I recently had a conversation with a friend that I've known since the early 1990's. We both home school, and our kids play soccer on opposing teams. About 2 years ago, Catherine (named changed) was diagnose with breast cancer after a routine mammogram and subsequent biopsy. She was 50 years old.
When I heard the news, it was a shock to me. It scared me. It upset me. I worried for her 5 children and husband. I didn't know what to say. I didn't want to intrude. I didn't want to ignore. It was too personal for me (just an acquaintance) to even acknowledge to her that I heard of her diagnosis. So, the only thing I did was make an appointment for myself for a mammogram. Breast cancer, in someone I knew, made it so much more real.
Finally, I talked with Catherine just a couple of months ago. I told her how her diagnosis had made me make my own mammogram appointment. Her response was not one I had expected...at all. "Honey, I would have told you to never, ever have a mammogram." Honestly, that completely shocked me. I had expected the usual, "Thanks for your prayers", etc..
She went on to tell me that based on her own research, that she chose to go vegan instead of the traditional cancer treatment. I can imagine that must have been a tough decision for her to make, but she seemed quite bold and confident in her choice. Catherine said that she had been reading
The China Study, by T. Colin Campbell. This book helped her make her own decision about her treatment plan. It was definitely a bold move on her part. I'm not sure if I could have been so brave.
The China Study's premise is that our diet determines most of our health and sickness. I've read almost all of the book and have to say that if all Mr. Campbell says is true, then it is definitely an eye-opener. I can't possibly go into detail about all of it, but it is a good and easy read. I do encourage you to read it. It is untypical of the mainstream medical field. My friend, Catherine, has been a vegan since her diagnosis 2 years ago. She credits God and her diet to her health. After she refused traditional treatment, her doctors told her she could die. Her response? "Hallelujah!" She told me she did not want to put herself or her family through radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy. After being on the vegan diet for some time, she told me she has never felt better in her entire life. She runs everyday and has lost about 20 unnecessary pounds.
Curious, I decided to become a vegan for a month. I never gave my diet much thought. I ate healthy, but I also ate meat and cheeses and dairy. To be honest, I could never imagine how someone could be vegan. It was so opposite of the way I was brought up. I thought I would be miserable after a month. But, I wasn't. I lost a bit of weight, and never felt hungry. I ate a whole lot of fruits, vegetables, beans, and juices. I love raw vegetables and legumes, so I know that made a big difference in my ability to make it through the month. I've also noticed other little changes in my body that make me feel much better.
I'm not sure if this diet will make a difference in my future health, but I know it won't hurt me. As for my friend, Catherine? She told me that she had an ultrasound, and the doctors could not find her cancer at all. She gives God all the glory.
I am not advocating Catherine's choices. But, for her and her family, it was the right decision. I know that I do not ever want to have to make that choice. As for continuing my vegan diet? I like the way I feel. And, I do know that my calories will not be gotten from mostly animal proteins as they have been in the past. But, I wouldn't mind a little Gouda now and then.
