CANCER – and our
experience
Kevin and I have prepared this page to pass on
information that we found to be helpful after Kevin was diagnosed
with Nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma [cancer of the nose]
.The warning sign being a quickly developing lump in the left throat
lymph gland [the lymph nodes being a filtering mechanism in the
body, which acts as the first line of defense against cancer cells].
After a biopsy found the growth to be malignant, we had a twelve
week wait before commencing conventional treatment [radiation and
chemo] due to Kevin needing 8 teeth which had to be removed prior to
starting. During this time we came to terms with the fear associated
with the word cancer, and took it upon ourselves to source as much
information on different treatments as possible.
The information available once you start searching
can be conflicting and confusing, so you have to decide on a plan
that you feel suits you and that you can embrace fully. The diet and
lifestyle choice we made firstly was from a book called Heal Cancer,
Choose Your Own Survival Path by Dr Ruth Cilento,
www.ruthcilento.com
.An inspirational read, people’s experiences, a lifestyle choice,
guiding you with diet, freshly squeezed juices play a huge part,
organic if possible, the cabbage family being extremely beneficial,
recipes are included, and what supplements to take to get the immune
system back on track. A naturopath can advise you on the supplements
and explain in greater detail what they do within the body. We
connected strongly with Ruth’s philosophy on meditation and
visualization, due to me being a yoga teacher and Kevin having grown
to have a love of yoga and all that it entails. We received great
results with this regime, as Kevin’s blood tests were a testament to
this. Be prepared to be met with a negative response from your
oncologist, hospital staff in general, when you happen to mention
you are choosing to incorporate alternate practices with mainstream
treatment. We felt you could find a balance, diet, meditation, yoga
, plays a huge part in healing the body, mind and spirit. We also
felt empowered by doing these things; we were proactive in the
healing and removing the dis-ease from within.
We also found the Relaxation Centre of Queensland
email: relaxcentreofqld.com.au to be a wealth of information and
support. They have wonderful workshops and guest speakers. We
attended a week-end work shop with Dr Ian Gawler, an extremely
inspiring man, with his own survival story and an incredible amount
of wisdom to bring into your own self healing. His well known book
You Can Conquer Cancer is a brilliant read, full of hope, courage,
encouragement and love,
www.gawler.org He runs a retreat centre Yarra Valley
Centre, most helpful for any questions in regard to diet, treatment,
etc. One sentence Ian Gawler stated at the workshop we attended was
“whatever form of treatment you choose EMBRACE IT FULLY, believe
that this treatment is going to be the treatment that is going to
heal you’’. I found this to be a turning point for me, as I felt a
lot of conflicting emotions in regard to Kevin and I deciding to use
chemo and radiation as part of his treatment regime. He also made
mention of the importance of having a support partner as you journey
through treatment. When you are diagnosed you are in a state of
shock, hence important questions don’t get asked, such as, what is
the percentage of success with radiation, if chemo is added to the
treatment does the success rate go up. Does this increase more if I
have surgery? What happens if I don’t have conventional treatment?
Have a note book and pen with you always, if you have a support
partner get them to write everything down. Once you have absorbed
everything, prior to your next appointments write questions down
that you feel need to be asked. When you commence chemo it is most
important to stop taking your vitamin C, sodium ascorbate. To add to
your juices flaxseed oil is extremely beneficial, we are trying one
at the moment that has the 3 omega’s called Udo’s 3.6.9, prior to
this we were using straight flaxseed oil. Try and have an abundance
of raw food, salads etc,[ organic if possible] the Ian Gawler, and
Ruth Cilento cookbooks are wonderful for recipe suggestion
Hydrolysed Rice Protein powder, by Ladybird www.lady-bird.net was a
great help in Kevin gaining weight after treatment. This could also
be used throughout treatment as it would help maintain weight. Due
to Kevin’s radiation of the throat area , at present he has no
saliva glands, and has found Perioclear mouthwash by
www.bioprodental.com to be the most beneficial in keeping the mouth
lubricated. It is all natural, the ingredients are amazing.
Once through treatment Kevin and I decided to
follow a programme by a fellow called Dr Mel Sydney Smith,
email;holisticmed@bigpond.com Ph; 07 38796555. He works
very extensively with the bloods, we felt this was right for Kevin
at this time, once again his treatment is very different to the
Gawler and Cilento, so as I mentioned before see if it feels right
for you. Zeolite and Essiac are two other products worth
investigating. kevin@kevinborich.com.au for info.
I have to also make mention of Kevin’s oncologist
Professor Walker, head, nose and throat clinic at the Royal Brisbane
hospital; he was in charge of Kevin’s daily radiation. The chemo was
a separate section. When I chatted to Dr Ruth Cilento briefly she
stated clearly that radiation and chemo would be required due to the
aggressiveness of Kevin’s type of cancer. Some cancers are slow
growing, others much quicker.
Dr Walker said “We shall be throwing the kitchen
sink at you”. The treatment was harsh, the side effects extremely
challenging, as the treatment progressed. Kevin and I can’t express
enough at the importance of staying positive, this can be difficult,
but keep going. Try to keep laughing, loving and full of gratitude
for the abundance of good that life has to offer ; gratitude is such
a huge healer in of itself.
I must mention on that note the love and help we
had from all of our family members. My sister Cheryl was a wealth of
knowledge and support during this time, my rock, our rock we thank
you. My dad, mum Kevin’s mum and sister Zorina, and New Zealand
crew, so generous in every way. Our beautiful children 6 in total,
Lucius, Jemma, Kobe, Holly, Chloe and Eli, such special people each
in their own way, supporting all we did. Our friends, helping,
sharing, we are full of gratitude. Every- one that prayed,
meditated, and sent healing thoughts, emails & cards our way, we
feel truly blessed.
We hope this may be of some help, With love Kevin
and Melissa Borich
If you have any questions please email
kevin@kevinborich.com.au
www.pieceofme.com.au
mat to street yoga wear.
Click
here for some photos of KB's cancer experience
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