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The Dangers of Meditation. Advice for Meditators. An interview with Leigh Brasington by Willoughby Britton.

Meditation can open a can of worms in our psychology. This is a surprise to many people. I have often asked my self the same question that is explored in the first paragraph of this blog. For people who are dealing with illness, such as cancer; care must be taken whilst developing a practice that will assist and not detract from their recovery. Many people around the Globe are turning toward Buddhist practices of meditation. This excellent blog brings to light something that is little discussed in meditation circles – the dangers and issues that can be associated with meditation.

Meditation can open a can of worms in our psychology. This is a surprise to many people. I have often asked my self the same question that is explored in the first paragraph of this blog (see below).

For people who are dealing with illness, such as cancer; care must be taken whilst developing a practice that will assist and not detract from their recovery.

Many people around the Globe are turning toward Buddhist practices of meditation.

This excellent blog brings to light something that is little discussed in meditation circles – the dangers and issues that can be associated with meditation. I also suggest that you read http://youreternalself.com/meditation.htm

To Meditate or Medicate – That is the Question? Voice America Experience with Meditation and Cancer Recovery

Can meditation be powerful enough to impact chronic illness? Is there any conclusive evidence that the mind via meditative practices can “cure” or influence the growth of cancer”? With rising healthcare costs more and more people are turning to self-help books and natural methods in an attempt to ‘cure’ cancer.

PART ONE : Can meditation be powerful enough to impact chronic illness? Is there any conclusive evidence that the mind via meditative practices can “cure” or influence the growth of cancer”? With rising healthcare costs more and more people are turning to self-help books and natural methods in an attempt to ‘cure’ cancer. ‘The mind can cure cancer concept’ is not new. Every few decades, the notion of meditation as a ‘cure’ for cancer, seems to be recycled into public awareness. In today’s show, with 40 years experience, I will share personal insights from clinical practice & discuss the historical timeline of meditative practices and cancer. I also discuss in general terms, the realistic impact of meditative practices on health and wellbeing and help to put into perspective; it’s role in healing.
Listen free to air or download from iTunes:

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/78194/to-meditate-or-medicate-that-is-the-question-experiences-with-meditation-and-cancer-recovery

Background:

As I researched the latest finding on what meditation can and cant do; the aspects that stood out are as follows:

1. When we look at stories of ‘cures’ associated with Meditation or other event such as prayer healing etc – There are many anecdotes where blind faith comes into play. Over centuries people have had a need to believe in a greater force that gives us faith and hope to go on and to make sense of life. When we examine these stories we often have no idea of their true origin. Was someone mistaken when they diagnosed a cancer? Beliefs run strong, as do people’s ideologies and need to see & believe in miracles; it is difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. Just because something is written or appears to be so – doesn’t mean it is fact.

A humorous story illustrates how easy it is to base an opinion on incomplete facts. John Locke (1632-1704) related this story about the Dutch ambassador and the king of Siam: While describing his country, Holland, to the king, the ambassador mentioned that at times it was possible for an elephant to walk on water. The king rejected the idea and felt that the ambassador was lying to him. However, the ambassador was merely describing something that was beyond the king’s personal experience. The king did not realize that when water freezes and becomes ice, it can support the weight of an elephant. This seemed impossible to the king because he did not have all the facts.

The issue with meditation in terms of health value is that it has been promoted in some literature and journals to be a cure or a significant part of a cure for cancer. A wide range of meditative practises clearly can assist cancer patients or those with serious illness – helping with improving life quality and awareness contemplation as life itself is challenged – that is by a diagnosis of a serious illness. However, Claims of cancer being cured by meditation alone are often misguided or misreported. Look for the science. Was there proof by biopsy? Has the whole story been reported? Could there be other logical reasons for a recovery? This is important as for example, cancer patients quote again and again … “If Ian Gawler can do it ( cure himself of cancer ) then I can do it too”. More on this in next blog.

That brings me to looking at some the facts of how meditation/stress reduction techniques can be proven to impact some of our body’s restorative systems and how it can be simply and practically used everyday by simply being you. See Resources below. I like what Thich Nhat Hanh, author The Miracle of Mindfulness said about meditation:

“Hanh warns that meditation should not be an escape from reality. On the contrary, it should lead to an increased awareness of reality.

Hanh summarizes the lessons by presenting a story about the three wondrous answers to the questions — What is the best time to do a thing? Who are the most important people to work with? and What is the most important thing to do at all times?

Hanh suggests that we treat each of our activities as an opportunity for being aware: Walking, we should be aware that we are walking.

Breathing,-we should be aware of our breathing. We should not focus on anything other than the thing that we are doing. One of the key methods that Hanh presents is learning to be aware of breathing.

Resources to read:

http://www.globalhealthandtravel.com/health/TheBenefitsofDeepBreathing Value of Breath

http://www.relaxationresponse.org/ Herbert Benson studies and book

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Kabat-Zinn

Thich Nhat Hanh

To Be continued……..More Tomorrow on meditation and cancer with Resources.

Enjoy ……..

Grace

Black Salve|Holistic or Hole-istic? – Naturopathic Medicine was Never Meant to do This! Grace Gawler

In the Australian Media this week, Medical Reporter Julia Medew writes: A 55-year-old man recently presented to a Brisbane hospital with a black hole in his temple after applying an unproven alternative medicine known as “black salve” to a lesion on his face, which he believed was cancerous. I discussed this media piece and so called remedy in my last segment of Navigating the Cancer Maze on Voice America today.

Holistic or Hole-istic? – Naturopathic Medicine was Never Meant to do This!

Writing in the Medical Journal of Australia, doctors from the Princess Alexandra Hospital said the man had been applying the unlicensed product, which is sold online as an alternative skin cancer treatment, to his face for four months.

The doctors, Natalie Ong, Eric Sham and Brandon Adams, said black salve preparations often contained an alkaloid derived from bloodroot and zinc chloride which could both eat away at tissue, leading to significant scarring and disfigurement. “In the absence of a biopsy, some patients may commence alternative treatment before attaining a diagnosis of skin cancer, and a very real risk of recurrence and metastasis (cancer spreading) remains….

Having worked with cancer patients for most of my naturopathic life; I am well aware of the nature of cancer and the inherent dangers in applying Black Salve to human or animal tissues. Far too many times I have seen first hand the destruction caused by this so called natural remedy.

( Folks there is nothing natural about zinc chloride which is often compounded with Bloodroot to create the paste – that is recommended to be applied to many different types of skin lesions). Zinc Chloride is an escharotic and tissue fixative; not to messed with! It is claimed by proponents that “the cancer salve made from zinc Chloride and Bloodroot is safe and effective, and has never harmed anyone, in thousands of years of use”.

The photograph above is just one small example of the damage I have seen from applying this paste. Cancer patients have used it on breast tumors, all kinds of skin tumors malignant and benign. One client used it on her genital area for an SCC ( squamous cell carcinoma)! The erosion and pain was horrendous. My own patient records with photographs of tissue damage are vile viewing. Many melanoma patients are delaying treatment due to this remedy and their belief in it to “cure cancer”. Professor Dr Alexander Herzog, Germany keeps a photo album of the black salve disasters he has to try to repair when it all goes belly-up for patients. Gaping holes in breast tissue, some large enough to insert a fist are displayed page after page…and then there is the mother who applied the Black Salve paste to a melanoma located on her son’s skull. She used the paste for 6 months – you could see his brain through the hole! Professor Herzog says he cant understand why cancer patients are using this paste.

The whole history of Moh’s chemo-surgery – margin controlled microscopic surgery using zinc Chloride – an interesting read.

http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/mohs-surgery/evolution-of-mohs

What is about this preparation that gives it allure? Is it the mystique of purported native American history? Is it the supposed safety level that is claimed? Is it because a former Hollywood movie star has promoted it? Is it because we hate science and love cottage medicines?

The allure has even defied logic as many of Naturopathic friends, not only cancer patients believed in the salve to the extent that the paste “got it all” only to die from their metastatic melanoma and squamous cell carcinomas. Why is it that even bringing science and logic to this preparation will generate hate mail?

Personally I am tired of attending Black Salve funerals. I am glad it is banned in Australia however you can find it all around the internet still and even in the back end under the counter of some health food stores! My best advice – DON’T GO THERE! First and foremost – Find out what you are dealing with before embarking upon any treatment and please realize that this can be a sinister remedy with associated complications that make chemotherapy side effects look like a walk in the park!

In 2012, the Therapeutic Goods Administration warned people to avoid black salve, which is also known as red salve, Cansema, or Bloodroot.

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Navigating the Cancer Maze with Grace Gawler: Part 2 Why We Need to Search for the Truth in Cancer Cure Stories

This week in part one of my Radio Show Navigating the Cancer Maze On Voice America, we are exploring some good news research. This is an information–packed episode with resources to treatments and research aimed at cancer patients being informed of the latest treatments.Today I share some interesting cancer research – not anecdotes – but solid science that is leading the way with realistic hope for cancer patients. Some treatments are already in Clinical practice. I also shed some good news on Chemotherapy and news ways of delivering it to cancer.

This week in part one of my Radio Show Navigating the Cancer Maze On Voice America, we are exploring some good news research. This is an information–packed episode with resources to treatments and research aimed at cancer patients being informed of the latest treatments.
Last week on the show I interviewed ethicist Dr Julie Crews where we discussed lack of science, poor research, lask of evidence and the problems with anecdotal Stories. If you missed the interview you can download it. Click here

Today I share some interesting cancer research – not anecdotes – but solid science that is leading the way with realistic hope for cancer patients. Some treatments are already in Clinical practice. I also shed some good news on Chemotherapy and news ways of delivering it to cancer. Click here to listen now

Now to some snapshots and resources from the show:
Researchers and clinicians have focused on ways to minimize side effects without compromising ‘kill capacity’ of drugs. Another focus has been to find different ways to deliver chemotherapy making it effective and less toxic.

German interventional radiologist Professor Thomas Vogl, has published more than 100 papers. Author & co author of many medical textbooks, he uses a wide variety of innovative cancer treatments including TACE & TACP. Via the femoral artery, he finds his way through networks of blood vessels with fine catheters to delivers a payload of chemotherapy directly into tumours or body cavities where difficult to treat tumours exist. The side effects are minimal to none. Having personally watched dozens of procedures; the Professor is a master of his craft. He is one of the few, successfully treating Mesothelioma (asbestosis), significantly extending lives. http://www.germancancertreatments.com/drs-treatments/

A Recent Australian discovery in medicine EDV technology had a heart-warming beginning. Having made a solemn promise to a dying colleague, two scientists devoted their lives to finding a new way to treat cancer and in the past decade have made a lot of progress. The website is must see for all Australians in particular. The new technology is explained. I suggest you navigate the menus and in particular view the videos to get an understanding of this amazing and ingenious technology. www.engeneic.com

The couple responsible for EDV technology Dr Himanshu Brahmbhatt and Dr Jennifer MacDiarmid were featured on ABC Australian story some time ago. Also a must watch for anyone interested in targeted cancer treatment:
http://www.abc.net.au/austory/specials/holygrail/default.htm

*From a funding viewpoint – this Group – EnGeneIC is worthwhile of your philanthropic input*.

Chemotherapy often gets bad press. Some tolerate it better than others. Have you ever wondered why some patients who have chemotherapy and never change their diet or lifestyle or taken supplements – get through cancer and have long remissions – sometimes for their entire life time? Having worked with cancer patients for 40 years, I have seen thousands of them!
A group of Italian researchers recently published a paper that may shed some light on why people respond differently to chemotherapy – is it dependent upon the robustness of their immune system? They are also suggesting that we should not throw the baby out with the bath water in terms of chemotherapy use. They say it is now becoming evident that standard chemotherapy agents can deeply have an impact on both tumour and host immune system.

Conventional anticancer chemotherapy has been historically thought to act through direct killing of tumour cells. This concept stems from the fact that cytotoxic drugs interfere with DNA synthesis and replication. However we now know that Chemotherapeutic agents stimulate both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. The ensemble of results discussed in their research paper contributes to pave the way towards mechanism-based, rather than empirical, rationales for combination of specific chemotherapeutic agents with selective immunotherapeutic interventions, opening novel horizons for more effective management of cancer patients.

Data obtained in both animal models and humans suggest that immunotherapy should immediately follow chemotherapy (1–2 days interval) to achieve the best synergism between the two treatments!
Immune-based mechanisms of cytotoxic chemotherapy: implications for the design of novel and rationale-based combined treatments against cancer is published in:
Cell Death and Differentiation (2014) 21, 15–25; doi:10.1038/cdd.2013.67; published online 21 June 2013 http://www.nature.com/cdd/journal/v21/n1/abs/cdd201367a.html

This blog will be continued later today with part 3 & 4 with more information about new treatments for ovarian cancer, dendritic cell vaccination and brain tumours plus…. some Prevention and risk reduction suggestions from a new book published by an oncology physician…… Informed weekend reading for all who are interested in How to Navigate the Cancer Maze. Until then…

Enjoy the weekend!
Grace

Grace Gawler|Voice America|Three Months: A Caregiving Journey from Heartbreak to Healing

Dietrich Stroeh’s life came apart after learning that his wife had pancreatic cancer. The Stage Four diagnosis took him on the roller coaster ride of his life. Overnight, this successful businessman became a caregiver powerless over the course of his wife’s illness. He had to face internal weaknesses and external obstacles in order to take care of her and, when the time came, lovingly let her go. Stroeh chronicles his journey in this book, taking readers inside the Stroeh household where home care, medical decisions and much needed laughter give extraordinary shape to an unexpected and devastating illness.

Navigating the Cancer Maze: This week Dietrich Stroeh, author of Three Months: A Caregiving Journey from Heartbreak to Healing talks about his book.

This is a highly recommended read for anyone on the cancer journey – patients, family & friends. Grace Gawler

Listen at: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/75644/navigating-the-cancer-mazethree-months-a-caregiving-journey-from-heartbreak-to-healing-with-dietrich

Often on Navigating the Cancer Maze we speak about the possibilities of cancer recovery & how we can work towards that outcome. Let’s face it, it is what everyone wants to hear; however for many cancer patients, circumstances and unexpected challenges that cancer brings can mean the loss of a loved one. For every patient & family, it is important to address this topic, “What if things don’t go to plan?” Dietrich Stroeh’s life came apart after learning that his wife had pancreatic cancer. The Stage Four diagnosis took him on the roller coaster ride of his life. Overnight, this successful businessman became a caregiver powerless over the course of his wife’s illness. He had to face internal weaknesses and external obstacles in order to take care of her and, when the time came, lovingly let her go.

Stroeh chronicles his journey in this book, taking readers inside the Stroeh household where home care, medical decisions and much needed laughter give extraordinary shape to an unexpected and devastating illness.

Advocating for a loved one, caring for one’s self, being part of the medical team and handling grief are only a few of the topics that are addressed simply in this first-person story. Like the paperback, the newly released e-book also provides easy to read care-giving tips and useful resources that Stroeh picked up in the course of only three months time. It also includes a chapter of author-published articles about being a male caregiver and more.

“Three Months: A Caregiving Journey from Heartbreak to Healing is both a love story and a guidebook. Anyone going through an experience with a terminal illness would benefit from reading it,” said Dr. Kim Allison, MD, Director of Breast Pathology at University of Washington Medical Center.

An engineer by trade, J. Dietrich “Diet” Stroeh has headed up projects great and small, and managed the Marin Municipal Water

Diet Stroeh author — Dietrich Stroeh author

District in the midst of one of the worst droughts on record. That experience was the basis for his first book, The Man Who Made it Rain, co-written with Michael McCarthy.

Three Months: A Caregiving Journey from Heartbreak to Healing is available at Amazon (Amazon.com), Barnes and Noble (BarnesandNoble.com) and at FolkHeart Press (FolkHeartpress.com). FolkHeart Press, a boutique publisher located in Northern California, specializes in personal narratives and original folklore material. For more information: www.folkheartpress.com

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/75644/navigating-the-cancer-mazethree-months-a-caregiving-journey-from-heartbreak-to-healing-with-dietrich

Buy the book – kindle and paperback:

http://www.threemonthsbook.com/

Watch video of interview with Dietrich Stroeh & Sylvia Barry.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pc2gKeZl2w]

Raw Versus Cooked for Cancer Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer| Grace Gawler

It is not only what you eat; but what you can absorb. Is raw food better than cooked food? Is vegan better for cancer patients than fish and meat? What about raw vegan? Extreme diets often pair with extreme supplementation to make up for what’s missing…so how safe is that approach? What about juices and their value? What is the truth about diet and Cancer?

Navigating the Cancer Diet Maze Special needs for Colon and Liver Cancer

Listen on Voice America Health & Wellness Channel – free to download or available on streaming

It is not only what you eat; but what you can absorb. Is raw food better than cooked food? Is vegan better for cancer patients than vegetarian? What about raw vegan? Extreme diets often pair with extreme supplementation to make up for what’s missing…so how safe is that approach? What about juices and their value?

Having gained a distinction in nutrition plus assisting cancer patients for 40 years has given me great insights….there is not much I haven’t seen cancer patients try with regards to dietary regimens and alternative medicine during those decades. Most often, the outcomes have been far from ideal. Maybe short term dietary experiments are OK if you are not ‘relying’ on the diet for curing cancer – but the main issue goes way beyond symptoms, such as rapid weight loss, because the most important thing is that cancer is time sensitive – you don’t have time to wait and see if the diet works in 3 or 6 months. The wait and see mentality is heavily criticized in conventional medical systems – but clearly it exists on both sides of the healing divide.

We live in an age where fashion fads and dietary fads change like the wind. With lifestyle medicine a cultural trend; a lot of long term dietary experimentation is going on at the cost of lives. Cancer patients often get swept up in the winds of dietary fads and before they know it, they are inside a culinary tornado that offers more stress; less peace of mind, confusion, social isolation, unnecessary weight loss and nutritional deficiencies…all from a so called nutrient dense diet that many cannot absorb.
This I know from experience; in fact from 3 different roles in my life.:
as carer of a cancer patient
a qualified health professional
and then as a patient
Many others have experienced this – this website is a fascinating read!
Resource # 1: http://www.beyondveg.com/

So where does the truth lie for people just want to eat well? I think it lies in the middle of the road approach!

Cancer patients need to be careful that they are not buying in to an someone else’s ideological dietary regimens.

There is no cure cancer diet that I know of….and there is no one size fits all in the world of diet! But if you are a cancer patient and particularly if you have colorectal or a gastrointestinal cancer – you need to be even more cautious.
What is the best way of eating for this specialised group?
The only way is to access a health practitioner who can help you with a personalised diet based on results of functional pathology stool tests. Yes – your own stools hold the secret answer as to what you should eat and what you can absorb! Makes sense doesn’t it!

The best type of tests are those that require a stool sample collected over a 3 day period…
Why a 3 day period? As well as examining all the digestive functions and our end products…the 3 day test is far more accurate for detecting any parasite eggs from unwelcome intestinal hosts…this problem is more common that most people believe.

Some cancers such as cancer of the bile duct (called cholangiocarcinoma) is one example of a cancer known to be caused by a parasite – in this case – Chinese Liver fluke.
Resource # 2: Chart and references: Parasites and Pathogens associated with cancer

Resource # 3: In Australia – to source a test ask your health practitioner to organize a Healthscope functional pathology test for digestion including a 3-day parasitology test. They have an excellent series of different tests – your practitioner can advise which one is best for you..

For stool testing in the USA & internationally – CONTACT
http://www.metametrix.com/test-menu/profiles/gastrointestinal-function/dna-stool-analysis-gi-effects

It is almost a given that patients with colorectal cancer will have had surgery to remove a segment or segments of colon affected by cancer. Depending on the length of the segment removed – type of diet and quantity of food should be adjusted accordingly.

Excess fibre and raw seeds and nuts and even raw foods can become indigestible irritants causing inflammation and bloating to the patient who has had colorectal surgery….it can especially be a problem for the patient who loses a significant portion of small intestine. Yours truly in one of those people!

Prior to my own surgery losing 5 ft of large colon and the same amount of small intestine; I was a prolific salad & raw food consumer – but I also ate a great deal of cooked vegetables and seafood – I think you would call me a Pescetarian…I had a diet that contained a good deal of dietary fibre- a good balance of cooked and raw foods. However after my surgeries– my gastro – intestinal tract was clearly traumatised and it took years to recover to a satisfactory degree.

Remember the saying………… it is not only what you eat – but what you can absorb…..this statement becomes a simple rule to live by and is especially important for those dealing with or those who have had colorectal cancer.

Now back to diet….. cooked vs raw…

Now I am interested in the work of primatologist Richard Wrangham…. his research claims that learning to cook food was the hinge on which human evolution turned. Eating cooked food, he argues, enabled us to evolve our large brains, and cooking itself became a primary focus of human social activity — in short, cooking made us the social, intelligent, and sexual species we are today.

His book – Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human is available on Amazon..

From the book’s promo:
Contrary to the dogmas of raw-foods enthusiasts, cooked cuisine was central to the biological and social evolution of humanity, argues this fascinating study. Harvard biological anthropologist Wrangham dates the breakthrough in human evolution to a moment 1.8 million years ago, when, he conjectures, our forebears tamed fire and began cooking.

Starting with Homo erectus—who should perhaps be renamed Homo gastronomicus—these innovations drove anatomical and physiological changes that make us adapted to eating cooked food the way cows are adapted to eating grass. By making food more digestible and easier to extract energy from, Wrangham reasons, cooking enabled hominids’ jaws, teeth and guts to shrink, freeing up calories to fuel their expanding brains. It also gave rise to pair bonding and table manners, and liberated mankind from the drudgery of excessive chewing (while chaining womankind to the stove). Wrangham’s lucid, accessible treatise ranges across nutritional science, palaeontology and studies of ape behaviour and hunter-gatherer societies; the result is a tour de force of natural history and a profound analysis of cooking’s role in daily life. More than that, Wrangham offers a provocative take on evolution—suggesting that, rather than humans creating civilized technology, civilized technology created us.
http://www.amazon.com/Catching-Fire-Cooking-Made-Human/dp/1469298708

Listen on Voice America Health & Wellness Channel – free to download or available on streaming
http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/75179/navigating-the-cancer-diet-maze-special-needs-for-colon-and-liver-cancer

Thanks for visiting…..More on this thought provoking topic in next blog-soon: Enjoy! Grace

Navigating the Colon Cancer Treatment Maze – The New Culture of Survivorship

Cancer Solutions – the New Culture of Survivorship:

Highlights from the show plus detailed information about German cancer Treatments and options will be uploaded within a few hours. Please visit again today……
Also visit: www.germancancertreatments.com or www.gracegawlerinstitute.com if you have enquiries from today’s show. You can contact me via the contact forms on both websites.

Enquiries re German Cancer Treatments 3 hour seminar – Gold Coast Australia: visit:

http://www.germancancertreatments.com/medi-tour-seminars-gold-coast/

Navigating the Bowel Cancer Maze Prevention and Management with Grace Gawler Voice America

What does it mean to be diagnosed with familial polyposis? The condition involves the growth of numerous polyps that form mainly in the epithelium of the large intestine. While these polyps start out benign, malignant transformation into colon cancer occurs when left untreated. Listen to an interview with recovered patient Angela on Voice America’s Navigating the Cancer Maze hosted by Grace Gawler.

Part ONE:
Why I am Passionate about Prevention of Colon Cancer:

The subject of colon cancer is not ‘everyone’s cup of tea’ as they say! However I have a distinct and very personal interest in colon cancer and colon health. My early work with cancer patients activated my interest and concern for this group of patients who in those days seemed to left in a no-mans land to cope with a horrendous change to their bodily function as well as the psychological challenges that go with such a life-changing trauma. Assisting bowel cancer patients soon took over from my work with women with breast cancer. “Women of Silence – the Emotional Healing of Breast Cancer” was based on the unspoken issues that affected a woman’s self esteem, body image, psychology, lifestyle and relations to name but a few. However I was so awe-struck by the plight of patients with colon cancer; both men and women who had ileostomies or colostomies, that I was compelled to research more on how I could assist them with diet, lifestyle, adaptation, reclaiming their lives and dealing with the consequences of uninvited life change. Eventually this area became a speciality part of my Naturopathic Practice. Not only cancer patients, but those dealing with IBS and all varieties of colon issues began to consult with me. I studied the anatomy & physiology of the colon in depth and helped thousand of patients.

But….little did I know what the future had in store!

Ironically I had been well prepared for the next stage of my life when after a routine gynaecological surgery in 1997; I was unable to do what most of us do every day – that is go to the loo! My husband had just left the family, I was financially and physically compromised and I had 4 teenage children at home. So began my annus horribilis.

Me after 1st ileostomy and colectomy in 2000

It is a good thing we cannot see into the future as I did not know there would be 13 more similar years ahead. All tolled I had 21 surgical procedures and ileostomies and colostomies! Five feet of large Colon was removed and 5 feet of small bowel due to massive faecal impaction. The stomas leaked causing severe burns on my belly. Each time I had a surgical reversal (the bowel was re-joined); what remained of my colon would violently and unsuccessfully; try to push material through my paralysed rectum. Many times what was supposed to come out one end – came up via the other end. It was a debilitating, socially difficult and the most challenging thing I have ever experienced. The stoma area herniated due to strain. At times it was hard to see a way through but despite the down times, I was committed to finding solutions.

I travelled to Holland and underwent experimental surgery and basically became a world first for a bionic implant surgically placed in my buttock with wires and electrodes implanted through my spinal foramina. This device (like a heart pacemaker) worked successfully at 6volts to give me enough stimulus to empty my what remains of my colon. It works by mimicking the nerves that allowed rectal emptying. That was in 2012-2003. Suddenly my empathy ran deeper for my past patients; for as well as managing stomas – they were also dealing with cancer.

But regardless of the cause – like my patients, I was also now dealing with a life-threatening situation.

I learned a lot first hand from my experience to apply in my cancer work-more than I could possible have learned during my many training courses. My issue had been a ‘post surgical complication’ & maybe unavoidable. But I reasoned that if patients with known bowel conditions could do something to avoid what I had been through – then I could have a valuable contribution. I knew that early diagnosis of bowel cancer and & subsequent intervention could save a life. In particular I knew there were approaches reported in medical literature about the value of High EPA Fish oils and anti-inflammatory complementary medicines in helping those afflicted with the precancerous condition known as FAP.
So when patient “Angela” came to me in 2011 diagnosed with Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and facing a permanent ileostomy I knew what we could try safely while her situation was monitored medically.

Her grandfather had FAP, her mother had it and died at 58……her uncle has it and it is known that one of her adult sons has it. Her other 2 children as yet have not been investigated.
http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/74518/navigating-the-bowel-cancer-maze-part-1-awareness-prevention-management

So …. what does it mean to be diagnosed with familial polyposis? The condition involves the growth of numerous polyps that form mainly in the epithelium of the large intestine. While these polyps start out benign, malignant transformation into colon cancer occurs when left untreated.
(The medical solution is usually a colectomy – a surgical resection of any extent of the large intestine (colon) and a colostomy bag or in some cases an ileostomy, when the polyps invade the colon tissue changing it’s structure and causing fragility).

Angela asked me what could be tried as she like myself had already had some colon section removed and had endured the failure of a temporary ileostomy. Listen to my interview with Angela and learn what she decided to do about regaining bowel health. Still clear of polyps (Dec 2013) and with a regenerated colon (confirmed with colonoscopy) she has successfully navigated the maze, using the best of conventional diagnostic medicine in combination with targeted complementary and lifestyle medicine. Her entire case (complete with medical data) will be published in a Journal in 2014. More info: email: institute@gracegawler.com

Select the image below to be redirected to Voice America and my interview with Angela on Navigating the Cancer Maze. Or… click here. More about colon cancer in my next blog.

Dr Julie Crews runs for the Grace Gawler Institute in today’s New York Marathon

Cancer is a Marathon and not a Sprint says Dr Julie Crews whom today, November 3rd 2013, is running in the New York Marathon on behalf of The Grace Gawler Institute (Australia). The Grace Gawler Institute represents a special group of cancer patients – Those who are told there is nothing more to be done…no other treatment is available for their condition. This is not always the absolute truth. The institute believes that every ‘drop of life’ is precious and that cancer patients and their families – if they desire – deserve the tight to try to find solutions to extend their life! They deserve options to extend life with good life quality.

Cancer is a Marathon and not a Sprint says Dr Julie Crews. November 3rd 2013, Dr Julie is running in the New York Marathon on behalf of The Grace Gawler Institute (Australia). The Grace Gawler Institute represents a special group of cancer patients – Those who are told there is nothing more to be done…no other treatment is available for their condition. This is not always the absolute truth

The institute believes that every ‘drop of life’ is precious and that cancer patients – if they desire – deserve the right to try to find solutions to extend their life! They deserve options to extend life for as long as possible with good life quality.

Today’s marathon fundraiser via your donations, enables us to do the work that few want to do in helping late stage cancer patients – so please consider a donation no matter how small – it will help our services – support and education wheels to turn.

With a distance of 26.2 miles of road, the NY Marathon is not only a demanding event, but Dr Julie has shown her resolve and commitment to travel to another country to support a cause that is dear to her heart. As well we know, these days being a part of a major world event is also not without personal risk.

Dr Julie Crews running in today's New York Marathon 3 Nov 2013 — Dr Julie Crews running in today’s New York Marathon 3 Nov 2013

Dr Julie is just one of 47,000 runners who, as I write; are racing through five boroughs of NY for the first time since the now famous Boston Marathon bombing, which left three people dead and more than 260 injured in April.

New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said: “Prior to taking their starting positions on Staten Island, even runners were screened and their bags inspected.” This comment brings home to us the commitment that Dr Julie has shown and we are very grateful for her tremendous effort today.

Dr Julie’s passion to assist cancer patients through the vehicle of our institute has been a wonderful experience. We are grateful for her generosity of spirit and wish her well in The NY Marathon – her first ever Marathon.

It is not too late to recognise & support Dr Julie’s efforts to help cancer patients. You can visit our donation page at the Grace Gawler Institute – a registered not for profit Health promotion Charity. Donations are eligible for a tax deduction as we have DGR status – receipts will be sent or emailed.

For information about Dr Julie Crews and the Grace Gawler Institute Visit:
http://gracegawlerinstitutefundraiser.com/

http://gracegawlerinstitutefundraising.com/

To make a donation – and support Dr Julie ( all her sponsorship funds go to the Grace Gawler Institute) – You will be helping to make the cancer world a more informed and user – friendly place.

http://www.gracegawlerinstitute.com/marathon/ (SSL secured website)

Dr Julie Crews, a long time supporter of the Grace Gawler Institute is running today to raise funds for our cancer education programs. 100% of funds raised from Dr Julies efforts today will go directly to fund these programs. Each week for the past year the Grace Gawler Institute has presented a consistent line-up of cancer experts, researchers and recovered patients plus knowledge learned from helping patients to Navigate the Cancer Maze for almost 40 years.

The radio show goes to air via Voice America and is titled Navigating the Cancer Maze and is live each Friday 12 noon Arizona US time – early Saturday morning in Australia. The show is archived and catalogued by the month and topic for each week. You can listen to archived programs and live programs and download shows that you want to hear again. All material on the show is carefully prepared and authentic. There is no fee required for listening on Voice America and we consider the show a major contribution to awareness and education to the global cancer community.

Navigating the Cancer Maze is a unique show; helping many thousands of cancer patients and families. Join the many thousands of cancer patients around the world who listen regularly to The Show each week.
http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2125/navigating-the-cancer-maze

NY times online Dr Julie Crews — Comment on the NY Times online

Grace Gawler Navigates the Cancer Maze with Cancer Experts on Voice America Internet Radio

Dear Subscribers: Apologies for 2 recent blogs sent with cyber info that was meant to be behind the scenes jargon! I have a new blog format and still learning how to drive it! Hopefully this wont be a problem again.

Over the next few weeks my blog will feature the work of Professor Ian Frazer; exploring the association of viruses and cancer – you may be surprised how far and wide the associations reach! As well as reading my blog you can listen to today’s episode of Navigating the Cancer Maze on Voice America’s Health & Wellness Channel, featuring an interview with Australia’s Professor Frazer, medical researcher who has contributed to eradicating HPV as a cause of cervical cancer…….The show has just gone to air in the USA.
More soon about Prof Frazer and how you can tune in to or download today’s show.
Grace Gawler, the Grace Gawler Institute, Queensland Australia – a registered not for profit Health Promotion Charity with a focus on cancer education. www.gracegawlerinstitute.com

Now back to diet….. cooked vs raw…

Part ONE: Why I am Passionate about Prevention of Colon Cancer:

Part ONE:
Why I am Passionate about Prevention of Colon Cancer: