So hi there, I am back…back to regular blogging, back to health– physically, emotionally, spiritually and creatively.
So, news of my world: I had surgery for colon cancer on November 25th, 2014, which now feels very long ago—like a bad, surreal dream.
I was offered chemotherapy, which would increase my odds of being alive in five years by 10%. The side effects as explained by my oncologist: Anaemia, progressive tiredness which persists for some weeks after the treatment ends. Depressed immune system and risk of infection: the treatment reduces white blood cell count. Bruising of nerves, peripheral neuropathy, numb hands or feet, which may make typing hard, and which sometimes is permanent. Nausea, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers. Temporary hair loss. Eye problems. Headaches. Muscles, joint and stomach pain. Abdominal pain. Changes in liver function. 1 in 200 die.
The adjuvant chemotherapy recommended supports surgery by killing any cancer cells which may (or may not!) remain. It’s like an insurance policy, and is potentially over-treating, the oncologist explained. Colon cancer does return for 40 to 50% of patients—i.e. hey, cancer is not a joke (or, at least, a very bad one!). Adjuvant chemotherapy reduces recurrences by 10%.
As I prayed, I became convinced that toxic chemotherapy which often causes permanent physical, emotional and intellectual damage was not the path for me. Not the path through the dark woods on which I would meet the Father, Son and Spirit whistling as they stroll.
Might anything besides chemotherapy give me a 10% survival benefit? My oncologist said that research shows that exercise increases survival after colon cancer. As does Vitamin D and aspirin. People know what they know and don’t know what they don’t know. Could there be evidence-based research that my oncologist had not yet looked at, did not know of?
“Oh God!” I prayed. “There are 298,000 species of plants. Surely, surely, some of them would zap any remaining cancer cells without the havoc wrought by toxic chemicals. Is it possible that God who placed dock leaves near stinging nettles did not create even one plant which would bless the body while neutralising cancer cells? Even one plant which would strengthen the immune system to “fight” cancer so that it would not spread? Surely God will lead me to such plants.”
In the Parable of Weeds in Matthew, Jesus recommends leaving enemy-sown weeds in the field lest, in uprooting them, good plants are uprooted as well. When I thought about chemo, there was no light in it. I felt sure chemo, for me, was not the way of the Spirit, that the Spirit would guide me to non-toxic therapies that might strengthen the immune system, rather than weaken me body, mind and soul in the process of zapping renegade demon cells.
* * *
As I called out to the Lord in my distress, the title of a book a friend had recommended popped into my mind: God’s Way to Ultimate Health by George Malkmus, who watched his mother rapidly grow ill and die from toxic cancer treatments rather than the disease. (A common experience, apparently!) Declining chemotherapy, he cured his colon cancer by aggressive doses of nutrients through juicing. A raw food diet. Supplements. Exercise. My friend recommended Chrisbeatcancer.com, who inspired by Malkmus used these strategies to heal his own Stage III colon cancer without chemotherapy.
Diet and exercise had been my Achilles’ heel, and so I had some of the lifestyle risk factors for colon cancer. So while I have not changed as drastically as I would have liked, over the last eight months I have changed what I eat, and I intend to continue, respecting my body as a gift God gave me, which I need to keep healthy for my intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical life to flourish.
Malkmus recommends a discipline which he says will change your life, and might possibly save it. Walk a mile as fast as you can, write down the speed; then, each day continue walking as fast as you can until you can do a mile in 15 minutes. Then walk two miles as fast as you can, until you can do 2 miles in 30 minutes; then 3 miles in 45 minutes, then 4 miles in an hour. I was walking a mile in 30-33 minutes after surgery, and am now down to a 21 minute mile (and walking 3.5 miles, over 10,000 steps) and am loving the increased fitness—especially because I can now be on my feet, exploring all day on holiday. I still need major improvements in fitness, but am optimistic, since I have been steadily improving my pace.
Other changes: Carrot juice. Green juice. Salads. A lot of vegetables, steamed or roasted. No meat. Less diary. Fish and salmon every day, since Seventh Day Adventist studies show that eating oily fish protects against colon cancer. A handful of supplements, some recommended by my younger sister, Dr. Shalini Cornelio who has worked in cancer research at Sloan-Kettering Memorial Hospital in New York City: Resveratrol (grape seed extract). Sulforaphane (broccoli sprout extract). Turmeric. Aged garlic. Probiotic supplements. Fish oil. Vitamin D. Aspirin. Calcium. Multivits.
So rather than a path of passivity, submitting to a toxic regimen, I took a path of positivity and challenge—exercise, and mega-doses of nutrients through juices, salads, and supplements to strengthen the immune system against errant cells. In eight months, it has left me stronger than I have been for years, perhaps decades, rather than significantly weaker.
* * *
I put out of my mind the fear of death. And any irrational fear of cancer. I told God I was making the best decision I could with the light given to me and if I had mis-read his will, and the days ordained for me were up before I had done my life’s work, well then, okay. He is the Lord of my cells. I will trust him with cancer and my life and death as with everything else. As I said, “Okay, Lord, I’ll leave the date of my death up to you. You choose,” fear and anxiety drained out of me and I could think clearly.
Chemo? No way.
And, oh me of little faith, after researching natural ways to strengthen my immune system to neutralize cancer cells, I also—repeatedly– asked Jesus to reach out his mighty hands and zap any remaining cancer cells in my blood stream.
Do I believe in the efficacy of prayer for physical healing? That’s one of the frequent questions I’ve been asked as a blogger over the last five years. Of course, I do…just as I believe in the efficacy of any prayer. Physical healing is not a special subset of prayer; miracles occur here, as in any realm we pray for with faith.
I like to read the Gospels taking Jesus at his word. I like to read the Gospels as if Jesus is alive today, and can reach out his hand and heal me as he healed so many two thousand years ago.
I prayed as Jesus commanded with a mighty mustard seed of faith. So why act as if Jesus hadn’t heard me, couldn’t hear me, would meanly not hear me, and take toxic drugs too? What’s the point of praying, and then acting as if God surely has not heard your prayers?
* * *
At my check-up on June 19th, the colonoscopy, blood tests and chest/abdomen/pelvis scan showed no evidence of disease.
In her documentary, “Crazy, Sexy Cancer,” cute presenter Kris Carr says, “I would not call cancer a gift because I would not give it to you, but for me, it has been a gift.”
I would echo that.
I feel like one who has crossed over from death to life.
And I have, physically.
The Apostle John gives us a spiritual sign that we have crossed over from death to life…and it is not the absence of cancer cells. We know that have crossed over from death to life because we love one another, he says
Love, the spiritual gift before which eloquence or tongues, prophecy or scriptural insight, faith or generosity, count for nothing. For too a long a time in my Christian life, I have privileged these–effective prayer, faith, scriptural insight, prophetic gifting. I considered them my spiritual gifts.
I am coming like Christina Rossetti to believe that “all is small save love, for love is all in all.”
* * *
Oh, all sort of gifts came with crabby old cancer.
Living in the moment, free and bird-like. A remarkable diminution of worry. If I cannot control errant cells in my body but have to trust God with them, with the days of my life and the date of my death, why not trust him for everything else?
A freedom, a lightness came as I left my life, finances, career and death in God’s hands. I am practising not worrying about anything at all.
A wry coolness and lightness with whether I achieve my dreams or not.
A greater desire to write beautiful things that might last, things with some significance, that might actually bless people.
Momento Mori. Remembrance of Death. In the Middle Ages and early Renaissance, the thoughtful placed a skull upon their desk as a reminder to focus because life was short and death was certain.
* * *
So here I am, back again. I spent some time deciding whether I wanted to be just a writer of books, or a blogger as well. In the end, I decided that blogging was a calling—yes, a ministry, my ministry–and that I should be faithful to it, so here I am. Back.
* * *
What sort of blogging will I do?
Honest blogging. Life is too short to be anything but honest, in one’s speech, one’s writing, and one’s relationships.
So I will blog honestly about where I am in my Pilgrim’s Progress.
Bunyan’s Pilgrim eventually reaches the Heavenly City. But while he staggers on his pilgrimage through the Slough of Despond, the Hill of Difficulty, Doubting Castle, and Vanity Fair, though he was such a very flawed character, he still had much to teach less-experienced pilgrims who had not yet encountered Giant Despair or Beelezub’s Castle, simply because he had transcended so many obstacles.
And so, though I would like my Christian story to be purely sheerly inspiring, I will tell it honestly to help such as I who struggle with the same temptations, the same spells in Doubting Castle, the same stumbles into the Slough of Despond, the same meanders into Vanity Fair.
Come and read?
Tweetables
I feel like one who has crossed over from death to life. From @anitamathias1
What’s the point of praying, and then acting as if God surely has not heard your prayers? From @anitamathias1
I prayed as Jesus commanded, So why act as if Jesus hadn’t heard, and take toxic drugs too? From @anitamathias1
“All is small save love, for love is all in all” New post from @anitamathias1
“He is the Lord of my cells.” New post from @anitamathias1
Read my new memoir: Rosaries, Reading, Secrets: A Catholic Childhood in India (US) or UK.
Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitamathiaswriter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anita.mathias/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnitaMathias1
My book of essays: Wandering Between Two Worlds (US) or UK
Anita Mathias says
Jeff, thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate them. Thank you.
I love the extract from Peter Barton too!
Blessings,
Anita
Jeff Payne says
Anita, I am so glad to get your update! I have thought of you often as well as prayed for you. I praise God for your good health report.
I recall a book I have read many times over the years titled, Not Fade Away, A Short Life Well Lived. It’s written by Peter Barton who decided to share in writing his journey with cancer as a legacy for his children. Peter said, “I began thinking less about what cancer was doing TO me and more about what it was doing FOR me. And I realized something wonderful. Cancer was giving me the opportunity to live more attentively, more wholly in the moment. It was letting me be as free and focused on the present. I promised myself I wouldn’t have a bad day for the rest of my life. If someone were wasting my time, I’d excuse myself and walk away. If a situation bothered me or refused to get resolved, I’d shrug and move on. I’d squander no energy on petty annoyances, poison no minutes with useless regret. I’d play music at any hour of the day or night. I’d make a point of noticing the smell of the air, the shifting light in the mountains.”
Anita, I am so grateful for you. I am moved by your writing. You express yourself, your thoughts, and your feelings in words that are compelling, fresh, and reflective. When Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you become something.” you have showed us your journey and what that looks like to you. It is transparent, personal, alive, and it is appreciated. Thank you.
Most grateful,
Jeff
Sheridan Voysey says
This is very good news, Anita. Praise God, and welcome back.
Anita Mathias says
Thank you Sheridan, and thanks for visiting 🙂
Andrea says
“At my check-up on June 19th, the colonoscopy, blood tests and chest/abdomen/pelvis scan showed no evidence of disease.” Wow! Praising God for this report!
I am both blessed by your writing and love who you are! Thank you for letting us join you on this journey. May God continue to lead you on a blessed path of writing that is an authentic expression of Himself through you.
With love,
Andrea
Anita Mathias says
Wow, thank you, Andrea. I am moved and touched by your words 🙂 Anita
Rajagopal says
You will continue to be blessed by Lord of the cells, as he has already held your hand through the trial and now equipped you with right advice on post surgery care and recovery. As I was just a few lines into your post, I just wanted to stop reading and suggest that you go fully green in your diet topped up with exercise, and, on reading further after snuffing out my impatience, I found the green prescriptions from your medico sister, ‘fishy’ parts still remaining. Keep it if it is part of the prescription. Prayer is another form of walking, walking the talk with god, so let brisk walking on physical and mental planes continue.. Godspeed, Anita…
Anita Mathias says
Thank you so much for your good wishes, Rajagopal!
Andy says
Dear Anita, it is so good to read another blog from you. Welcome back indeed.
I think it is so important that you refuse to be passive regarding your own health. There is so much pressure to be that way and your words are are a great encouragement to be active. I forwarded them to my wife who is going through a series of investigations not knowing what the outcome will be. I’m sure she will be encouraged.
I am certain your blog is a calling. I thank God for it, and you.
Every blessing.
Anita Mathias says
Andy, thank you!
Gill says
Thank you so much for your gift of writing. Never doubt that it is inspiring to people like me who feel such things but don’t have your gift of eloquence. I survived cancer over 20 years ago and, like you, it changed my life and my outlook. sometimes God gives in the most unexpected ways. Thank you for your diet and health regime.
So pleased you’re well and we have the pleasure of your blogs again, I’ve missed your insights and thought provoking words. Bless you Anita.
Anita Mathias says
” sometimes God gives in the most unexpected ways.” How true that is!
Thanks for the encouragement, Gill!
Mollie Lyon says
Welcome back.. I missed your frequent writing. I think and pray for you often.
Anita Mathias says
Oh Mollie, thank you for your prayers!
David C Brown says
Thank you, and may you prove continued grace. ‘Lord of the cells’ I shall remember. The Lord does not take all with cancer the same way but He will be with them whatever the way He takes them.
Anita Mathias says
“The Lord does not take all with cancer the same way but He will be with them whatever the way He takes them.” Exactly. I believe that if I had declined surgery I would have died, I was barely able to get out of bed in the 3 days before surgery, and found it hard to stay awake, or walk much in the week or so before. However, other people, like Malkmus have declined surgery.
If i had know more about the potency of natural cures, I might have, but at that stage, I did not, and did not have the mental clarity or energy to research it. So surgery was the path for me, though not necessarily for everyone. Chemo was not the path for me, but others have felt peace about it.
Anita Mathias says
April, thank you so much for your encouragement. I know you’ve walked a bit of this with a precious one recently, and you can understand my joy and relief! 🙂
April Yamasaki says
Oh Anita, your writing is definitely beautiful, significant, and a blessing to others! I pray God’s continued guidance and healing on your journey. Thank you so much for sharing your story, and now I’m off to Twitter to share it as an inspiration for others.
Anita Mathias says
Thank you, Don. You are such an encouragement to me.
Yes, I feel reborn. Into a world of smoothies, juices, salads, veggies, running and long walks :-). The only thing the oncologist wanted me to work on was weight loss, which I am doing.
My oncologist did mention that I might not be able to type while undergoing chemo and perhaps after it because of peripheral neuropathy, and that was certainly a factor in declining chemo. Besides, its toxicity just felt so wrong!
Ah, the immune system…so much to learn about it. Must set aside some time for a bit more scientific and biological/medical education.
Don says
Your blogging really is a ministry. So glad that you are back writing your posts, which to me are fresh air.
It’s wonderful that you are being reinvigorated by your new health strategy! Strengthening your immune system is probably the best thing you can do, physically. And I can tell you that my Mom regretted having post-surgery adjuvant chemotherapy for all her years afterwards. Because of the resulting peripheral neuropathy, she lost the ability to do many things that previously gave her joy and purpose.
Lesley says
Thank you so much for this. Seventeen years ago a consultant told me that with my type of cancer my chances of being alive in the next five years were less than 5%. If there is one thing that life has taught me it’s that Jesus is never bothered by percentages and odds.
Anita Mathias says
Amazing! He is the Lord of cells!
Thanks for reading, Lesley!
Heidi says
Thank you. I can’t tell you how much your words have resonated with me.
I’ve signed up now so I won’t miss a thing! 🙂
Anita Mathias says
Thank you, Heidi!
Janet says
I am so glad you are back! I have caught every snippet I found of your writing during these last 8 months. What an example of true trust in God. It has strengthened me in that area, reading of yours. I don’t remember the Parable of Weeds in Matthew. I have noted it and plan to read it tonight. Also, I love what you said about your feeling, “a wry coolness and lightness with whether I achieve my dreams or not.” I know that feeling! It is a very calm peace. Others don’t understand it, in my case, but that’s ok. Your blog is a gift to many. Thank you for sharing your words, trips and family with us. May God continue to bless you and lay His healing hand on your body.
Anita Mathias says
Janet, THANK YOU so much for your encouragement and for reading along 🙂
clare says
So positive and yes, praising God you have come to this place of healing. Keep going!
Anita Mathias says
Thanks, Clare 🙂
David Bridger says
First, and most importantly, I thank God for your healing.
(And… 🙂 …welcome back to blogging.)
Second, thank you for this deep and well-written message. My experience of God answering prayers for my healing has been mixed, in that many times he’s healed me of lesser afflictions while continuing to not heal me of the chronic condition that changed my life halfway through.
I’m not bitter or anxious about the not healing. As I said, it’s changed my life. And of course he’s supported me throughout my 24 years of pain and illness. That’s how he worked in me, so who am I to argue? I accept his will, and that acceptance is in itself one of the the more obvious blessings he’s given me.
I celebrate with you the healing he’s given you. Thanks again for relating your story. Exercise isn’t in the equation for me, but if (when?) my time comes to deal with cancer, I will remember your story and refer back to the details of your diet.
Thank you and bless you.
Anita Mathias says
Thank you, David! 24 years of pain and illness…I grieve with you! Thank you for your good wishes, and God bless you!