Cancer Thriver: Cortney from Green Drink Diaries

This week I had the opportunity to speak with Cortney of Green Drink Diaries. She is a holistic cancer survivor and she gave me permission to print her story. I think you'll be impressed.

How I Beat Cancer

3 months before my cancer diagnosis.

In October of 2008 I was diagnosed with Stage II Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After weeks of testing and the staging confirmed by PET/CAT scans and a bone marrow biopsy, my husband Kevin and I had to make a decision. Were we going to go with the oncologist’s recommendation of R-CHOP chemotherapy and radiation? There were so many unsettling factors. The type of Hodgkin’s I had was very rare and there were no conclusive studies on what type of conventional treatment was MOST effective. The chemotherapy that was suggested by my oncologist had many side effects, but the one I found completely unbearable was infertility.
On the same day we received my official diagnosis and were given our tour through the chemo room and the wig shop, Kevin and I came home feeling unsettled and bewildered.  While I was lost in my thoughts of whether to freeze my eggs or agree to have embryos frozen, he began research on alternative cancer treatment. Neither one of us had any experience in the alternative cancer world. He began discovering other people who felt similarly as we did. They believed there had to be another way, a better way to treat cancer. We also found several survivors who treated or were treating naturally, such as Jerry Brunetti and Kris Carr.

Over the next few weeks, packages arrived at our door on a daily basis. Kevin began to read about the reasons that conventional medicine was not always the best way to approach treating cancer. He became more and more educated on the effectiveness of alternative cancer treatment. I had difficulty having faith in his new alternative cancer philosophy. How could this “natural” treatment be so effective, but yet doctors continue to treat almost exclusively with c​h​e​m​o​t​h​e​r​a​p​y​, radiation, and surgery? It must be because modern American medicine was superior to diet change and supplementation? I needed to educate myself on it. I focused on a book by Bill Henderson called “Cancer Free: Your Guide to Non-Toxic Healing” and in November began the protocol he lays out in his book:
1. Beta 3-D Glucan Immune Boosting Supplement
2. Raw Organic Vegan Diet, No Meat, No Sugar, No Processed Foods, No Cooked Food
3. Budwig Protocol (Cottage Cheese/Flaxseed Oil)
4. Vitamin C/ Green Tea Supplement
5. Barley Power Supplement
6. Dr. David Williams Daily Advantage Vitamins
7. HcG Urine Test to monitor progress

After many heated arguments and tears, I had finally agreed to give alternative cancer treatment a 3 month trial period. Our next step was to find an oncologist who supported us in our journey. After leaving the first oncologist, we found a holistic M.D. at first who knew of an oncologist, Dr. Stephen Szabo who she heard was more-open minded to patients trying alternative treatments. After one visit with him he confirmed that he believed I had “time to try alternative therapies” and agreed to monitor the cancer while I continued my nutritional protocol. It was shortly after this I began to notice the cancerous lymph node in my neck drastically reducing in size, almost to the point of non-detection after only a month on my new diet.
In January of 2009, I attended the 12 day detoxification and raw foods course at the Living Foods Institute here in Atlanta. It was there I was introduced to new ways to enjoy raw foods.  I also received 7 colonics to detox my colon in order to allow proper assimilation of the cancer-fighting nutrients I was putting into my body. I did many other things to detox my body also, such as drinking Essiac Tea, reflexology, drinking Alkaline water, sweating in a dry heat sauna, and exercising on a Cellerciser rebounder. During this time I also kept my anxiety levels calm through prayer, reading biblical scripture, and reciting positive affirmations.
My January HcG Test showed improvement from my November score. I was set for another HcG test in March when I discovered I was pregnant. It was a scary and uncharted territory for us. My oncologist seemed confident and we worked together along with my OBGYN through the next few months of morning sickness and blood tests to make sure my body was handling the pregnancy well and the cancer wasn’t acting up.

Finally, on May 4th, 2009, Dr. Szabo gave us the surprising news that I was in “clinical” remission! He believed that CT/PET scans were NOT a superior way to monitor the form of cancer I had because of its indolent nature. Instead, I am monitored via bloodwork and physical examinations.  Following several months of excellent health reports, I received “clinical” remission status. I went on to have an unmedicated and natural birth to Ruby-Claire Campbell on November 19^th 2009.

As of this writing in October, 2011 I remain in clinical remission. I have chosen to address my cancer through lifestyle change. This is a lifelong commitment. My diet is not as extreme as it was in the beginning, but I still stay completely away from sugar, processed foods, and conventional foods. I eat a TON of nutrient-dense, organic vegetables: a big, colorful salad and 64 ounce veggie smoothie everyday. I rarely eat meat, but when I do, it is grass fed, free-range meat or wild-caught fish. I still drink green tea, take Vitamin C, and Dr. David Williams’ vitamin supplements each day. I eat the Cottage Cheese/ Flaxseed Oil mixture at least 4 days a week.

I think there is a place for conventional medical treatment and intervention/monitoring. For my husband and I, it was a PRAYERFUL decision to approach the cancer the way we did. We believe that God gave us a fully functioning, self-healing body that when brought back to its original state can fight off the malfunctioning cell growth of any form of cancer. It will be a journey to keep the cancer away, not a destination. That is how we hope Americans will begin to look at their health care.
For a more detailed version of this story, please click HERE.
My Series on Fighting Cancer with Alternative Therapies
Introduction
Part 1: A Day in the Life On My Alternative Cancer Protocol
Part 2: 5 Tips for Alternative Cancer Confidence
Part 3: You Need an Advocate to Support You!
Part 4: Facing the Critics of Alternative Cancer Treatment: Friends, Family and Forums Who Mean Well
Part 5: The Three Day “Eat For the Cure!”

My Cancer Protocols Explained

This past weekend I posted a Cancer Update and listed some of the protocols I've implemented or am in the process of implementing. I realize that most of that is gibberish to the general populace, and quite frankly up until last week was for me as well. So I thought I'd break it down a bit. Feel free to ask any questions and I will link to sites with more info, for those of you also going through health issues.

  

MSM/Colloidal Silver

MSM is an extremely vital mineral, that in combination with the silver, kills the microbes in cancer cells. Alone, these two would not have this affect, but by taking the MSM, than waiting 15 minutes and following up with the silver, the MSM opens up a "doorway" to allow the silver to come in and kill the microbes inside the cancer cells, allowing the cell to restore to a natural healthy state. 

Limu Juice

This product is a seaweed juice, with a tiny bit of fruit juice to improve the taste. The seaweed has cancer killing abilities and is a good addition to any protocol, but not necessarily a stand alone product. It's also crazy expensive. However, one of the main benefits is that it gives cancer patients more time, allowing other protocols to kick in. The taste leaves a little to be desire, but I've been throwing it back like a shot, so it's not so bad. Right now I'm taking about half the recommended dose of 16 ounces a day, but I am already feeling the affects. 

The Cellect/Budwig Protocol

This protocol has six parts 1) Vegetable Juice 2) The Budwig Diet 3) Cellect 4) Coffee Enemas and other detox methods 5) Vitamin B17 6) Real Sunlight. I have been doing green smoothies, and will now do a quart of smoothie and a quart of juice daily. A member of our local community was kind enough to loan us a juicer, so we'll be starting that portion this week.  

The Budwig Diet consists of a blended portion of cottage cheese and flax oil, at I 2:1 ratio, with the larger portion being the cottage cheese. While it sounds odd, this protocol was discovered by a German scientist in the 50's named Johanna Budwig and has been used successfully to heal cancer patients for many decades. The combination of the flax oil and cottage cheese causes a chemical bond that allows the cells to easily absorb this combo. It creates an electrical charge in the cells, causing cancer cells to die and strengthening healthy cells. This protocol is done twice a day, on an empty stomach, and the goal is to work up to a 6:3 ratio. Some people really love it, personally I think it has a bit of an after taste, but I'm used to chucking down pretty much anything by now.

B17, also referred to Laetrile, is found primarily in apricot pits. Back in the 70's you could purchase B17 supplements at your local health food store, but sadly people were being cured of cancer, and so the FDA, guns ablazing, came in and removed the product. Until recently people were still getting arrested for selling the seeds, but apparently that is no longer the case. However we did purchase this in pill form, and I'm attempting to determine the dosage as the bottle is in Spanish. Thank you international orders. Laetrile contains cyanide, which in this format does not harm healthy cells, but is deadly to cancer cells. This products main focus is to kill cancer cells. There are entire villages in South America where the people have never had cancer, because they eat the pits of the fruits. This is a highly effective treatment, but works best in conjunction with the Cellect, which provides the nutrients needed for the Laetrile to be absorbed by the body. The Cellect, which is a major portion of this protocol, is a powder that you take 6-8 scoops a day, and contains tons of minerals, which essentially support the immune system and aid the B17 in killing cancer cells.

Detoxing is another important portion of this protocol. Once these methods start to work, your body works like heck to release toxins. Any toxins that get stuck recycle back into your blood stream, which can open the door to viruses and cause fatigue. Currently I am doing weekly colonics, and will start doing coffee enemas twice a day. The reason for the coffee is that it not only removes debris from the rectum, but also releases toxins from the liver, making it more beneficial than a typical enema. The more toxins you can move out of your body, the better you will feel and the less work your body has to do and the faster it will heal.

The Vibe Machine
Here's some info from the website "The VIBE Machine works on five different levels by using a medium electromagnetic field. In this field, a high voltage pulse is added along with ozone. The charge is placed at a negative voltage which is being transmitted to an antenna designed to twist the magnetic field. It is then routed through noble and inert gases. These gases are in a plasma state, varying in frequencies which relate to human cellular frequencies. Plasma is found between the protons and electrons of all cells in the human body. By oscillating this plasma state, the cells are energized by the Vibe Machine. Disease is a state found in non-vibrating, non-charged, or non-energized cells. The VIBE Machine brings the vibrational level of your body back to its natural state of being. It is a technological breakthrough in enhancing the human body by helping it reach optimum vibration and energy." Interesting eh? This is $10K machine, that a wonderful community member is lending to me during my treatment. You do two five minute sessions daily.

Resonance Repatterning
This is an energy psychology technique, designed to release blockages to emotional health. I used this several years ago to clear a pattern of attracting rapists wannabe (I'm not joking, I had DAILY issues from kindergarten through my early 20's). Anyway, after ONE SESSION, I received a compliment and date offer from a NORMAL man, and shortly there after met someone who I dated for three years. I also, after 20 years of being assaulted, sexually harrassed, etc., have never had another incident. This is powerful stuff people. Here's some info from my gal Bobbie Martin's website. "Resonance Repatterning is a process designed to clear beliefs, behaviors and negative emotions that create limitations in your life.  Much of what holds you back originates from subconscious patterns (or programming) which took place early in your life.  These subconscious patterns interfere with your ability to create the happiness, abundance, fulfillment, love and health that you desire. Repatterning works by bringing these subconscious patterns into your consciousness so they can be addressed and cleared, allowing you to move easily and naturally towards a state of what we call coherence. Coherence, as defined in Resonance Repatterning, is a greater balance, aliveness, harmony, and alignment with your goals." I am using this method to keep my positive mojo going and release any feelings of wanting to die. I've had one session in the last week, and my spirits are improved tremendously. I highly recommend this for anyone with emotional blockages.

 

In addition to the items listed above, I will also start using a rebounder, which is a mini-trampoline, designed to move the lymphatic system. You can be as gentle or as enthused as you want. Even just standing on it and moving your feel just a little bounces you enough to move the lymph system. This is so important as the lymphatic system does not have it's own pump, so without movement it can get sluggish and cause illness. I am also taking an assortment of supplements, including Hydrocloric Acid and Digestive Enzymes (for processing my food) and Milk Thistle to support the liver, D-Ribose to support immune fuction, and B12, Vitamin D and Iron. Obviously I'm also eating a healthy diet, mostly vegan, lots of veggies and good grains, and drinking tea as often as possible. 

Whew! Healing is a full time job, but I am fully dedicated. I am so much Gratitude and Love for my Supporters. Thank you for being there, and you are all invited over for Christmas Dinner, because, I WILL be here, and will be stronger than ever. 

Love,

Shanna

Cancer Update

I have been remiss in writing this past month, due to major illness. I've had two cellulitis infections, the cold from hell that turned into bronchitis, all of which gave my cancer the window it needed to spread like wild fire.
I have two major tumors in my lungs, putting pressure on my trachea. Tumors in my spleen and abdomen and in the bones.My blood levels and iron are so low that I had to get a blood transfusion (18 hours in the hospital!). I also had to do an EKG to chart my heart, because it may not be strong enough for any type of treatments. It could basically stop at any time. I'm also malnourished, because my body isn't processing any of my food, so I'm constantly hungry but never satisfied. This is part of a lot of issues. I am going to take crap loads of Hydrochloric Acid and various enzymes, although I've done this before with little result, but it's the best shot I have of getting some nutrients in my body. Ugh, I may have to resort to juicing, oh how I hate it, but my new roomie (Dad) has volunteered to juice for me. I also don't get enough good fats, so hello avocados and almonds! And salt, my sodium is ridiculously low because I don't eat salt, so somehow I have to make that happen. I admit the thought grosses me out. My Vitamin D is insanely low, along with magnesium, but again until I start absorbing things I'm not sure how to balance this out. I got a B12 shot. I've been instructed not to drive and I can no longer live on my own, so my little bits of freedom are now gone. I'm doing my best to not be moody, but I am not excited about all of this. I did a Resonance Repatterning  session with Bobbie Martin to get my spirits up and plan on doing some more sessions. It's an energy psychology method that's pretty cool and can change the negative patterns we create and reform them into positive patterns. So wanting to die becomes wanting to live and so and such. In addition, we have to find a way to aid in my breathing, because if the tumor in my lung swells anymore, I will probably go to sleep and never wake up.Basically, this is my last chance, it's do or die, and maybe die anyway at this point. For those wondering about traditional treatment, besides my "hell no" attitude, I was given the impression that at this point it would only prolong my life, in a horrible way of course, that my cancer has spread beyond what chemo/radiation can do anything about. I've got to give it my all, or let go at this point, because there's not going to be a 4th chance. I would like to add that there are many people who have cured themselves holistically. I have fallen off the wagon many times, which is why I'm in this position. Those who are truly dedicated have had amazing healing experiences. This is my last chance to dedicate myself, and sadly it may already be too late. But I'm going to give it a whirl, and this time I have help. So fingers crossed!

My Treatment Plan

• Juicing/Green Smoothies
• The Budwig Diet (cottage cheese and flax oil)
• Laetrile/B17
• Cellect Powder (for the immune system)
• Limu Juice
• MSM/Colodial Sliver protocol
• Coffee Enemas
• Rebounder
• EFT, Resonance Repatterning, Meditation
• Colonics
• Talking to my tumors
• The Vibe Machine

There may be more to come, as we see how this all works!