Entertaining and rational: This Ted Talk by Ben Goldacre highlights the issues faced by people who want to get healthier as well as being a useful thought-provoking topic for cancer patients who need to get accurate advice – Just who do you listen to? Goldacre looks at both sides of the evidence-based medical/health equation teasing apart the inconsistencies and often irrationalities.
Every day there are news reports of new health advice, but how can you know if they’re right? Doctor and epidemiologist Ben Goldacre shows us, at high speed, the ways evidence can be distorted, from the blindingly obvious nutrition claims to the very subtle tricks of the pharmaceutical industry. Enjoy!
What is the best path for cancer patients? The new Grace Gawler Institute’s Survive and Thrive One-Day Intensives are designed to streamline the cancer experience, take away the confusion and replace it with confidence by learning the “How Tos” of being a successful patient. Being a Successful patient is not always about conquering cancer – sometimes it is living well with cancer while extending life that exudes good quality – while other times it may be an unexpected remission or partial remission. One thing that experience tells me is that 99% of patients will benefit enormously from the Grace Gawler Institute’s approach.
I believe that with good oncological advice/treatment in combination with support and skilled psycho-oncology, that patients give themselves the best chance. With modern advances in cancer medicine – the longer you live with it and manage it, the greater the chance of a new breakthrough treatment. For example, if you did not see last Monday’s Australian Story – I recommend you view this inspiring documentary about two Australian scientists and their quest for one of medicine’s holy grails – finding a way to treat cancer without the side effects. http://www.abc.net.au/austory/specials/fortheholygrail/default.htm
The two scientists epitomise care and compassion in what can appear to be a heartless and mercenary profession. I believe it is essential that we rise above the old negative paradigms of conspiracies about research and ‘big bad Pharma’ and embrace the true holistic model of medicine. It is hard to imagine where we would all be without modern medicines assistance. This is true complementary medicine and in the true sense of the word; it is holistic medicine. To not include conventional medicine as a part of a holistic medicine model (i.e. truly treating the whole person) is quite ludicrous in 2011. Body, mind, emotion and spirit all need attention. If a cancer is ravaging the body – doesn’t it make sense to treat the body and all its compartments and psychology by the best means possible? Continue reading “Survive and Thrive One Day Intensives – an Antidote to Alternative Medicine – Grace Gawler Institute”
In 2007 Katherine Kizilos wrote a feature article for the Age newspaper Melbourne. The article begins…” She survived her husband’s illness only to fall prey herself to disease but Katherine Kizilos finds that Grace Gawler used the experience to launch a new life.”Gawler is a name familiar to those who want
Photo : The Mebourne Age
to believe the human spirit conquers disease. Ian Gawler lost his leg to bone cancer but not his life and with wife Grace established in 1981 Australia’s first cancer support service, the Gawler Foundation. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE
My life has had a theme of issues pertaining to silence – holding silence where appropriate, and breaking silence when essential!
My book Women of Silence (1994) was the first to open doors of communication surrounding breast cancer and emotional recovery – a little spoken of issue in those days; it formed the basis of breast cancer support groups in Australia. Katherine Kizilos’ 2007 article after more than 2 decades of silence was the first article to publicly raise the the issue of Ian Gawler’s remission from cancer being in some way associated with tuberculosis – a very important scientific connection to make in the interest of cancer patients. An opportunity to discuss this important topic resurfaced in 2010 when the (MJA) Medical Journal of Australia published my refute letter in response to an incorrect version of Ian’s recovery story that appeared in the MJA in December 2008, under the title “True Stories”. But then – more silence…. with most newspaper medical reporters refusing to comment, with one exception! Continue reading “Beating the Silence Again Grace Gawler”
The Eagles Syndrome Appeal: Gawler Family Member It is a tragedy when a family member is ill and requires treatment that cannot sourced locally and needs substantial funds to pay for it overseas. I see this situation often in my practice and understand the difficulties faced by many of my patients; even more so since my own 21 surgical procedures – a personal journey I began in 1997. In 2002 my survival necessitated seeking an overseas solution if I wanted a life. My illness (the result of a complication following routine surgery) devastated my already compromised finances and I found myself in my fifties relaunching my career and owning nothing! Now that my son needs help; I cannot afford his surgery, so I decided that the most creative way of raising funds was through my ‘self-published’ book sales – a win-win for everyone. My son requires life-saving surgery in Los Angeles – delaying his treatment could severely compromise his life – the longer his medical situation is left unattended, the more challenging his surgery will be.
To support this cause – Please visit the Resources/Bookstore page at : http://gracegawler.com/Institute/?page_id=1892
We are trying to raise $60,000 through book sales Please send this blog link to friends in your address book….. Together – I sure we can make this happen!
Apologies to regular blog subscribers for my lack of correspondence during the past few months; a personal and imperative family issue has been occupying much of my time – hence the subject of this blog. Trying to raise funds whilst respecting my son’s privacy has not been easy & we have tried many obvious avenues including many requests to his father – all without success. So – as time is ticking by for this beautiful young man – as the heading implies, desperate times call for desperate measures.
Some Background: D lives with me and has done so for 29 out of his 31 years – he entered this world at Yarra Junction, Victoria on a stormy August night in 1980 into a life that held severe health challenges. He remains my greatest teacher. Although D is no stranger to pain, watching his deterioration as he bravely manages the affects of Eagles Syndrome is a distressing daily event and so ironic, given my vocation is helping others. I continue to support in every other way I can. Surgery has a high chance of success, but the longer the condition is left – the greater the risks. D needs some action soon.
As a child, Specialists said D would never be able to hear. As with Ian Gawler, whom I married when he had a 2 week prognosis; harnessing the same tenacity, I doggedly pursued healing options for D utilising the best of complementary and mainstream medicine. D can now hear without aid and he has achieved many amazing things. I am very proud of him.
Following my own recovery, I had been hoping to take a ‘breather’ from health related dramas – but it seems the universe has other ideas! About a year ago D began to be investigated for a stiff neck and jaw clicking.
Xray of Eagles Syndrome - note 2 long bony styloid processes (pointing towards spine)
The outcome – he was diagnosed with Eagles syndrome – a rare condition involving calcification, thickening and lengthening of the styloid process (a pointed piece of bone that extends down from the human skull, just below the ear.) See Xray left. As you can imagine these extended bones create havoc.
A normal styloid process length is approximately 2–3 cm and serves as an anchor point for several muscles associated with the tongue and larynx and other facial structures. Eagles Syndrome is diagnosed if the overall Styloid length in excess of 3 cm. In D’s case both styloid processes are grossly elongated … 6.5 cm and 5 cm! This excessive length has caused havoc with jaw and facial nerves and shoulder spasm; but not only is it painful, the growing styloid processes have already caused severe compression of both jugular veins. Continue reading “Out on a Limb – Desperate Times call for Desperate Measures Grace Gawler Appeals”
About Tim Lynch & GreenplanetFM radio. You can tune in online to New Zealand’s GreenPlanetFM 104.6 with Tim Lynch in Mobilising Consciousness The content of this interview touches upon many issues past and recent dicussed in this blog including emotional aspects of recovery and the power of love in healing along with placebo. Every Thursday morning 8-9am (NZ time). Join the Blog radio for free to listen to interesting interview and to keep updated on important issues. Auckland’s one-hour environmental / health and consciousness programme, dedicated to interviewing leading edge experts, practitioners in their field, and people who are living examples of sustainability. 9 June 2011:Tim lynch writes about and interviews Grace Gawler There are many methods to treat cancer today that cover the full spectrum, from surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and drugs, to a vast array of holistic modalities and natural therapies, to visualisation and spiritual healing. To listen to Grace Gawler’s interview with Tim Lynch select link below: http://www.greenplanetfm.com/members/greenradio/blog/RATE+00000001
+00000149+5#00000149
Listen to an exceptionally dedicated and connected healer who has worked with over 13,000 patients sharing her gifts and goodwill to empower them and their loved ones on this journey. Also mentioned is the impact of cosmetics, air quality, agriculture, food chain issues such as hormones, pesticides, electromagnetic influences etc.
Grace also teaches patients how to spin gold from straw and turn cancer into a transformative process and experience? By bridging all medical methods, Grace collaborates with oncologists in an endeavour to find the best outcomes for patients.
This very clear and inspiring interview, is a must for any dear family member, friend or associate who at this moment may be struggling to heal and recover and I wish to encourage you to pass this information to those whom you feel could benefit from Graces goodwill. www.gracegawler.com/institute
Listen to the interview at: http://www.greenplanetfm.com/members/greenradio/blog/RATE+00000001
+00000149+5#00000149
About Tim Lynch & GreenplanetFM radio. You can tune in online to New Zealand’s GreenPlanetFM 104.6 with Tim Lynch in Mobilising Consciousness The content of this interview touches upon many issues past and recent dicussed in this blog including emotional aspects of recovery and the power of love in healing along with placebo. Every Thursday morning 8-9am (NZ time). Join the Blog radio for free to listen to interesting interview and to keep updated on important issues. Auckland’s one-hour environmental / health and consciousness programme, dedicated to interviewing leading edge experts, practitioners in their field, and people who are living examples of sustainability. 9 June 2011:Tim lynch writes about and interviews Grace Gawler There are many methods to treat cancer today that cover the full spectrum, from surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and drugs, to a vast array of holistic modalities and natural therapies, to visualisation and spiritual healing. To listen to Grace Gawler’s interview with Tim Lynch select link below: http://www.greenplanetfm.com/members/greenradio/blog/RATE+00000001
+00000149+5#00000149
Listen to an exceptionally dedicated and connected healer who has worked with over 13,000 patients sharing her gifts and goodwill to empower them and their loved ones on this journey. Also mentioned is the impact of cosmetics, air quality, agriculture, food chain issues such as hormones, pesticides, electromagnetic influences etc.
Grace also teaches patients how to spin gold from straw and turn cancer into a transformative process and experience? By bridging all medical methods, Grace collaborates with oncologists in an endeavour to find the best outcomes for patients.
This very clear and inspiring interview, is a must for any dear family member, friend or associate who at this moment may be struggling to heal and recover and I wish to encourage you to pass this information to those whom you feel could benefit from Graces goodwill. www.gracegawler.com/institute
Listen to the interview at: http://www.greenplanetfm.com/members/greenradio/blog/RATE+00000001
+00000149+5#00000149
Can placebo heal? Can placebo provide a short term burst of hope based on belief? Remember from our first post that from Latin placebo means ‘I shall please’ whereas Nocebo means ‘I shall harm’. Just how powerful are words of power, thoughts and beliefs? With these definitions in mind, consider the following stories. They powerfully demonstrate how belief systems can either turn on or turn off the will to live and how inexplicable healing can sometimes occur through belief. Consider the power of Sovereigns to heal in medieval times and the power of prayer
It is interesting to remember how the Royal Touch was believed to heal and bless. With the spread of Christianity, monarchs were seen as religious figures with magical or curative powers. It was believed that Royal Touch, the touch of the sovereign of England or France, could cure diseases due to the devine right of sovereigns. Members of the royal courts often propagandized that those receiving the Royal Touch were miraculously healed. André du Laurens, the senior physician of Henry IV, publicized findings that at least half of those that received the Royal Touch were cured within a few days. Then we have the story of St peregrinus – the Patron Saint of Cancer.
Near the end of the thirteenth century a zealous young priest of the order of
Patron Saint of Cancer Patients
Servites fell ill with a painful cancer of the foot. He bore his trial without a murmur and, when it was decided that amputation should be performed, he spent the night preceding the operation in prayer before his crucifix. He then sank into a light slumber from which he awoke completely cured—to the amazement of the doctors who could no longer detect any trace of the disease. The holy man lived to the age of eighty and died in sanctity. He became known as St. Peregrinus, the patron saint of cancer.
In this context – I introduce two other sources for placebo – Both are from an indigenous source. I encourage you to consider the difference between an uneducated person who accepts their cultural beliefs and background including those in authority and our current Western style culture where education levels are a higher standard and where tradition and authority is often scorned or rebelled against. Did these simple beliefs and rituals have a ‘magical’ placebo effect?
The following stories from the 1800’s were both recorded by medical physiologist Walton Cannon and concern Australian experiences – the first one being an indigenous Australian account and the second – a Kanaka from the Polynesian Islands. From his diary he states: “Dr. S. M. Lambert of the Western Pacific Health Service of the Rockefeller Foundation wrote to me on several occasions as he had seen evidence of death from fear. In one case there was a startling recovery. At a mission at Mona Mona in North Queensland, were many native converts, but on the outskirts of the mission was a group of non-converts, including one “Nebo”, a famous witch doctor. The chief helper of the missionary was Rob, a native who had been converted. When Dr. Lambert arrived at the Mission he learned that Rob was in distress and that the missionary wanted him examined. Dr. Lambert made the examination, and found no fever, no complaint of pain, no symptoms or signs of disease. He was impressed, however, by the obvious indications that Rob was seriously ill and extremely weak. From the missionary he learned that Rob had had a bone pointed at him by Nebo and was convinced that, in consequence, he must die. Thereupon, Dr. Lambert and the missionary went for Nebo, threatened him sharply that his supply of food would be shut off if anything happened to Rob and that he and his people would be driven away from the mission. At once Nebo agreed to go with them to see Rob. He leaned over Rob’s bed and told the sick man that it was all a mistake, a mere joke…indeed, that he had not pointed a bone at all. The relief, Dr. Lambert testifies, was almost instantaneous. That evening Rob was back at work, quite happy again and in full possession of his physical strength. A less fortunate outcome is reported in the next account.
Can placebo heal? Can placebo provide a short term burst of hope based on belief? Remember from our first post that from Latin placebo means ‘I shall please’ whereas Nocebo means ‘I shall harm’. Just how powerful are words of power, thoughts and beliefs? With these definitions in mind, consider the following stories. They powerfully demonstrate how belief systems can either turn on or turn off the will to live and how inexplicable healing can sometimes occur through belief. Consider the power of Sovereigns to heal in medieval times and the power of prayer
It is interesting to remember how the Royal Touch was believed to heal and bless. With the spread of Christianity, monarchs were seen as religious figures with magical or curative powers. It was believed that Royal Touch, the touch of the sovereign of England or France, could cure diseases due to the devine right of sovereigns. Members of the royal courts often propagandized that those receiving the Royal Touch were miraculously healed. André du Laurens, the senior physician of Henry IV, publicized findings that at least half of those that received the Royal Touch were cured within a few days. Then we have the story of St peregrinus – the Patron Saint of Cancer.
Near the end of the thirteenth century a zealous young priest of the order of
Patron Saint of Cancer Patients
Servites fell ill with a painful cancer of the foot. He bore his trial without a murmur and, when it was decided that amputation should be performed, he spent the night preceding the operation in prayer before his crucifix. He then sank into a light slumber from which he awoke completely cured—to the amazement of the doctors who could no longer detect any trace of the disease. The holy man lived to the age of eighty and died in sanctity. He became known as St. Peregrinus, the patron saint of cancer.
In this context – I introduce two other sources for placebo – Both are from an indigenous source. I encourage you to consider the difference between an uneducated person who accepts their cultural beliefs and background including those in authority and our current Western style culture where education levels are a higher standard and where tradition and authority is often scorned or rebelled against. Did these simple beliefs and rituals have a ‘magical’ placebo effect?
The following stories from the 1800’s were both recorded by medical physiologist Walton Cannon and concern Australian experiences – the first one being an indigenous Australian account and the second – a Kanaka from the Polynesian Islands. From his diary he states: “Dr. S. M. Lambert of the Western Pacific Health Service of the Rockefeller Foundation wrote to me on several occasions as he had seen evidence of death from fear. In one case there was a startling recovery. At a mission at Mona Mona in North Queensland, were many native converts, but on the outskirts of the mission was a group of non-converts, including one “Nebo”, a famous witch doctor. The chief helper of the missionary was Rob, a native who had been converted. When Dr. Lambert arrived at the Mission he learned that Rob was in distress and that the missionary wanted him examined. Dr. Lambert made the examination, and found no fever, no complaint of pain, no symptoms or signs of disease. He was impressed, however, by the obvious indications that Rob was seriously ill and extremely weak. From the missionary he learned that Rob had had a bone pointed at him by Nebo and was convinced that, in consequence, he must die. Thereupon, Dr. Lambert and the missionary went for Nebo, threatened him sharply that his supply of food would be shut off if anything happened to Rob and that he and his people would be driven away from the mission. At once Nebo agreed to go with them to see Rob. He leaned over Rob’s bed and told the sick man that it was all a mistake, a mere joke…indeed, that he had not pointed a bone at all. The relief, Dr. Lambert testifies, was almost instantaneous. That evening Rob was back at work, quite happy again and in full possession of his physical strength. A less fortunate outcome is reported in the next account.
What is a Placebo? The Placebo effect(Latin placebo, “I shall please”), also known as non-specific effects and the subject-expectancy effect, is the phenomenon that a patient’s symptoms can be alleviated by an otherwise ineffective treatment, since the individual expects or believes that it will work. Some people consider this to be a remarkable aspect of human physiology; others consider it to be an illusion arising from the way medical experiments were conducted.
What is Nocebo effect: In the opposite effect, a patient who disbelieves in a treatment may experience a worsening of symptoms. This nocebo effect (nocebo translates from Latin as “I shall harm”) can be measured in the same way as the placebo effect, e.g., when members of a control group receiving an inert substance report a worsening of symptoms. The recipients of the inert substance may nullify the placebo effect intended by simply having a negative attitude towards the effectiveness of the substance prescribed, which often leads to a nocebo effect, which is not caused by the substance itself, but more the patient’s mentality towards her or his ability to get well. (source Wiki Psychology)
Doctor-Patient Relationship and Placebo:
ABC TV Australia 26 May 2011 broadcast – This was a most useful and interesting segment and gave a terrific layman’s explanation of this complex area of healing.
The power of vodoo and hex or… in other words placebo (I shall please) and nocebo (I shall harm) is discussed in these two short videos copied from ABC’s Catalyst website. If you missed the program or even if you watched it; I suggest you take another look. The PET scan images at the end of the video titiled Vodoo – provide some tangible explanations as to why some people are susceptible to placebo and power of suggestion than others. The outcome of a pain test reveals that subjects who are susceptible to the placebo effect produce significant amounts of opioids and the outcome of reduced pain. In fact these subjects can produce in their brain the equivalent of 10 mg or more of morphine! Others in the experiment for whom placebo did not work (15%) – experienced a nocebo effect – a decrease of opioids and therefore increased pain. Select video link below. http://gracegawler.com/data/video/catalyst_s12_ep14_Voodoo.wmv
PET and MRI brain scans were combined to make these images, illustrating activity in the brain’s mu opioid system. On top, study participants were experiencing pain. On the bottom, they thought they were receiving an injection of painkiller medicine that was actually a placebo. Image Courtesy of University of Michigan
A key solution for cancer patients for effective stress reduction, gentle yet profound emotional release and for letting go of chronic tension with sustained benefits!
For the next week or so – this blog will focus on solutions for emotional and stress related issues for cancer patients based on my 35 years experience. Today I will discuss GeM ( Grace empowerment Method)
About GeM: GeM is ground-breaking method that incorporates body psycho-therapy, effective/invitational language, imagery & relaxation combined with ‘safe’ non-intentional touch. There has never been a safer, more helpful stress reduction method for cancer patients…
I conduct two-day highly experiential training intensives designed for all touch and hands-on therapists, massage & Reiki practitioners and naturopaths plus anyone who works in cancer support.
Although not a Reiki practitioner myself – I see the enormous value in touch for life! I am patron of Reiki Australia
In 1979 I began my training with ATMS Founder Dorothy Hall after assisting then husband Ian Gawler through his cancer crisis. My ‘touch therapy’ made a huge contribution to his recovery. I graduated at distinction level in 1984, then added other science & anatomy/physiology studies to my skills plus overseas trainings with many experts in their different modalities of healing. I spent many years with Dr Ilana Rubenfeld – the USA’s doyenne of body psychotherapy (RSM) who endorses my unique approach to non cathartic stress release for cancer patients. Dr Rubenfeld named my Method – GeM.
What patients say:
Testimonial – Gayle M NSW: Jan 2011 has this to say about GeM “As a patient with advanced metastatic breast cancer, I first saw Grace in 2008 when I felt hopelsss and helpless about my poor prognosis. I experienced 2 sessions with Grace’s hands-on G.e.M approach. The sessions impacted me deeply – hard to explain… but I felt more centred, grounded and connected that I had ever felt in my entire life. I could sense my body unwinding, muscles just melting and tension draining away.
I felt as if I was wider – taking up more space and it kept on…it sustained. I have had ups and downs in my cancer condition since, but it is now January 2011! I have no doubt that Grace’s GeM approach was the turning point for me to use my illness as a learning curve.
Picture 1 – Before GeM session.
Instead of a fear-based doomed experience. I walked out her door a different woman. Since Ihave had overseas holidays and I live well. Whatever happenedduring those sessions has seen me embrace empowerment and peace of mind that I never thought possible.”
Picture 2- After 1st GeM session
Picture 3- below left. Same Client one month after 1 st GeM
Same client. No wig 1 month after GeM
Chronic Stress creates cascades of bio-chemical pathways that alter body chemistry that subsequently relate to holding patterns that sculpt and create ’emotional’ anatomy within muscles structures. ‘Emotional’ anatomy is a study of the body’s habitual tension or flaccidity that creates our shape and defines areas where energy is either contained or exhausted – over-expressed or under-expressed.
For cancer patients – life trauma(s) prior to diagnosis or trauma around surgery, effects of medical treatments, changes in body image and sexuality, stress, loss of independence, redundancy or work issues and unplanned for /uninvited change all take their toll not only on mind and emotions – but also in the body which can be likened. With a thorough understanding of these processes and learning to identify where a cancer patient might need help to effectively let go of stress held in muscles. GeM helps cancer patients to reconnect with their bodies in a re energising and powerful way. Patients always report a sense of groundedness and empowerment after a session as if they had just learned a martial art!
If you know someone who who like to value – add this unique method then please foward this blog URL
or if you know a groups who would like to organise a GeM training interstate or overseas – then please have them contact me. I also offer one on one GeM sessions to patients.
see more on the training page at www.gracegawler.com/institute
Training with the Grace Gawler Institute for Integrated Cancer Solutions
Mini Masterclass Training Intensive – Saturday & Sunday April 2 & 3 2011 – 9.30 am – 6 pm both days – Gold Coast.email institute@gracegawler.com or call 07 5577 2997
FEE $550 for 2 days includes: Training, refreshments, morn/aft tea, lunch, workshop manual, materials, email mentoring/follow up, certificate of attendance.
