Not long ago I started reading Radical Remission subtitled Surviving Cancer Against All Odds. It was given to me by a couple that were here walking Phil’s Camino. I joke and say that I get two books a day by well wishers, although maybe not literally true it still feels like it sometimes. I am such a slow reader and I don’t devote the time to it that it deserves but never the less I try and my stack is tall but I started this one.
A brief summary of the book would start with the author who is “a researcher and psychotherapist who specializes in intregative oncology”. She spent ten years interviewing and studying people that had reversals in their cancer situations. In other words these people somehow figured out or lucked upon cures to their maladies, improbable as that seems. It is pretty phenomenal news when this happens and she was intrigued by it. So, in the end she discovered nine traits that this group had in common. Not that each had all of these but that these items kept showing up time and again.
Well, now that I have gotten this far I see that I will have to type up the list from the table of contents because I have piqued your interest:
Radically Changing Your Diet
Taking Control of Your Health
Following Your Intuition
Using Herbs and Suppliments
Releasing Suppressed Emotions
Increasing Positive Emotions
Embracing Social Support
Deepening Your Spiritual Connection
Having Strong Reasons for Living
Yea, nine, a good round number like 909 laps on Phil’s Camino equals one Camino Frances. That is all sufficiently untidy to be real. Anyway, I am so relating to most of these topics and it is the kind of stuff that we talk about here frequently on the blog. As I read down this list right now I would say that six of those are very important to me already. And maybe three I don’t understand or that I haven’t dealt with sufficiently. And perhaps those three hold the biggest potential for me.
This is so highly personal and at the same time universal. The book talks about the idea that the tumors are messengers. I had thought this also although I had never cracked their code. It is suggested that they bring the message that my life as I have been living it is out of balance. Ahh. Yes, I see that now although that may always be hard for the individual to grasp at first. Like isn’t my life perfect? Isn’t it just exactly what it is supposed to be? Doesn’t it fit exactly the set of situations that it occurred in?
Well, the tumors at the door of your conscience is somewhat like Genghis Khan being at your door. He doesn’t really have to say, “ Yes, I am here to rape and kill you and yours.” But that isn’t the end of the story, there is more to it.
Yup, as always, love you, Felipe.
Hi Phil
That is a book worth reading!!! Was given to me at the beginning of my cancer journey and I think each of the findings has great value . My biggest challenge has been changing my diet! Although my cancer is progressing, I have felt quite good! After a couple of rigorous months cutting carbs, sweets and alcohol, I am returning to my moderate eating plan which I’ve had my entire life.
Keep reading, God bless you,& lots of love.
Your Lourdes friend and malade,
Jan
Hi Jan ~ so glad you are sending in comments. It is a good book isn’t it? Personally I have paid least attention to my diet out of all those topics. Somehow stressing over anything is bad including trying to “eat healthy”. I like your approach of moderation. I’m still eating Camino pilgrim food, OK but no french fries. Felipe.x
Felipe ~ After joining Annie, Rho, John, Nanciann and toting along my 2
1/2’yr old granddaughter at Santiago de Compastella Church in Lake Forest, SoCal today….to see your So Far So Good, ( which is fabulous real, deep and honest) I’m now on bed and ready for a chill night. After enduring the SoCal traffic on the 5 South, I really needed your post. There’s always a connection….always! So, I’ll be returning my Tibetan Doctors call Monday for a diet change, herbs and a new routine. Maybe I’ll just dance everywhere instead of walk. That would be a good idea….Next time I’m up, early September, let’s dance Phil’s Camino! Like my granddaughter danced while Annie played your film today! Bless you, yours and Always! Xo
Sherie ~ thanks for showing up as they say and braving the I-5 traffic. And I will work on dancing Phil’s Camino for you. Oh, you are back early September, great! Felipe.x
Felipe,
This is a great post among so many great posts! I have never heard of this book, but the chapter titles you shared sound so important. I am glad you are enjoying it. I look forward to seeing you soon, and in the meantime, I am enjoying seeing you in the new version of the film. I have watched it about 10 times in the last month and it is now as dear to me as the first one for sure! I can’t wait to share it — to share you! — with the world! <3
Annie ~ yes, the book is so right where I am at in so many ways. Check it out sometime. Thanks for getting SFSG to the folks there in Lake Forest. Sounds like things were hopping. See you soon, Felipe.x
Hi Phil, as Sherie said, yesterday was a special day in Lake Forest seeing the new version of Phil’s Camino. I remember last year after your visit they invited you to return for this year. It was your response to their invitation that really brought home to me the reality of your situation in that you didn’t know where you would be in a year. I am happy that you are still with us even if you could be “with us” yesterday! Also thank you for sharing a little about this book. Would you recommend it to people who don’t have cancer but are looking to bring better balance into their lives?
Pace e Bene
Rho
Rho ~ hi there. So glad you made it to the showing. Sounds like everything went well. Yes, I am still on the planet a year afterward but who knows. We are hip deep in getting ready for the wedding right now. And the book would be good for anyone feeling they were out of balance I suppose. Just the chapter titles are helpful. Felipe.x