 7.365 or be slightly alkaline. I check my saliva and urine pH levels first thing in the morning, after breakfast and before bedtime. Initially, I was far too acidic, (around pH 5.5) but after a few months on the alkaline diet I am a constant 7.5 throughout the day.
Blood tests – indicates the quality of blood
I regularly test my blood and since it initially it looked to be in a very poor state initially, it became a major driver for me to strive for ‘good looking’ blood. It may not have been the cause of my problems but it was obvious that my ‘static’ blood was not performing its main roles of circulating nutients, helping the immune system in the defence of the body, extracting toxins or oxygenating the body’s cells. This is a visual benchmark and the improvement is evident although there is still plenty to do. For more information check the microscopy section and my blood tests.
Weight
I am just under 6 ft and for the last few years my weight has been around 13 stone. After the operation I dropped half a stone but a further and more drastic drop was to follow, as I started the new eating regimes. Simply giving up sugar (mostly alcohol and processed foods) caused me to loose another 2 stones. Initially I was a bit concerned but I consulted a nutritionist and my GP who both concurred that my body was probably now at its correct BMI (Body Mass Index) for someone my age! Currently I feel so good and have none of the minor pains or ailments that I used to have.