The Mighty Avocado

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, I was told that the cancer I had was estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor positive (ER+ and PR+), which means that the cancer cells had receptors for estrogen and progesterone hormones and were "fed" by them.  One of the treatments recommended by the doctors was a drug named Tamoxifen which lowers estrogen levels in the body.  It sounds like a no-brainer...take Tamoxifen to lower estrogen levels, thus depriving the evil cancer cells of one of their sources of vitality.  But I discovered that it's not that straightforward.  Tamoxifen induces menopause along with all its lovely symptoms as well as a host of other unpleasant side effects.  Ugh.  One of the common side effects is weight gain...being overweight increases the risk of cancer.  Do you see the contradiction?  Tamoxifen is commonly prescribed for FIVE YEARS.  The kicker, though, was discovering that Tamoxifen causes uterine cancer.   Yes, you read that correctly.   I have since heard of woman after woman who did, in fact, develop uterine cancer after taking Tamoxifen for breast cancer.  I was not too keen on trading one cancer for another.  The doctors do offer an alternative to taking Tamoxifen: have a hysterectomy and remove the hormone producing organs altogether.  Needless to say, I did not find that an acceptable option.

What I did do was more research.  I learned that estrogen dominance is very common and is the cause of all kinds of adverse health conditions besides cancer--for men as well as women.  Too much estrogen results in low testosterone levels for men and low progesterone levels for women.  I learned that we are all exposed to high levels of false estrogens from environmental toxins, cleaning and beauty products, hormone-laden animal products that we consume, plastic, and even thermal receipt paper.  What I found was that not only does a healthy lifestyle (healthy diet, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, etc.) automatically help keep estrogen levels low, but there are also foods that are specifically anti-estrogenic...foods that block the estrogen receptors in cells and reduce the body's absorption of estrogen.  Avocados are one of these anti-estrogenic foods--they are a rich source of cytochrome P-450 enzymes which are involved in estrogen metabolism--and they offer so much more.

The mighty avocado protects the liver, improves cholesterol, and improves osteoarthritis symptoms.  It is antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-aging.  Avocado oil can reduce age spots, soften and rejuvenate the skin, and boost collagen.

Avocados contain almost all of the essential nutrients that our bodies are not capable of making on their own.  Avocados are very high in antioxidants, fiber, and potassium--they contain 1/3 of the recommended daily allowance of fiber and twice the potassium of a banana.  They also contain Vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C (33% RDA), D, E, and K (36% RDA) as well as folic acid, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and boron.

Avocado is able to penetrate to the mitochondria of a cell and activate its energy production.  This allows cells to function properly even when they are constantly attacked by free radicals.

Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fat--a good fat that helps lower cholesterol and is good for heart health.  A diet high in healthy fats is very good for weight loss and treating Type 2 Diabetes.  Avocados contain oleic acid, which studies have shown to be able to treat and prevent Type 2 Diabetes.

Avocados contain the amino acid lecithin which protects against liver overload, helps balance weight, and boosts brain function. 

Avocados are rich in phytochemicals called carotenoids including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthan which are beneficial for eye health and can prevent age-related macular degeneration.  They also boost the body's ability to absorb fat-soluble nutrients like alpha- and beta-carotene and lutein. 

As is the case with most fruits and vegetables, the skin and seed contain the highest concentration of nutrients.  The seed contains 70% of the anti-oxidants in an avocado, and most of the soluble fiber.  Avocado seeds are anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and boost the immune system.  They are used to treat gastro-intestinal problems and prevent gastric ulcers.  They also contain a flavonoid that has been shown to stop tumor growth.

Avocado skins have antibiotic and antiparasitic properties, and the leaves can also be used in poultices to speed wound healing or as a tea to treat sore throats and diarrhea.  

Avocados taste great raw in salads, smoothies, and guacamole.  Add them to sandwiches, including burgers, or as a garnish for almost any dish.  Avocado oil can be used as a high-heat cooking oil as well as a base for salad oils and dressings. Avocado seeds can be dried and ground up for use in smoothies, etc.

Avocados are one of the staples in my diet, and hopefully this information encourages you to add this mighty fruit to your diet regularly as well!

My New Favorite Toothpaste

I have posted previously about fluoride and the fact that it's a highly toxic poison, which is why I only buy non-fluoridated toothpaste for myself and my kids.  Since my cancer diagnosis, I have learned about other natural methods of dental hygiene including diet (surprise, surprise), oil-pulling, and homemade toothpaste. 

Oil-pulling has become a regular part of my routine.  I simply put a small amount of coconut oil in my mouth and swish, squish, and goosh it around for about 10 minutes, making sure to work it through all of my teeth; then I spit it out and rinse.  My mouth definitely feels cleaner after oil-pulling.

I drink a lot of organic green tea--brewed hot with apple cider vinegar and raw honey--especially during the cold months.  Lately, I have noticed dark stains on my teeth from the green tea.  One day I decided to try brushing my teeth with baking soda, so I put a little coconut oil on my toothbrush, dipped it in baking soda, and went to work!  The baking soda has a salty taste to it, but it didn't bother me at all.  When I was finished, I was amazed at the results!  First of all, my mouth felt incredibly clean, and when I looked in the mirror, all the tea stains were completely gone!  I really couldn't believe that they were gone after brushing only one time with baking soda.  As I have continued to use coconut oil and baking soda, I can tell it is whitening my teeth, and I absolutely love how clean my mouth feels afterward. 

I have come across several links to recipes for making homemade toothpaste, so I know it's easy to find one if you're interested.  Below is one recipe that is as basic as it gets:

Save the (Dande) Lions!

There is a large grass field behind our church on the church property, and this past Sunday, to the delight of my young nephew who picked large bouquets for his mama, the field was covered with bright yellow dandelions.  My nephew declared, "It's a dream come true!"  How sweet is that?  The adults laughed and groaned at this sentiment, since a lawn full of dandelions isn't very desirable to most grownups. 

I would like to change the mindset of wanting to poison and eliminate dandelions as weeds to wanting to "save" them.  Other than being appreciated for the joy and pleasure the sunny, cheerful flowers bring to young children (and their mothers) everywhere, dandelions should be valued for their very powerful, important health benefits. 

All parts of the dandelion plant--flower, leaves, and root--are edible, and it doesn't take much searching on the internet to find dozens of recipes.  Common uses include teas, salads, sautéed greens, and even roasted dandelion root coffee.  Similar to purslane, a nutritious plant that Americans treat as a weed but is viewed as a common food in other countries (I wrote an article on purslane last year), dandelions are consumed as staple dietary greens in countries such as Greece and France.                               
 

Young leaves are best; more mature leaves may have a bitter, acrid taste, which can be alleviated by blanching them for 20-30 seconds in boiling water before adding them to soups or salads.  Dandelion roots can be used fresh or dried before chopping or grinding for use in tea or coffee.  Obviously, only plants that have not been sprayed or treated with weed killers should be used. 

Dandelions have been used medicinally since the 10th and 11th centuries.  They are probably most well-known for their liver detoxifying properties, but they are also beneficial for the spleen, pancreas, stomach, bladder, kidneys, skin, and eyes.  They are anti-inflammatory, aid in digestion, purify the blood, improve circulation, and regulate blood sugar, among other things.  Dandelion root has also been studied and found effective against cancer--it caused leukemia cell death and stopped the growth of melanoma cells without harming normal healthy cells.

Dandelion roots and leaves are very high in vitamin K which is important for strengthening bones, necessary for the body to properly use vitamin D, and showing promise in fighting Alzheimers and dementia by protecting brain neurons from damage.  Dandelions contain high amounts of vitamin A and fiber as well as protective flavanoids, vitamins C and B6, thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, folate, magnesium, phosphorus,

and copper.                                                
 

As a side note, dandelion flowers are one of the first sources of food for honey bees in the spring, which is another reason not to use weed killer or cut them down immediately.  As a side-side note, making sure the flowers you buy are not treated with neoniconoids--which kill bees--is another simple step to help nature, which in turn helps us.                                                                                  
 

Dandelions do spread prolifically if not kept under control, but please don't spray or treat your lawn with toxic, carcinogenic weed killers and poisons which are harmful for you, your kids, your pets, and other natural animal and plant life.  If a lawn full of dandelions bothers you, a very effective way to control dandelions with absolutely no harmful side effects is to simply dig them by hand. This method may be more time-intensive and less convenient, but it is also less costly and much safer.  So many of the health and environmental problems plaguing America today are due to choosing convenience over safety, so let's take one simple step to go back to doing what is best instead of what is easiest.                                                                              

Dandelion Tea

8 dandelion flowers & 5 young leaves, cleaned

1 dandelion root, cleaned and chopped

1-2 cups water

honey, lemon (optional)                                                          

Place flowers, leaves, and root in a mason jar.  Add boiling water; cover lightly and let steep for about 10 minutes.  Strain out the liquid and add honey or lemon if desired.

Hot and Spicy is Healthy!

It never ceases to amaze me how many powerful

"medicines" are available to us through naturally-occurring foods.

 

Capsaicin is the topic this time. Capsaicin is the phytonutrient or phytochemical (phyto meaning found in plants) compound found in hot peppers; it is also found, in lesser amounts, in sweet peppers.  Hot peppers are also a good source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and potassium.  Capsaicin is responsible for the burning sensation you feel on your lips and tongue when eating hot peppers.  (It can also irritate mucous membranes, eyes, and any areas of broken skin, so precautions such as not touching your eyes when handling hot peppers and washing your hands thoroughly afterward need to be taken.)  Hot peppers include cayenne, habanero, jalapeno, spur or tobasco, Serrano, green and red chilies, among others.

 

Cancer  Capsaicin has antioxidant properties, fighting the production of free radicals which cause cell damage.  Cell damage can lead to cancer.  Capsaicin has been shown to disrupt the mitochondria (major energy source) of cancer cells, causing programmed cell death (apoptosis) of cancer cells without harming normal cells.  In studies, capsaicin suppressed the growth of human prostate cancer cells and killed 80% of them.  It also reduced the size of prostate and pancreatic tumors by 80% compared to untreated tumors.  Capsaicin is also effective against bladder and breast cancer.

 

Heart Health  Capsaicin increases circulation and blood vessel function.  Studies show it lowers LDL cholesterol and decreases arterial plaque.  Cayenne tincture can purportedly stop heart attacks within 30 seconds.  Interestingly, Dr. John R. Christopher testifies that he would pour a mixture of 1 tsp. of cayenne in a cup of hot water down the throats of heart attack patients (if they were still breathing), and they would be up and around in a matter of minutes.

 

Weight Loss  Spicy foods increase satiety (feeling "full") which can result in less eating.  Capsaicin may help the body burn more calories by increasing metabolism, shrink fat tissue, lower blood fat levels, and fight fat build-up. Capsaicin promotes the breakdown of white fat cells (bad fat) while stimulating the production of brown fat (good fat).  (You may recall an article Dr. Nic wrote in the August 2015 newsletter entitled "White Fat Brown Fat Bad Fat Good Fat.")  Capsaicin also lowers insulin levels after eating, which is beneficial in treating Diabetes.

 

Pain Relief  Although it seems contradictory, the "burning" sensation of capsaicin actually relieves pain.  Capsaicin activates the sensory receptors of nerves; prolonged application of capsaicin (It is used in topical creams and pain patches as well as in capsule form.) depletes the internal chemical stores of those nerves, "exhausting" them.  When the nerve cells are no longer capable of responding, it results in the inability to perceive pain.  Capsaicin also increases blood flow to the skin.  It is used to treat the burning/itching of psoriasis as well as migraines and cluster headaches.

 

Detoxification  Ninety percent of people have some kind of worms/parasites in their bodies, which is a very unpleasant fact.  Daily drinking a mixture of 1/4 tsp. cayenne in a glass of water is an effective way to eliminate those unwanted guests.

 

Hot peppers have been used for thousands of years in healing, and American Indians used them regularly.  Cayenne pepper was applied directly to fresh wounds to stop bleeding and sterilize the wound.  Hot peppers raise body temperature, promote sweating, and stimulate the release of mucous from the respiratory passages (That explains a runny nose while eating spicy food!), which aids in reducing fevers and relieving cold/sinus congestion.

 

Hot spicy peppers are just one more example of God's provision through the foods He created for us.  Incorporating hot peppers (along with other spices, garlic and onions) into the diet is a great way to heal and maintain health, so spice it up!

Holly's Essay for a Scholarship Application

The Right Fuel

            Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases of our time. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments don’t seem to be doing their jobs, and if they do, it is almost never without horrible side-effects. But what if there was a way to treat cancer without side-effects that would work much better than these dangerous standard treatments? Rhio O’Conner found one, and it helped him live much longer than anyone thought he would with his cancer. O’Connor was a man who took an alternate route to treating his mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that primarily comes from exposure to asbestos. It attacks the membrane that lines the lungs and abdomen. There is no known cure for this cancer, but O’Connor found a treatment that worked very well. He decided to use things such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, and a healthy, vegetarian diet to treat his cancer the natural way. 

            What causes cancer? We all have cancerous cells in our bodies, but we all don’t have cancer because our immune systems are doing their jobs eliminating them. When our immune systems are not working properly, the cancer cells start to multiply and grow. There are many “causes” of cancer, but it is the unhealthy environment of our bodies that allow it to get out of control and turn into a threat. Therefore, the question should not be “What causes cancer?”, but “What allows cancer to thrive?” Cancer grows in acidic environments, which are caused by poor nutrition, terrible diets, and exposure to toxins. Actual healthy diets will give the body its nutrition back and put the immune system back in business so it can function as it was designed to. 

            So what are the standard treatments for cancer? Radiation and Chemotherapy are the standard treatments that are recommended by doctors. Radiation treatment kills the cancer cells, but it also mutates regular, healthy cells so that they become cancerous. It has been proven that some patients who received radiation treatment would develop more cancer later in life that resulted directly from the treatment they received. Chemotherapy is toxic medicine that is injected into the patient’s body and destroys cancer cells. The problem is that it also destroys normal cells. Not every patient exhibits the same side-effects, but some of the ones that result from Chemotherapy are fatigue, memory loss, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and sores. Studies have been done that prove that Chemotherapy can actually cause cancer cells to spread and grow and become resistant to future Chemotherapy. Both of these treatments actually cause cancer to multiply instead of defeating it, and horrible side-effects go along with both of them. And doctors are actually forced to recommend these horrible treatments to patients, even if they don’t want to.

Doctors and patients should be able to choose to use whatever treatments they want to in  treating cancer. They should not be hindered by the Pharmaceutical Industry and the medical industrial complex which control the cancer industry and are always about the money. They do not make money off of curing cancer; they make money off of treating cancer. They control what kind of treatments are available to the doctors, and the doctors must recommend what they are told to, and if they don’t, they could get fired in some cases. If the Pharmaceutical Industry decided to use the treatments for cancer that were working, they would not be making all the money that they are now off of the drugs that they produce. They are greedy, and they want more money, even if it is literally costing lives along the way. They do not want a cure for cancer because it will not bring in good business.

There are a great number of alternative therapies that are a much better choice of treatment than the standard treatments. To name just a few, alternative treatment options include Oxygen therapies, IPTLD (“insulin-potentiated low dose chemotherapy”), Photodynamic Therapy, Sonophotodynamic Therapy, RIGVIR injections, high-dose intravenous vitamin C, Gerson Therapy, Dr. Burzynski’s treatments, Budwig protocol, and a good, nutritious diet.  A healthy, anti-inflammatory, and nutritious diet is the one treatment that everyone can start immediately, and it will be an enormous help to destroying the cancerous cells. Cancer can be successfully treated naturally with no side-effects by changing to a cancer-fighting, anti-inflammatory diet. By eliminating all refined and processed foods from your diet, including store-bought meat and dairy, you can build up your immune system so that it fights the cancer for you. Living and fresh foods are to replace refined grains and sugars, GMO foods, and processed junk food. By feeding our bodies the natural and organic food that God intended for us to eat, we can eliminate the diseases that so many people have been plagued with. There are absolutely no side-effects from this kind of natural treatment, except having a healthier lifestyle and probably losing weight.

People still want to use alternative treatments that are not approved by the FDA because the FDA can’t be trusted for the same reason the Pharmaceutical industry can’t be trusted. These two companies are working together and FDA doesn’t want to approve any new drug that would compete with the Pharmaceutical Industry. The health and well-being of people is not their priority; money is. Just because the FDA doesn’t approve a drug does not mean that it is harmful, and just because they do approve a drug does not mean that it is safe.

Having good nutrition is the first step to a healthy body and lifestyle, which is key to preventing and fighting cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation are toxic treatments that often make the cancer go away for a few months or even years, but it will come back even worse than before. And the side-effects are absolutely horrible, while with natural treatment, there are no negative side-effects. My mom is living proof that good nutrition and a healthy immune system will fight off cancer for good.

I think the changes that should be made in our healthcare system and in the way we treat cancer in this country should first be to start promoting real nutrition. We constantly see advertisements about new drugs that are guaranteed to suppress symptoms, but with dozens of possible side-effects. By simply eating nutritiously, you can do much more than just “suppressing the symptoms”; you can completely get rid of your condition. It is the poor diets of people these days that are causing all the issues. A change that we should make in the healthcare system is that our healthcare should not be covering all the drug treatments that are recommended; instead, they should be promoting and covering the good, nutritious cures and treatments. We need to promote real nutrition and healthy lifestyles so we can focus on cancer prevention. We also need to better inform patients about the options for treatments that they have. We should change the way in which cancer is treated because the cancer industries do not focus on true cancer prevention, they focus on research for treatments. They don’t need to find more treatments because the cures already exist. They just need to find them and promote them.

So many people have died because of the money-making “treatments” for cancer, and most of it could be prevented if people were better informed of real nutrition and healthy lifestyles that they could apply to their lives that would prevent cancer. And those who have cancer need to be better informed of the treatment options that are not traditionally recommended. Our bodies were made to be able to fight off diseases themselves, but we constantly feed them food and drugs that prevent them from functioning properly. Our bodies were designed to fight off cancer cells, which they do, if we feed them the right fuel.

If you would like to learn more about Rhio O’Connor and mesothelioma, please visit this website: http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com/

Cancer-Fighting Citrus

Many people are aware of the health benefits of citrus fruits due to their high vitamin C content, which is commonly taken to help prevent and treat colds and flu.  Besides being a potent antioxidant, Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory properties which can ease arthritis pain and prevent hardening of the arteries, heart disease, and stroke.  Furthermore, high dose intravenous Vitamin C therapy is a powerful alternative cancer treatment.

In addition to Vitamin C, citrus fruits contain powerful cancer-fighting compounds called limonoids.  Limonoids are chemicals found in the seeds, peel and pulp, and juice of citrus fruits, occurring more abundantly in the pulp and peel than in the juice; they are responsible for the bitter taste in the peel.  Orange juice contains 300 mg of limonoids per liter of juice; grapefruit juice contains 200 mg/l, and lemon/lime juice 90 mg/l.  The pulp/peel of citrus fruits contain 500 mg of limonoids per kilogram, so high-pulp juice would be much more beneficial than no-pulp juice.  Using zest from the peels of oranges, lemons and limes is another good way to get those limonoids.  I like to squeeze the juice from a fresh lime over my salad in lieu of salad dressing.

Research has shown that high levels of limonoids are capable of slowing the growth of cancer cells and causing cancer cell apoptosis (programmed cell death, or cell suicide) in lab studies.  Limonoids help fight lung, breast, stomach, colon, skin and mouth cancers.  Limonoids are natural aromatase inhibitors, depriving estrogen-positive breast cancer cells of estrogen.  They are directly toxic to colon, pancreatic, liver, neuroblastoma, leukemia and other types of cancer cells.  The most abundant and one of the most potent limonoids is limonin glucoside.  Limonin glucoside is an easily digested limonoid which attaches to sugar molecules, neutralizing the harmful effects of the sugar.  Limonin glucoside lasts up to 24 hours in the body; comparatively, the beneficial phenols in chocolate and green tea only last 4-6 hours in the body. 

Essential oil of lemon has been studied quite a bit in relation to cancer and shows much promise.  One review published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research in 2010, indicated its capability of stopping cervical cancer cells from spreading and of inhibiting free radicals from harming healthy cells.  Researchers have learned that lemon as well as other essential oils use multiple pathways to fight cancer, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, anti-metastasis (stopping cancer cells from spreading), and anti-angiogenesis (stopping cancer cells from growing more blood vessels).  Lemon and other essential oils can also provide relief for cancer patients from symptoms such as pain, anxiety, nausea and vomiting.

One fascinating aspect of the ability of citrus essential oils to combat cancer is that they can do this simply through being smelled!  In early 2015, a study published in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics revealed that citronella terpenes in lemon essential oil stop the growth of cancer.  Terpenes activate certain olfactory (smell) receptors in the body to prevent the growth and spread of cancers.  Olfactory receptors are not only located in the nose--they are also located in the skin and in some other organs.  So, inhaling the scent of essential oils such as lemon and applying them to the skin as well as ingesting them can offer benefits.  As always, please get advice from a knowledgeable practitioner before using essential oils.

Adding citrus fruits to your diet on a regular basis will help you fight a lot more than the common cold!

Like Daughter, Like Father

In early spring of this year (2015) my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer--it was almost exactly two years after I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I asked my parents for the specifics and then did some research.  We had several conversations and discussed options--conventional options provided by Dad's doctor and natural alternatives--but I really didn't know which they would choose to pursue.  Of course I was hoping Dad would choose natural treatments over surgery and/or radiation which both had serious risks and side effects, but it wasn't my decision.  I also know how important it is for cancer patients to be confident in their treatments decisions, no matter what they choose, so I didn't want Dad to choose "my way" if he wasn't completely on board.  Needless to say I was very happy and relieved when he told me he wanted to try natural alternatives first!  He wasn't taking surgery/radiation completely off the table, because if the natural way "didn't work", and his cancer continued to worsen, he would revisit the standard treatment options.  After confirming that he wasn't vacillating between the two choices and that he and Mom were completely committed to a natural protocol, we started formulating the plan of attack. 

The most obvious, easiest, and arguably most important step was making immediate dietary changes.  He eliminated refined sugars and grains, all processed/refined oils and foods, conventional dairy and meats--which are all inflammatory (cancer thrives in that environment)--and replaced them with lots of raw, fresh, vegetables and fruits (organic if possible); healthy fats (olive oil, coconut oil, avocadoes, raw organic seeds & nuts that are soaked then dried); fermented foods like kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi; eggs from organic free-range chickens, and limited amounts of raw organic dairy products and meat from healthy grass-fed, pastured, organically-fed animals--living, real, natural, health-promoting, cancer-fighting foods.

Mom, Dad & I during my stay with them, May 2015.

Understandably, these were overwhelming changes for my parents.  I got lots of phone calls from them while they were in grocery stores asking me if different foods were "okay," so I would have them read the ingredient list over the phone.  :)  It didn't take too long before they knew what to look for and what to avoid.  I flew down to Florida in May and stayed with them for one week to help them find stores and resources where they could find the kinds of foods and supplements they needed.  Almost the entire week was spent shopping.  We also went through all of their food cupboards and the refrigerator/freezer, throwing out some things altogether, and donating several grocery bags of food.  That was a big deal, especially for my mom, who doesn't like to throw perfectly good things away--even more so when she paid good money for them!--but it was a testament to how committed she was to doing whatever it takes to help my dad.  Mom has become the researcher...reading articles and researching cancer websites, etc.  This is one of the coolest things about Dad's journey--he's not fighting on his own, because Mom is right there beside him every step of the way, and they both trust the outcome completely to God.

When Dad was diagnosed, it was a result of his PSA test rising two points in the past year.  His urologist did a physical exam of the prostate, which was enlarged, but the doc said it could just be due to an infection.  So a biopsy was done next, and it resulted in a diagnosis of prostate cancer.  The prostate is divided into six sections; one of the six sections was 70% cancerous.  So, it wasn't advanced cancer, by any means.  The urologist presented and explained the options of surgery or radiation, then told my parents to go home and think about it and then come back to see him in three weeks with their decision.  (I had immediate respect for the doc when I heard this, because he wasn't trying to rush Dad into a decision.)  I was in Florida during the time that next appointment was scheduled, so I was able to accompany them.  I liked the urologist, because he wasn't overbearing, pushy, or demeaning.  When Dad told him he was going to skip the surgery and radiation and pursue natural options first, he said that was fine--he would put Dad on what is called "active observation", and check on him again in three months time.

Three months later, Dad's PSA score had risen another point.  He was a bit discouraged, but we talked it over, and I told him I wasn't very concerned, because unlike my situation (having a lumpectomy to remove the cancer mass), his cancer hadn't been removed--it was all still there, and his body had a big job to do...one that wasn't going to be accomplished in a short amount of time.  We also reviewed his diet and nutrition, making adjustments and adding a lot of cancer-fighting supplements.  The good news was that despite the increased PSA score, Dad (along with Mom) was feeling great, losing weight, and experiencing other overall health improvements. 

My dad posted this on his Facebook page on Oct. 14, 2015:

Ok folks this is my big deal of the day. As some of you know Dorla and I have been going to Golds gym working out. We started back in March. To date Dorla has lost 33 lbs and I have lost 42 lbs. When I started out on the tread mill I could barely walk at a fast pace. I did hit a mile stone today. I am usually on the tread mill for 30 minutes. a couple of weeks ago I was finally able to run ONE MILE without stopping. I run at 4.7 mph on the treadmill. Today I ran 1.3 miles without stopping and I ran for 17 minutes straight. I ran for a total of 24 minutes of the thirty. My goal now is to get to two miles. When I get to 2 miles then I will worry how fast I can get it done. Dorla rides the stationary bike for 4 miles and we both do arm and leg workouts on several different machines. 4 1/2 years ago I weighed 275 lbs as of today I am down to 192lbs. Dorla is doing really well also. I am not going to say what her weight was as you never tell what a Ladies weight or age is, especially if she is your wife and the LOVE of your life.

Of course, much of their success was due to the anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory diet they had embraced as well as their diligence in working out at the gym.

Dad's Nov. 30, 2015, Facebook post:

HAAAAAA, I did it, I did it!!!!!! I just ran around the perimeter of maranatha village (the retirement village where they live) . It is 2 miles. It took me 27 minutes. Now that is NOT a 5 minute mile it is 13 1/2 minutes but I got it done. Then I walked 1 1/4 miles to cool down.

How cool is that?!  :)  At 71 years old, Dad can run 2 miles without stopping!  I can say that most of his kids and grandkids are not able to do that!  Dad likes to comment to the effect that he is the healthiest cancer patient he knows.  :)

Here is a post from Dec. 17, 2015:

Thanks to God for answered prayers. Tom learned today that his PSA test showed his PSA count had gone down. It was good news but we knew whatever God's will was for him, we would be happy about the outcome. Thanks to all of you who are praying for him. Even though he has been eating right and taking supplements to fight the cancer, it is the prayers that do the most good. Keep praying as he needs the cancer to be gone............but at least his count did not go up! We continue to trust God for the future.

Praise God, indeed!  Dad's score actually went down one point, which is really a two-point swing when taking into consideration the rising trend it had previously shown.  Dad now weighs 180 pounds, and Mom is down to 145.  Mom had her annual physical recently, and her overall health has also improved.  They are both looking and feeling great and are even more motivated to stay focused on the diet and other lifestyle changes that are responsible not only for their improved general health, but also for successfully fighting cancer.

I am proud of my parents for how far they have come in the past six months, for their dedication, and their support of each other.  They are shining examples of how cancer can be beaten naturally, and of unshakeable faith in the Heavenly Father and his sovereignty over our lives.

I am definitely proud to be my father's daughter!  :)

Dad & Mom, June, 2014

June, 2016