From Diagnosis to Recovery: My Journey with Breast Cancer
by Judith Graile
In February 2017, I found myself anxiously waiting in the doctor’s office, grappling with the belief that there must have been a mistake with the mammogram results I received two weeks earlier. The experience of the mammogram was excruciating—over twenty images were taken, compressing my breasts painfully between metal plates. When Brandon Hospital called me back for additional mammograms and an ultrasound, I endured more discomfort and was given a biopsy on the same day. Deep down, I hoped they had misdiagnosed me and that I could prove them wrong.
As my family doctor walked in, we exchanged our usual greetings. Known for his exceptional care, he asked with genuine concern, “How are you doing?” His demeanor shifted as he reviewed the computer screen—his warm smile faded, replaced by a look of horror. He covered his mouth, his eyes widening in shock. Despite my hopes of being immune to such a diagnosis, he gently delivered the devastating news: “I am so sorry, you have breast cancer…”
This diagnosis was a far cry from my plans to go kiteboarding in Texas that April. I wished for a solution that would allow me to address this before my trip. Driving home from Russell, Manitoba, I was confronted with the harsh reality that this situation didn’t fit my motto, “There is a solution for every problem.” My limited understanding of cancer was simply that it can be fatal for some and survivable for others. Overwhelmed by a fear I had never experienced before—despite my history as a professional skydiver and stuntwoman known for my fearless attitude—I was left grappling with intense anxiety and tears.
A week later, I met with my oncologist. The encounter felt rushed, with the Winnipeg Cancer Care team treating me as if I were on the brink of death. Their concern, while touching, was not particularly reassuring. The proposed treatment plan included immediate surgery, followed by Tamoxifen for several years, radiation therapy, and lymph node removal. The prospect of avoiding sports and work during recovery was daunting. I scheduled the surgery for three weeks later but began questioning this approach, given that I didn’t feel any pain or discomfort.
Determined to explore alternatives, I researched natural healing options and discovered a story about a Scandinavian woman who had healed her breast cancer by consuming only fruits and raw vegetables while living on an island. Her tumour had disappeared.
I learned that patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation are often considered survivors if they live five years post-treatment, though many experience recurrences and face more aggressive treatments with limited survival chances. At 54, I was determined to seek a longer life. My research led me to natural healing programs, and I found inspiration in Chris Wark, a colon cancer survivor whose website, chrisbeatcancer.com, advocates a diet primarily consisting of raw foods with gradual inclusion of cooked foods.
I began creating anti-cancer meals centred around raw foods and developed a passion for meal preparation. I grew to love raw, crunchy vegetables, although I boiled mushrooms to avoid potential toxins. After a year, I introduced more cooked, healthy foods into my diet.
In addition to dietary changes, I incorporated natural treatments such as high-dose Vitamin C IV, wormwood IV, ozone therapy, and various herbs and supplements. Daily exercise and meditation became integral parts of my routine.
A year later, I returned to Winnipeg Cancer Care and shocked my oncologist with the news of a significantly smaller tumour. Intrigued, she advised, “I’m not sure what you’re doing, but just keep doing it!” Encouraged by this feedback, I continued with my regimen and became increasingly fascinated by how food influences health and well-being. Not only did my tumour shrink, but my energy levels soared, my skin improved, menopause symptoms diminished, and I felt better than ever.
This transformative journey inspired me to become a nutrition and health coach, with the aim of helping others achieve similar results and navigate a healthier lifestyle. Recognizing the challenges people face in making such changes, I decided to publish a book titled Healthy - Easy - Delicious, designed to assist individuals in transitioning to a healthier way of life.
The Power of Lifestyle Choices
The key takeaway is that, regardless of genetic predispositions, you can take control of your health through lifestyle choices. It’s not just about your genes, but how they are expressed. Poor dietary choices can trigger harmful gene expression, while a healthy diet can counteract these effects and promote better health.
The following foods formed the foundation of my daily meals and healing process. For more information about each individual food visit my website (www.judithhealth.com).
Very Beneficial Foods
- Garlic, leek, and onion
- Cruciferous Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and more
- Berries
- Mushrooms
- Nuts and Seeds
- Broccoli Sprouts
- Vitamin C found in citrus fruits, goji berries, kiwi, parsley, broccoli, peppers, and kale.
- Green Tea
- Carotenoids found in carrots and beets
Beneficial Foods
All vegetables are excellent for healing, especially when consumed raw. Initially challenging, I quickly adapted to eating raw vegetables. I included a variety of veggies daily in salads, as each offers unique nutrients essential for the body. Nuts, seeds, mushrooms, tempeh, and tofu enhanced the flavour of my veggie dishes. Some vegetables, like tomatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes, offer additional benefits when cooked. Note that mushrooms should always be cooked to eliminate potential toxins.
Incorporating a variety of plant-based foods daily is crucial. Depending on your healing progress, you can add legumes, certain oils, pink and purple potatoes, and lentil or chickpea pasta to your diet.
Clean Living
Clean living is an essential aspect of a new lifestyle. Many products contain harmful chemicals, so opting for natural soaps, detergents, and cleaners can reduce your body’s toxic burden and enhance its healing capacity. Avoid using microwaves; heating food on the stove is a healthier alternative.
Stress Reduction
Managing stress is critical for healing. Stress contributes to cancer development and exacerbates the condition once diagnosed. It’s important not to let anyone dictate your prognosis. Embrace a new lifestyle to accelerate healing and extend your life. Positive affirmations, such as “I am healed,” can be powerful tools. Use present tense to reinforce your subconscious belief in your current health.
Meditation and yoga are effective in reducing stress and supporting healing. Detoxification is also crucial. I underwent various detox protocols, including infrared sauna, coffee enemas, glutathione treatments, and binders for heavy metals and mold.
This healing protocol is beneficial not only for natural cancer recovery, but also for mitigating chemotherapy side effects and preventing cancer. If you need assistance, feel free to reach out. See the bio information below.
I’m excited to share a few recipes with you that align with this healing approach.
My favourite veggie salad
Leafy Greens: Use at least 2 varieties (e.g., spinach, kale)
Root Vegetables: Include 2 varieties (e.g., carrots, beets)
Other Vegetables: Add 6 different types (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cucumber)
Boiled Mushrooms
Toppings: Sprouts, nuts, and/or seeds
Arrange all veggies on a large plate. Add the boiled mushrooms. Drizzle with dressing (recipe below). Finish by sprinkling sprouts, nuts, and/or seeds over the salad.
Dressing
Combine in a blender:
4–5 cloves minced garlic
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup soy milk
1 medium sized tomato
1/4 cup water
1 tsp Himalayan salt
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp pepper
Hot chili powder to taste
1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Tomato Soup
1 can organic tomatoes (800ml)
or 10 fresh heirloom tomatoes
1 can (2 cups) coconut milk
1 can organic tomato paste
8 fresh basil leafs
1 tsp oregano or thyme
1 tsp Himalayan salt
1 tsp pepper
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Heat up over medium heat, stirring frequently (takes 5–10 minutes). It tastes weird before it is heated.
References
www.chrisbeatcancer.com
www.foodrevolution.org
www.drfuhrman.com
The China Study by T. Colin Campbell
Judith Graile is a certified Nutrition and Health Coach with Nutraphoria and is registered with the Canadian Health Coach Association. She is deeply passionate about nutrition, healing through food, and sharing her expertise to help people improve their health. Visit her website at www.judithhealth.com for more information or send an email to: info@judithhealth.com. |
