The Grace Gawler Institute | Grace Gawler Media

When Miracles Happen | Where there is Life, There is Hope Grace Gawler

Where there is life there is hope! Now here is a change of pace for this blog – a feel good Mother’s Day story about a well loved little dog who survived the odds.

cats-give-up-let-go-never-Favim.com-1485434 — The Moral of this Story – Never Give Up!

Now here is a change of pace for this blog – a feel good Mother’s Day story about a well loved little dog who survived the odds. Many years ago in veterinary practice I observed what I consider to be miracles in the way animals recovered from horrendous injuries. They appeared to cope in ways that I could not have imagined. I will never forget a German Shepherd pup whose leg had been badly mangled in a car accident. He needed an amputation but stood on our examination table wagging his tail. As long as we did not touch his leg – he kept on wagging his tail. Fortunately his outcome was good…the owner caring and the dog not at all self-conscious of being a 3 legged pup – meant that it was doggy-business as usual once the mangled leg was amputated! To this day I still wonder about the reasons behind animals remarkable pain management skills. Whether it is because animals don’t have to worry and stress about who is paying the rent on their kennel while they are ill…… or if they have enough money to buy their dog biscuits for the next week; or if they can plan their retirement; I am yet to discover the reasons for their management and sometimes astounding healing abilities…

Lucy Jack Russell — Lucy alive and well after surgery for depressed skull fracture.

So – here is the miracle story of Lucy. My daughter graduated last year in veterinary science as a mature age student and is now well ensconced in practice in a N.S.W country town. A recent visit from me for the weekend unfortunately coincided with her busiest “on call” experience so far. It took me back to another life in the 1970’s when to have a life outside of our veterinary practice was challenging. The number of times that someone’s cow would be calving on the very night we had tickets to the opera or ballet was uncanny! Much to the chagrin of fellow theater-goers, we would often arrive during the second or third Act; the feint aroma of farmyard manure wafting from our clothing!

The Miracle of Lucy: We were awoken in the early hours of Saturday morning to the distressed and yapping sound of a little dog. Called out late the previous evening, my daughter had brought home Lucy ; a Jack Russell terrier for what in in human terms would be be considered intensive care! I found my daughter half asleep in the lounge room next to Lucy’s cage. The little dog was certainly worse for wear experiencing some impressive seizures despite being heavily medicated. As I had done in the old days of veterinary work; my daughter ministered to her little patient all night.

Lucy – surgery to repair a depressed skull fracture.

As it turned out, Lucy had a nasty depressed fracture of her skull (see image left) after being chomped on the head by a kelpie with whom she cohabited. Throughout the weekend we all became involved in Lucy’s veterinary care, changing infusions and providing sedation and anti-seizure medication. Come Sunday evening – the owner called in at my daughter’s home to make a decision about Lucy. It was not looking good as she had continued to fit more regularly and severely throughout the day. She was cold and barely breathing .

Lucy – successful skull repair and a survivor!

But – it was then I witnessed a small miracle. Lucy, virtually unconscious under heavy sedation when her owner arrived; wagged her tail just a little and then a lot!!

Not a seizure twitch – but a real tail wag!! We all stared in silent amazement! The more the owner stroked Lucy – the more her tail wagged. Lucy’s owner sat with my daughter for about an hour cuddling her much loved and favorite Jack Russell terrier but although there was a tail wag – there was little if any hope that Lucy would survive – or so we all thought!

Lucy’s owner took her home heavily sedated; not expecting her to last the night – but in the morning. Lucy was still breathing and still fitting! Where there was life there was indeed hope!!

Going Home: Lucy's new bandage to protect her head — Going Home: Lucy’s new “hat” bandage to protect her head

A few days later Lucy was still alive and although still having seizures it was decided that it might be worthwhile trying to surgically repair Lucy’s skull as the owner was still keen to save Lucy…she never gave up.

Amazingly, the surgery was successful and within a few days, Lucy was eating, drinking, looking around, wagging her tail, walking like a drunk…a few days later (left) she is racing down the Clinic corridor after a ball and….. business as usual!

Lucy is testimony to where there is life there is hope!

Happy Mother’s day to all the Mums!

until next time…

Grace

Which Scan should I have – Navigating the Medical Imaging Maze

Each week in my team consultation practice with specialist GP Dr Bruce Whelan; we hear grave concerns from patients about the radiation risks from diagnostic scans. Unfortunately many cancer patients say no to two imperative diagnostics tools; biopsies and scanning procedures. Usually this is a result of consulting the doctor who never sees a patient and offers a one size fits all approach – yes it’s Dr Google! It is true that medical scans are a source of radiation – however the benefits of knowing as much as possible about your cancer and where it might be located in your body far outweigh the risks. Death from Cancer is not such a great option either I tell my clients.

This is why I interviewed Dr Nevil Chimon on Navigating the Cancer Maze internet radio Select this link to listen

Dr Nevil Chimon researches and develops radio tracers for medical imaging. The science, processes & advances of imaging techniques, & the radio-pharmaceuticals that magically make our inner parts visible to doctors for more accurate diagnosis; is the topic for today’s Navigating the Cancer Maze. Dr Nevil Chimon shares his passion and invaluable information for cancer patients about the different types of cancer & the best medical imaging to assist diagnosis. This is information that you need to know! All patients become intimately involved with the process of cancer imaging, & the relationship often lasts for 5 or more years.

BIOGRAPHY: Dr Chimon is a medical science graduate of UCLAN, BSc (Hons), Manchester University, MSc & NUS, PhD, with Post-Doctoral training in Molecular Imaging & Radiochemistry completed at the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research & Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, UK. Nevil has over 10 years of experience within the pharmaceuticals industry. Holding positions of increasing responsibility within MNCs and SMEs has provided him with broad exposure to projects involving drug discovery & imaging diseases, including cancer & dementia. Strategically, he recognizes an opportunity exists to leverage on molecular imaging technology to both accelerate drug discovery and improve the healthcare of patients by using PET-CT and PET-MRI multi-modality imaging.

Dr Nevil Chimon BSc (Hons), MSc and NUS, PhD,

During his 7-years based in Singapore, Dr Chimon has established the first Preclinical CRO imaging facility, obtained GMP licensing for the RadLink cyclotron facility, performed the first clinical trial with a proprietary radio-tracer for Bayer Pharmaceuticals, & manufactured new tracers to detect cancer. To Listen to my interview with Dr Nevil Chimon: CLICK HERE

As a Cancer Patient – You need to Know your imaging options so you make an informed choice:

Different imaging methods use different technology and provide different types of images. This means they have different benefits for showing what is happening inside the body (e.g. for showing bone, soft tissue or tumours). Imaging methods also have different potential advantages and disadvantages, including exposure to radiation.

Here are just a few of the New Scanning devices and procedures you need to know about:
Prostate Cancer: PSMA (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen) PET-CT – A PSMA study, also called a ProstaScint® scan, is an imaging test to locate and determine the extent of prostate cancer. PSMA studies are performed on newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients to determine if the disease has spread to pelvic lymph nodes. The study is also performed on patients who have had their prostate gland removed (prostatectomy) and have an increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood levels.

The study involves a special molecule called a monoclonal antibody developed in a laboratory and designed to bind to the prostate-specific membrane antigen on cancer cells. This antibody is paired with a radioactive material called Indium-111 that can be detected by a gamma camera. When injected into the patient’s bloodstream, the radioactive antibody travels and attaches to cancer cells. The gamma camera then produces three-dimensional images of the tumor and its location inside the body. This study is performed over as many as three days. On the first day, the patient first receives an intravenous (IV) injection of the radioactive antibody. Imaging is performed in two sessions, separated by 24 or more hours. Each imaging session will last between two and four hours. The camera rotates around the patient, who remains still.

Molecular imaging and prostate cancer? Molecular imaging is used to:
stage treatment: by determining the exact location of a tumor, the extent or stage of the disease and whether the cancer has spread in the body and plan treatment by selecting the most effective therapy based on the unique molecular properties of the disease and of the patient’s genetic makeup
Choline C-11 PET scan is an imaging test used to help detect sites of prostate cancer that have returned despite treatment (recurrent prostate cancer). It may be used when other imaging has not been helpful. Choline C-11 PET scan is a positron emission tomography (PET) scan that uses a special chemical tracer called Choline C-11 Injection.
Valuable links:
11E_The use of Choline PET_CT in prostate cancer imaging_Tara Barwick
SCANNING FOR PROSTATE CANCER
Targeted therapies offer new options for prostate cancer treatment

Breast Cancer: MRI: Some women, particularly those under the age of 50 and who are at high risk of developing breast cancer due to a strong family history or a genetic mutation, are encouraged to undergo annual breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as part of their regular screening routine. MRI is sometimes a more effective screening tool for younger women, especially those with dense breasts. MRI scans are very expensive — up to $700 AUD per scan. There is a Medicare rebate for women at high risk of developing breast cancer.
Mammograms A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is the most common form of breast imaging. There are two types of mammogram — screening and diagnostic.
Screening mammograms: Screening mammograms are used for women who do not have any symptoms of breast cancer and who have not had breast cancer in the past. If you are aged 40 or over, have never been diagnosed with breast cancer and currently have no symptoms of breast cancer, you can be screened free of charge at a BreastScreen Australia clinic.
Diagnostic Mammograms Diagnostic mammograms are recommended for women who have a previous history of breast cancer or who are at high risk of developing breast cancer. Several X-rays are taken in order to obtain views of the breast/s from different angles. You will need a referral from a doctor for a diagnostic mammogram.
More info at http://www.bcna.org.au/living-breast-cancer/follow-care/breast-imaging

Diagnosing NETS (neuroendocrine tumours).

Ga68 DOTATE is a somatostatin receptor agent used in the imaging of well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours. For poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumours; standard F18 FDG-PET remains the imaging of choice for diagnosis. Dr Nevil Chimon discusses NET imaging options and the latest developments in my interview with him on Voice America.

Different types of imaging

X-rays (plain radiography) – Uses X-rays to show images of bones, tumours and other dense matter
Advantages: Quick, non-invasive and painless
Can help diagnose various diseases and injuries, including broken bones, cancer and infections
Disadvantages: Very small increased risk of cancer in future from exposure to ionising radiation (x-rays). Risk is greater for children
Computed tomography (CT scans) Uses multiple X-rays to produce cross-sectional layers that show detailed images inside the body, including bones, organs, tissues, and tumours.
Advantages*Quick and painless
*Can help diagnose and guide treatment for a wider range of conditions than plain X-rays
*Can detect or exclude the presence of more serious problems
*Can be used to check if a previously treated disease has recurred
Disadvantages*Small increased risk of cancer in future from exposure to ionising radiation (X-rays). Risk is greater for children
*Uses higher doses of radiation, so the risks (while still small) are in general greater than other imaging types
*Injection of a contrast medium (dye) can cause kidney problems or result in allergic or injection-site reactions in some people -Some procedures require anaesthesia.
Nuclear medicine imaging including positron-emission tomography (PET) Involves injecting, inhaling or swallowing a radioactive ‘tracer’. The gamma-rays emitted by this material are used by the scanner to show images of bones and organs:
Advantages*Usually painless
*Can help diagnose, treat, or predict the outcome for a wide range of conditions
*Unlike most other imaging types, can show how different parts of the body are working and can detect problems much earlier
*Can check how far a cancer has spread and how well treatment is working
*Involves exposure to ionising radiation (gamma-rays)
Disadvantages A PET scan can take 3 to 4 hrs from arrival to departure
*Radioactive material may cause allergic or injection-site reactions in some people
*PET scanners cause some people to feel claustrophobic, which may mean sedation is required
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to show detailed images of organs, soft tissues, bones, ligaments and cartilage
Advantages*Usually non-invasive and painless
*Uses no ionising radiation
*Can help diagnose and guide treatment for a wide range of conditions
*Can provide similar information to CT in some types of investigations
Disadvantages*Can be a lengthy and noisy procedure
*Slight movement can ruin the image, requiring retesting
*Can make some people feel claustrophobic
*Sedation or anaesthesia may be required for young children or others who can’t remain still
*Injection of a contrast medium (dye) if needed can cause kidney problems or result in allergic or injection-site reactions in some people
Can’t be undertaken in some situations (e.g. when a heart pacemaker is present)
Ultrasound Uses high-frequency sound waves to produce moving images onto a screen of the inside of the body, including organs, soft tissues and bones
Advantages*Usually non-invasive, safe and relatively painless
*Uses no ionising radiation
*Does not usually require injection of a contrast medium (dye)
*Can help diagnose a range of conditions in different parts of the body, such as the abdomen, pelvis, blood vessels, breast, kidneys, muscles, bones and joints
Disadvantages*Quality and interpretation of the image highly depends on the skill of the person doing the scan
*Other factors can affect image quality, including the presence of air and calcified areas in the body (e.g. bones, plaques and hardened arteries), and a person’s body size
*Use of a special probe (e.g. for the oesophagus, rectum or vagina) is required in some ultrasounds
*Special preparations may be required before a procedure (e.g. fasting or a full bladder)
Bone scan? A bone scan is a diagnostic imaging test used to determine whether cancer has spread to the skeleton. A tiny amount of radio-tracer is injected into the patient’s bloodstream and accumulates predominantly in the bones where it can be detected by a specialized imaging device called a gamma camera. The resulting two-dimensional or three-dimensional images can reveal various processes such as bony fractures, infection or inflammation or the likely presence of cancer cells.

Select the following URL to learn about the impact of radiation from Medical Scanning:
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/safety/?pg=sfty_xray

Medical imaging and Theranostics (developing molecular diagnostic tests in tandem with targeted therapeutics) are medical sciences that are moving forward at a rapid pace. Ask your oncologist/radiologist for the latest information about new scanning machines and techniques for your particular type of tumour.

We see many patients who have foregone critical diagnostic scans due to fears about radiation from scanning devices; mainly after reading poorly researched information on Dr Google. All cancer situations need proper diagnosing and monitoring. Most medical scans carry a small long term risk from radiation exposure – but to not know about a burgeoning cancer is a far greater risk to life and longevity.

If you need assistance and case management – you can consult with myself and specialist GP Dr Bruce Whelan in a team consultation at our Gold Coast, Qld Practice. I am also available for Skype consultations for distance Clients – We are able to offer world-wide referrals. To Contact myself and Dr Whelan: Email institute@gracegawler.com

Until next Time….

Grace

Grace Gawler|What you Need to Know to Safely Navigate the Complementary Medicine Maze

With 30 years experience as a botanical medicine practitioner, I know that complementary medicines are very popular with cancer patients. Some believe they are an alternative to conventional medicine, rather than a complement or adjunct to other treatments. Patients tend not disclose natural medicines they are taking when seeing their oncologist. Some oncologists don’t ask. Some patients take an each way bet and use both conventional and “natural medicines”, but in most cases; they will likely never tell their doctor what they are doing.

Grace Gawler | What you Need to Know to Safely Navigate the Complementary Medicine Maze – October 31, 2014

LISTEN TO TODAY"S VOICE AMERICA AUDIO - GRACE GAWLER — CLICK HERE FOR TODAY”S VOICE AMERICA AUDIO – GRACE GAWLER

Today’s Navigating the cancer Maze will give insights With 30 years experience as a botanical medicine practitioner, I know that complementary medicines are very popular with cancer patients. Some believe they are an alternative to conventional medicine, rather than a complement or adjunct to other treatments. Patients tend not disclose natural medicines they are taking when seeing their oncologist. Some oncologists don’t ask. Some patients take an each way bet and use both conventional and “natural medicines”, but in most cases; they will likely never tell their doctor what they are doing. Why? Because they expect a prejudiced attitude, either ridiculing their choice or telling them to stop everything else they are taking or doing that is not considered real medicine. Herein lies an enormous modern-day dilemma because many alternative & complementary medicines are indeed REAL medicines with active phyto-chemical contents.In today’s episode and on this blog – I also share useful information about Curcumin as a adjunct medicine for cancer patients.

First of all Vitamin C

I often see patients in my practice who refuse to have pharmaceutical drugs….they are often shocked when I explain to them that so called “natural medicines” they are using may not be natural at all – These substances actually become a drug or pharmaceutical product once they are administered by intravenous injection or intramuscular. It doesn’t mean they wont work – but the fact is they are NOT natural as is often marketed. They may have natural origins or have active principles of natural origin that has been synthesized in the laboratory.
Perhaps the best example here is vitamin C – there is no way we could use ascorbic acid as an i/v infusion….It must be modified in the laboratory.

Now this may come as a shock to those to love all things natural…..but Unfortunately, nearly all the dietary supplements marketed as vitamin C these days are synthetic isolates, made with genetically modified (GMO) corn from factories in China. Ascorbic acid is the product most often paraded as “vitamin C,” but it’s really only a laboratory-produced synthetic “isolate”—meaning it is a single component of vitamin C. Mother Nature knew what she was doing when she created vitamin C-rich fruits, berries and plants. Scientists now know that vitamin C isolates such as ascorbic acid do not provide the health benefits that whole food forms of vitamin C do.

This subject is so important that I will be inviting an expert on to the show soon to discuss the topic…. so sign up to receive an ecard notification for details of when this show will go to air.Join this blog to be updated and informed about complementary medicines and cancer – select Follow or join in the form in the widget bar on the right. The blog will be delivered weekly to your email address.
Curcumin – Tumeric

Multiple Molecular Targets of Curcumin
Curcumin attacks multiple targets, providing the scientific basis for its effectiveness in many different diseases. Extensive research shows most diseases are caused by dysregulation of multiple signaling pathways–casting doubt on the effectiveness of monotherapy, which is limited to a single target.
Studies show curcumin modulates numerous molecular targets, including: regulating several cytokines and fibroblast growth factor-2 (gene expression), growth-factor receptors including modulation of androgen receptors (protein kinases), transcription factors, pro-inflammatory enzymes (including supression of COX-2, 5-LOX and iNOS and regulation of NF-κB), modulation of cell-cycle-related gene expression, blocking the adhesion molecules, downregulating anti-apoptic proteins and inhibiting multi-drug resistance.

Curcumin is the most important active ingredient in turmeric, and makes up about 2-6% of the spice.

While therapeutic properties of turmeric have been known for centuries, modern science has identified the curcuminoids (phenolic compounds found in turmeric) and provides a scientific basis for many clinical uses of standardized curcumin.

Since turmeric contains very small concentrations of curcumin, look for standardized 95% curcumin (curcuminoids). Why? Hundreds of scientific and technical papers confirm: clinical results were obtained using curcumin (curcuminoids).Most Curcumin Products Contain 3 Curcuminoids
Commercial curcumin typically contains curcumin I (~77%), curcumin II (~17%) and curcumin III (~3%) as its major components.
For convenience, all curcuminoids are often referred to simply as “curcumin” even though turmeric contains a variety of different curcuminoids. Unfortunately, pure curcumin (including all known curcuminoids) is very poorly absorbed into your bloodstream after oral ingestion due to rapid metabolism in the liver and intestinal wall, and rapid systemic elimination.

Many curcumin products add piperine to improve absorption of curcumin. But piperine is a problem for many consumers because the additive should be taken cautiously (if at all) by anyone taking medications. According to the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, piperine is a potent inhibitor of drug metabolism, which means piperine spikes blood levels of many prescription medications.
A review of published research articles reveals piperine is toxic in experimental animals. Some research suggests piperine is safe in small amounts but large amounts of piperine could be damaging to the liver or other organs. Experts advise against consuming more than 15 mg of piperine per day. Piperine has known central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects. Finally, since piperine is a component of black pepper, consumers with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to black pepper should avoid piperine.

Check out BIOMOR Cucumin READ MORE at: http://curcumin-turmeric.net

ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: SEE DR LUDWIG JACOB’S: Curcumin K2

Available from Dr. Jacob’s Medical GmbH

Platter Str. 92

65232 Taunusstein

GERMANY E-Mail: info@drjacobsmedical.de

Cheap versions of complementary medicines manufactured in countries with poor manufacturing and quality control standards are best avoided…….contamination is a big issue as well as growing, harvesting and all that happens to a the material before it gets to production. A recent example in May 2013 was the outbreak of symptomatic hepatitis A virus infections across 10 US states associated with pomegranate arils imported from Turkey and manufactured in the USA by an organic group. The source was traced to imported frozen pomegranate arils. These were identified as the vehicle early in the investigation by combining epidemiology—with data from several sources—genetic analysis of patient samples, and product tracing. There were 165 cases known to have been affected.Hepatitis A is spread when human feces contaminate food or when an infected food handler prepares food without using proper hygiene. Human feces are expected as the cause of the outbreak, according to the Wall Street Journal.

http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/2848/20130708/fecal-matter-pomegranate-seeds-linked-hepatitis-outbreak-southwestern.htm

Remember – it’s best to ask for professional help when selecting products from the internet: Not only is it important to know the source of raw material – but the technique used in the manufacturing process and efficacy of the end product. Sometimes the pseudo-science that surrounds a product can be misleading.
Medicines and supplements purchased on the Interne need to be carefully scrutinized, especially if you are have cancer. Countries that have raw materials processed and manufactured with inadequate standards and poor quality control can be an issue.

Listen to today’s episode:Select the URL:

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/81372/what-you-need-to-know-to-safely-navigate-the-complementrary-medicine-maze

TO BE CONTINUED:

Introducing Health Intelligence Australia-A new Model of Healthcare Grace Gawler and Dr Bruce Whelan

On this week’s Navigating the Cancer Maze on Voice America radio, I presented an encore broadcast of a special interview with my colleague GP Dr Bruce Whelan: “Spinning Gold from Straw: How trauma transformed a Doctor’s Life and Practice”. This year, Dr Whelan and I have forged a very special medical partnership to help patients Navigate the Cancer Maze – Health Intelligence Australia.

On this week’s Navigating the Cancer Maze on Voice America radio, I presented an encore broadcast of a special interview with my colleague GP Dr Bruce Whelan: “Spinning Gold from Straw: How trauma transformed a Doctor’s Life and Practice”. This year, Dr Whelan and I have forged a very special medical partnership to help patients Navigate the Cancer Maze – Health Intelligence Australia.

Last week a patient asked me what makes Dr. Bruce Whelan unique in terms of the type of medicine he practises? The answer came

easily. In the past 10 years Bruce has become involved with and specialized in management of addictions, mental health and severe and chronic pain as well as general medicine. These are also all important aspects of cancer management. They are the areas of medicine that tend to be under-serviced by GPs due to time constraints or lack of training. But there is more that makes Dr Bruce Whelan uniquely suited to the new Health Intelligence Australia group.

Another area of Dr Bruce Whelan’s expertise is in the area of trauma. He knows a lot about trauma at a very personal level because in 2002 he was summoned to Bali from Sri Lanka, where he was working. He was given the unspeakably grim task of identifying bodies after the bombing at the Sari Club in Bali. His task was made even worse when he spent two days unsuccessfully trying to find and identify the body of his son-in-law Shane – killed in the bombing along with a partner of his daughter’s friend. As luck had it the girls were going to be late getting to the Sari Club that night. But lucky as they were to escape; the trauma of the incident lived on and shaped their future.

When Bruce graduated from the University of Queensland in 1967, like many of us, he had no idea what life had in store for him. As a doctor, Bruce Whelan had already seen lot of suffering, but the post-traumatic stress affect that the Bali incident produced, had long lasting effects. The product of uninvited change! Bruce fought a battle he could not win; to have bodies quickly identified, stored appropriately and repatriated to Australia.

This intensified the trauma, grief and loss experienced by many. However, being a resourceful doctor, eventually he was able to spin gold from straw as they say, and today, 14 years later; the experience brings with it a man who is the wounded healer who serves his patients with a rare quality of directness and authenticity. He is someone who deeply understands trauma and depression in another human being.

There is no substitute for this type of life experience. This type of experience can’t be learned in any university except in the university of life!

It is recognized by psycho-oncologists that a diagnosis of cancer is also a traumatic event and many patients experience PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) that often remains undiagnosed and untreated throughout the course of the illness. Some patients have experienced trauma before diagnosis and it may not have been dealt with. Unrecognized trauma can play a complicated role in the ongoing management of illness. Major life traumas can impact every treatment approach that a cancer patient will try during their recovery….. it can even affect patients who are survivors of the physical illness, but who did not have the opportunity to deal with the psychological impact of the illness at the time. This often plays out as depression, memory loss or dissociative disorders.

To make an appointment for a consultation to see either myself or Dr Whelan, or for a team consultation, please visit:

http://www.healthintelligenceaustralia.com/make-an-appointment/ or call 1800 011 723

RESOURCES: Check out the following resources to understand more about PTSD and the brain:The Biology of Trauma http://www.natal.org.il/english/?CategoryID=232

Article Psychology Today: The Anatomy of Post traumatic Stress Disorder

Listen to interviews with Dr Bruce Whelan on Voice America – at http://www.drbrucewhelan.com/about-dr-bruce/

Grace Gawler Navigating the Cancer Maze | The most important issue we can address – death; the great adventure

On Navigating the Cancer Maze – today – a discussion about death with Rev Dr. Ian Mavor and Dee Hanna from Hopewell hospice and Paradise Kids located on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Listen to or download interview at Voice America Navigating the Cancer Maze.

On Navigating the Cancer Maze – today – a discussion about death with Rev Dr. Ian Mavor and Dee Hanna from Hopewell hospice and Paradise Kids located on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Listen to or download interview at Voice America Navigating the Cancer Maze

DEATH ADVENTURES: It would to nice to think that all cancer patients could find healing and recovery. I would like to share a recent experience that was a case of breathing life into death! Prior to my recent visit to Germany, I had the pleasure of being invited one Saturday afternoon to a Death Cafe! I invited a guest and her family to attend with me. They were about to embark upon her journey into death. I will call this patient Lois. Lois had a highly aggressive brain tumor stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme – she was also a survivor of breast cancer 10 years prior. Following surgery and a recurrence soon after; Lois had successful treatment in Germany. However – she was not the same person that she and others knew, and this was tremendous source of distress to her. Like many patients with a brain tumor, Lois suffered from depersonalization (a state in which one’s thoughts and feelings seem unreal or not to belong to oneself). Medications and therapy did not assist. An intense episode of Shingles that lasted for 6 months followed by seizures and blindness in one eye and then a recurrence of the tumor, finally ‘tipped the scales’……Lois decided enough was enough! She decided that she wanted to end the suffering and refused further treatment. Lois and her family gained a tremendous amount of information by attending a Death Cafe. Soon she was a patient at Hopewell Hospice and a few weeks later – she died peacefully at the Hospice surrounded by love with friends and family in a conducive atmosphere of candlelight and peace – one of the most well prepared death experiences that I have been privy to. There was openness and disclosure. Nothing was left unsaid nor undone as Lois took her final breath.

The mere mention of a Death Cafe is a definite conversation stopper! This is especially so when friends ask “What are you doing this weekend” and you reply you attending a Death Cafe function! Immediately people imagine a group of people resembling Abby from NCIS! However – everyone who attended the Death Cafe dressed quite normally and there was not a ‘Goth fashion’ in sight! The format was a discussion by grief counselor Beth O’Brien and funeral director Neil Davis. They spoke openly about all the things you likely thought that you would never want to know about death and yet; these are things that one should know. And – with the room to capacity – it was amazing how the conversation became lively, questioning and engaging. People really wanted to ask more and more questions ….questions that are indeed relevant to us all.

Death is often ‘the elephant in the room that no one wants to discuss’. However it was good to see the topic on the table for discussion on ABC TV ( Australia) last night – so perhaps the Death Cafe is in deed making an impact in bringing death out of the closet.

What is The Death Cafe? It is a global movement where people come together in a relaxed and safe setting to discuss death. It’s not all doom and gloom. The organizers say that sometimes people need to understand death so they can live life to the full.

Have you ever been curious about the end of life experience? At Death Cafe a funeral director and celebrant will be at hand to help bury the taboos. Visit the website: http://www.distinguishabledays.com/2013/10/brisbanes-first-death-cafe/

Interview on Voice America’s Navigating the Cancer Maze:

Who is Rev. Dr Ian Mavor, OAM, FACE – Ian is a former Uniting Church Minister. Much of Ian’s professional life has been in specialist roles. Co-Founder and Executive Director Ian serves as Executive Director of Hopewell Hospice Services Inc which includes Hopewell Hospice, Paradise Kids, the Living Well Center and the Hopewell College of Transformative Education. He is a member of the Health Community Council-Gold Coast Health District and a member of the State Council of Palliative Care Queensland. In 2002, Ian was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) “For service to the community through a range of church, social welfare, education and health groups”.

http://www.hopewell.org

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/79547/special-encore-presentation-navigating-the-cancer-maze-the-most-important-issue-we-can-address-death

Who is Deirdre Hanna
Dee is the Founder of Hopewell Hospice Services Inc. in 1993, which includes Hopewell Hospice, Paradise Kids Children’s Services, Hopewell Education Services and The Living Well Center.

http://hopewell.org.au/other-services

Recommended viewing: Last night’s segment on ABC TV 7.30 report: Charter for people who are nearing end of life. View the video at the link below:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-01/push-to-put-end-of-life-plans-on-agenda/5642866?section=qld

DEATH CAFE: For exact location details and bookings for the Brisbane Death Cafe email: director@australiancelebrations.com.au

We hope you have found this blog helpful to your life and purpose. Navigating the Cancer Maze is sponsored by the Grace Gawler Institute- a not for profit registered health promotion charity located in Queensland Australia with a Global outreach focusing on cancer and life education. www.gracegawlerinstitute.com

Voice America – Grace Gawler interviews Lead with Your Heart Author|Regina Cates

Voice America – Grace Gawler interviews Lead with Your Heart Author|Regina CatesIt doesn’t have to be cancer or an illness – any crisis will do to initiate change! Learn what to do when uninvited change visits you! Can you be prepared? YES! Using the language of shared experiences, Regina communicates universal truths in a down-to-earth manner everyone can understand. Her spot-on description of the human condition inspires people to take responsibility for their actions, words, and thoughts, creating beneficial change in their lives.

It doesn’t have to be cancer or an illness – any crisis will do to initiate change!

Learn what to do when uninvited change visits you! Can you be prepared? YES!

My interview with author Regina Cate went live to air today: You listen to the interview on live streaming or you can download from Voice America.

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/77477/lead-with-your-heart-tips-on-how-to-navigate-lifes-maze-with-regina-cates

The program regularly offers tools for life skills – not only for cancer patients and it is free – the show is a vision in action for the Grace Gawler Institute’s education and awareness program for living well!

About Regina Cate’s Book:

Using the language of shared experiences, Regina communicates universal truths in a down-to-earth manner everyone can understand. Her spot-on description of the human condition inspires people to take responsibility for their actions, words, and thoughts, creating beneficial change in their lives. Doing so is Regina‘s passion, and it comes through loud and clear.

In 2004 she left the traditional work world so she could spend her days teaching people to lead with their hearts. This witty, provocative, non-judgmental lover of life, who cares more about people than price tags, is not above scooping up dog poop from her neighbors’ lawns or litter from the curbs.
To look at Regina, as glowing and lovely as if she had stepped off the pages of a wellness magazine, you would never imagine that her childhood in Victoria, Texas, was hard. A jeans-wearing, gay tomboy growing up in the sixties, Regina was surrounded by people who ridiculed and persecuted her. No matter how hard she tried to fit the mold, she continued to fail. And yet, attempting to accept others’ limited views caused her such feelings of unworthiness and shame that she lived in constant fear.

Regina has many life and health challenges of her own – even today but it is HOW she has chosen to live that makes her an inspiring teacher. She has found an authentic and sustainable way to manage those issues and is a great believer in community as support – to share and care!

Eventually she realized she was not meant to live anyone’s life but her own, and the heartbreak became a door to self-awareness. Facing her fear, she finally stood up, refusing to let her past define her present a moment longer. With appreciation for those same hurtful experiences, Regina was able to transform her life from one of pain and self-doubt to happiness and self-fulfillment.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4zarWsV2Fg]

Until the moment when Regina knew it was time to make the leap of faith and empower others on a full-time basis, her journey was fairly traditional.

To Buy the book – www.Romancingyoursoul.com and visit Regina’s Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/RomancingYourSoul

* Remember to like us on Facebook too!!*

Navigating the Cancer Maze is produced by the Grace Gawler Institute for Integrated Cancer Solutions as a service to the Global Community. A not for profit registered Health Promotion Charity.

Early Diagnosis| a Significant Step to Winning the Cancer Challenge|Grace Gawler

I was very impressed during my recent visit to Singapore when briefed about a new campaign for early diagnosis as a part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. This campaign is not only restricted to Singapore. Please get on board -The message is global! The campaign is called Make Love the Reason. Make your pledge now…visit the site on Facebook: https://apps.facebook.com/fortis_fbapp/
Working at the other end of cancer, where disease is often massive and the patient is battle weary from prolonged treatments; early diagnosis and risk reducing factors are very attractive indeed!! So why do so many people leave their most important asset – SELF, on the back burner?

On our way back from a Cancer Patients without Borders Medi-Tour trip to Germany about a week ago; we had our usual stopover in Singapore, where it was a delight to revisit Fortis Surgical Hospital (formerly Fortis Colorectal Hospital).

Not only was I able to have my electrodes reprogrammed for my sacral neuro-modulating device; I was also able to catch up with some of the latest research and surgical techniques used at Fortis Surgical hospital, Singapore

If you missed listening to Dr Francis Seow Choen’s interview with me on Voice America recently – Please take this opportunity to tune in or download the show for free at Voice America: Navigating the Cancer Maze.

I was very impressed during my visit when briefed about the new campaign for early diagnosis as a part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. This campaign is not only restricted to Singapore. Please get on board -The message is global! The campaign is called Make Love the Reason. Make your pledge now…visit the site on Facebook: https://apps.facebook.com/fortis_fbapp/

Working at the other end of cancer, where disease is often massive and the patient is battle weary from prolonged treatments; early diagnosis and risk reducing factors are very attractive indeed!!

So why do so many people leave their most important asset – SELF, on the back burner?

There is a lot in life that we cannot control – but self value and self care is something we can have control over. We need to seriously look at the factors that can prevent us from seeking self care and a better life. Is it fear, embarrassment, being too busy to make time for that appointment to check out a health problem or to just have a general check up? Is it that the alternative medicine/lifestyle path looks attractive to you. You may not know what you have – no diagnosis; but whatever it is, the latest fad diet is worth trying! The latter in my recent experience is one key reason in today’s world why people delay diagnosis. By using self referred lifestyle medicine to get well; often a one size fits all approach – not personalized, the promise of good health is assured.

For example, a patient came to me who had noticed blood on the loo paper for about 5 years. Without seeing a doctor – she embarked upon a regimen of everything from meditation to positive thinking, diets and juice fasts. The blood stains continued – and rather than seek professional advice( a diagnosis), she ignored the symptoms and began intensifying all she was doing, believing she just had to get her body clear and clean and that nature would heal her of her undiagnosed problem. She was a young mum of two. She is now dead due to advanced colo-rectal cancer that by the time she was diagnosed; had metastasized to her liver and lungs.

Healthcare and self-care can seem all too hard in today’s world. The new generation of young health entrepreneurs are regurgitating and extrapolating the health myths that began 40 years ago! They didn’t work then – they don’t work now. They certainly don’t work for treating cancer naturally as the patient above experienced. Unfortunately, she is one of many. If anyone told me 30 years ago I would specialize in Alt Med Rescue – I would have laughed at them!

Copious juices, enemas, veganism, raw food, supplements, no sugar, no carbs, alkalizing diets – “no food diets” , will not only empty your stomach – but also your pockets. So don’t be fooled by fad diets. Well-being is a state of mind, an attitude of self care. It is being sensible, balanced and enjoying a middle of the road approach to living. It is about taking necessary steps to improve health and longevity and… attending to.…… not ignoring symptoms!

After 40 years in my cancer work and nearly 30 years as a Naturopath/Herbalist I have seen more stress & depression created by unnecessary change in the pursuit of of health and happiness. People get so stressed trying to de-stress! So – after all my years in the Health field what have I learned? Self care is important – it is about taking time for self, family, friends – good social networks and good relationships. Do one thing just for you each day & importantly, take your time doing it. Slow down give yourself the time you deserve.

Importantly – Make time for that medical check-up you have been putting off – Make Love the Reason!!

Voice America|Caryle Hirshberg talks about her published Research on Spontaneous Remissions and Why people Heal| Grace Gawler

Navigating the Cancer Maze with Grace Gawler on Voice America. I interview the co author of Spontaneous Remission, a research compilation that launched Caryle Hirshberg into the cancer spotlight when it was published in 1993 by the institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS). Co authored by the late Brendan O’Regan; the book filled a gap in research as before that time there was no standard reference for the field of spontaneous remission. It is inspiring, educative and the only published Masterpiece that has dared to research this fascinating subject.

Today on Navigating the Cancer Maze
The book, Spontaneous Remission, launched Caryle Hirshberg into the cancer spotlight when it was published in 1993 by the institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS). Co authored by the late Brendan O’Regan; the book filled a gap in research as before that time there was no standard reference for the field of spontaneous remission.

Spontaneous Remission Hirshberg & ORegan — The book Spontaneous Remission – PDF downloads available see link below

The Remission Project charter at IONS was to catalogue the world’s medical literature on the subject. The result was an assembly of the largest database of medically reported cases of spontaneous remission in the world, with more than 3,500 references from more than 800 journals in 20 different languages.

Another book followed; Remarkable Recovery which in 1994 the New York Times Literary Guild Book Club named as one of three of the hottest books on the horizon. Can we go beyond the stories and apply science to the study of remarkable recoveries? This week listen to Caryle Hirshberg answer this question and hear about her life’s work studying why people heal? To listen to Caryle’s interview with me, Grace Gawler CLICK HERE

Caryle Hirshberg is a former Senior Research Associate with the Institute of Noetic Sciences she co authored Spontaneous Remission with Brendan O’Regan published in 1993. She has been involved with beneficial plant research and the Center for Integrative Medicine which researches globally, promoting pharmacological research and intelligent scientific approaches to studying into indigenous and traditional remedies. Caryle was senior Researcher for the six part documentary The Heart of Healing which became a signature series for investigation into the mystery of why people heal.

In an extraordinary career, Caryle’s undergraduate study was in chemistry, mathematics and psychology at University of Florida. Her graduate work was in neurochemistry at Indiana University.

She has been involved in researching remission, neurochemistry, pharmacology, cancer biochemistry and cardiology. She has lectured widely on the subject of spontaneous remissions.

Today she is private practice. CLICK HERE to listen to this INSPIRING interview:

TO VIEW SPONTANEOUS REMISSIONS FOR FREE – SEE CHAPTERS AT THE FOLLOWING LINK.

http://noetic.org/library/publication-books/spontaneous-remission-annotated-bibliography/

You can download Chapters in PDF. There are some valuable and fascinating chapters on infection related remissions and a chapter on understanding of the mechanisms of cancer healing, is elegantly explained. INSPIRING & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This blog and Our Voice America Radio show – “Navigating the Cancer Maze” is a created as a public service by the Grace Gawler Institute for Integrated Cancer Solutions to enhance cancer education via valid and evidence based experience to help cancer patients and families make informed decisions. We are a not for profit health promotion charity with a Global impact.

www.gracegawlerinstitute.com www.germancancertreatments.com

Professor Ian Frazer, The Man who Saved a Million Lives interview with Grace Gawler

During this past week, a book about Professor Frazer’s personal story and his discoveries relating to viruses and cancer was launched in Brisbane. It is one of those books that is a must read – an important contribution to Australia medical science history! Authored by Madonna King, the book titled: “IAN FRAZER….The Man who saved a Million Lives” is available in Australia from Dymocks, Target and many other bookstores. Buy online at UQP. Listen to my Interview with Prof Ian Frazer on Voice America…..

Have you ever wondered about the nature of viruses? What they are made of… how they operate….. and how they can do a takeover bid in our bodies and make us so ill? Did you know that viruses are implicated as a causative factor in the development of many cancers – not only cervical cancer? The bigger question begs; what can we do when a virus strikes and can we prevent a virus from causing cancer?

Fortunately for all of us Prof Ian Frazer began asking these questions at an early age. At about the age of nine, he remembers lining up with schoolmates for their polio vaccinations. He said in a recent Reader’s Digest issue: “The needle got my attention,” he says – which is where most kids are happy to leave it. “Then, I realized there were [crippled] kids around who had had polio. That got me interested in how the body fights infection … how the body repairs itself.” Thanks to his earlier scientific curiosity, HPV 16 – one of the leading causes of cancer of the cervix, is in process of being eradicated worldwide.
During this past week, a book about Professor Frazer’s personal story and his discoveries relating to viruses and cancer was launched in Brisbane. It is one of those books that is a must read – an important contribution to Australia medical science history!

Authored by Madonna King, the book titled: “IAN FRAZER….The Man who saved a Million Lives” is available in Australia from Dymocks, Target and many other bookstores. If you haven’t bought your Father’s Day gift yet – this one would a fantastic idea. (A percentage of proceeds from the book will be donated to the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation). Not available in e-book yet, the book is published by University of Queensland Press BUY ONLINE HERE
If you want to hear more about viruses and Professor Frazer’s work – Please do not miss listening to today’s special edition of Navigating the Cancer maze on Voice America’s Health and Wellness channel: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/72540/navigating-the-cancer-maze-with-professor-ian-frazer
About
Professor Ian Frazer AC, FRS, FAACEO, 2006 Australian of the Year & Director of Research at the Translational Research Institute, Brisbane Australia; is one Australia’s most celebrated medical research scientists. Prof Frazer has received numerous national and international awards for his work in developing the technology that has enabled vaccines to help prevent cervical cancer. To link a virus to cancer in the 1980’s was contentious, but Ian Frazer persevered, convinced this needed further investigation. Now his successful research and development of a cervical cancer vaccine has sold worldwide under the brand names Gardasil and Cervarix. In May 2011, Prof Frazer was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. This achievement elevates him to the same status as world renowned scientists such as Stephen Hawking and Sir Isaac Newton. Today’s interview will probe in depth the connection between viruses and cancer and the function of immunity in viral destruction and management.
Short BIO – Professor Ian Frazer
Professor Frazer, a renal physician & clinical immunologist from Edinburgh, Scotland; came to Melbourne Australia in 1981 to pursue studies in viral immunology and autoimmunity at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of medical Research.
In 1985, he moved to Brisbane to assume a teaching post with the University of Queensland & was appointed Director of the Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research in 1991. He has taught immunology to undergraduate & graduate students at the University & has research interests in immune-regulation and immuno-therapeutic vaccines for HPV (Papilloma virus) associated cancers.

Translational Research Institute Brisbane Australia

Now involved in revolutionary research, he is developing a vaccine/treatment for HSV-2 – the virus implicated in genital herpes.
He is a past President of the Cancer Council Australia, Chairman of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation’s Medical Research Advisory Committee & Chair of the International Agency for Research on Cancer Scientific Advisory Committee.

More on this topic and a review of the book IAN FRAZER….The Man who saved a Million Lives in my next blog at www.gracegawlermedia.com

Navigating the cancer Maze on Voice America Heath and Wellness Channel is presented each week by the Grace Gawler Institute in the interest of informing and educating the worldwide cancer community. www.gracegawlerinstitute.com

Listen to the interview at : http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/72540/navigating-the-cancer-maze-with-professor-ian-frazer

Strath Tonic – Switzerland’s Best Kept Secret Grace Gawler Part 3

Bio-Strath AG uses the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Meyen yeast type in the production of its natural Strath products. This yeast already contains many essential vital substances in itself. Strath strengthens immune defences
All you need to keep your immune system functional.

About Strath Tonic: Part 3

Herbal yeast – Production

Bio-Strath AG uses the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Meyen yeast type in the production of its natural Strath products. This yeast already contains many essential vital substances in itself.

During the gentle, biological Strath process, yeast cells are combined with selected herbal extracts as they multiply. The uptake and integration of the herbal active substances into the yeast cells creates the unique Strath herbal yeast. In a subsequent processing step, the yeast cells are naturally opened up, in other words liquefied.
This process, known as plasmolysis, is required so that the human body can take up the valuable constituents of Strath herbal yeast (bioavailability). The production process takes about 2 months in total.
Strath is suitable for yeast intolerant people (listen to interview Voice America). The liquid contains minimal sugars while the tablets contain no sugars. The liquid is well tolerated by people with cancer who want to improve their wellbeing while undergoing cancer treatments.

LATEST RESEARCH: Influence of Bio-Strath® on osteogensis
Herbal yeast plasmolysate promotes the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells.
(Monici M., Marziliano N., Cialdai F., romano G., Cellai I., Benvenuti S. und Cogoli A.; L?Integratore Nutrizionale; 14(1), 2011:37-42)

Summary of the results of the in-vitro-Study at the University of Florence, Italy:

The addition of herbal yeast clearly promotes maturation of cells that build up bone mass (osteoblasts).
The formation of undesirable osteoclasts (bone breakdown) is decreased by adding herbal yeast.
A combination of drug therapy and herbal yeast plasmolysate could therefore be successful in osteoporosis patients.

Link to osteoporosis research:
http://www.vita61.com.my/research-on-bone-construction.html

Please select the following links to view slide show about the properties of Strath Tonic:
http://www.vita61.com.my/alfred-habegger.html

For application and use of Strath in combination with Oncological therapies

http://www.vita61.com.my/oncological-therapies.html

Strath tonic — Lab results: Vita-Strath® Food Supplements Drops, Elixir (liquid) and Tablets

For more about Strath: see the website: http://www.bio-strath.ch/about-us.0.html

Or contact me at email: navigatingthecancermaze@gmail.com

Images and information used on this blog for 3 articles – approved by Bio-Strath AG