Best three books when you are first diagnosed?

I’ve read lots and have many books looking at cancer from many different viewpoints, but these are my favourites in terms of helping plan how to deal/manage a cancer diagnosis. This blog is an update on a similar blog from a year or so ago.

Sophie Sabbage "The Cancer Whisperer” - Sophie was diagnosed with late stage 'incurable' lung cancer and embarked on an amazing journey of healing. The book covers her relationship with cancer, fear, guilt, her research, diet and more. I particularly loved the idea of 'cancer whispering’; instead of going to war with cancer we can learn from it and choose our own response to it. I’ve heard Sophie speak several times and have been fortunate to go on one of her workshops. I totally rate this book and have bought it for a number of others diagnosed with cancer, family and even my GP.  

Sophie says: 'This book is for the cancer patient who wants to remain a dignified, empowered human being even when your doctors and diagnosis are scaring the hell out of you. It is also for the cancer patient who has a hunch that there is something for them to learn, gain or even be transformed by - if they just knew how to relate to this disease differently to the way most of society does. It is for the cancer patient, perhaps any patient.'

Fi Munro "How Long Have I Got? The Story of a Terminal Cancer Patient" - this book has joined my top three books as it is not only full of positivity, I just love what she writes about and the way she sees the world. It is totally inspiring to me and I have taken lots from it on my own journey. However one warning is that it is a tough read; she tells it like it is and I know some folks would rather not know until they may have to face it.

Sophie Trew, founder of Trew Fields captures alot of what I feel: "Fi is a rare flashlight in the tunnel of illness. She shows it's possible to live an extraordinary life with cancer. She empowers, inspires and fills me with hope. We're all alive but how many of us are truly living? Fi's story could save lives and transform beliefs."

See more about Fi in my blog here: https://myunexpectedguide.blogspot.com/2020/02/fi-munro-time-to-live.html

Kelly A. Turner “Radical Remission, Surviving Cancer Against All Odds” - Dr. Kelly A. Turner’s research involved travelling to ten different countries to interview fifty holistic healers and twenty radical remission cancer survivors about their healing practices and techniques. Her research continued by interviewing over 100 Radical Remission survivors and studying over 1000 of these cases. Her evidence presents nine common themes that she believes may help even terminal patients turn their lives around. Each of those themes are worth consideration.

1. Radically changing your diet.
2. Taking control of your health.
3. Following your intuition.
4. Using herbs and supplements.
5. Releasing suppressed emotions.
6. Increasing positive emotions.
7. Embracing social support.
8. Deepening your spiritual connection.
9. Having strong reasons for living

What would you recommend?

Maybe I should take 'three' out of the title of this blog as there are many other books I'd like to add to this list (some of which are elsewhere in this blog!)- but hey these two are also useful:

Patricia Peat in her book, “The Cancer Revolution, Integrative Medicine, The future of cancer care” -  this one is a great overview of possible treatments and as the author writes it looks at 'integrating the best that medical science has to offer with a comprehensive, holistic approach that supports your body through whatever treatment you choose'. So if you are looking to compliment conventional treatment then this is a good place to start.

Chris Wark “Chris Beat Cancer” - Chris is a stage 3 colon cancer survivor who opted out of chemotherapy after surgery. He provides the toxin-free diet, lifestyle, and therapy guidelines he used to help himself heal. His strategies include a radical diet where he takes ‘massive action’ to heal plus lifestyle changes; and mental, emotional, and spiritual healing, as well as advanced integrative therapies. I love Chris’s can-do approach and also his regular videos which include in depth inspiring interviews with cancer survivors about their approaches.