Living proof

In an e-Alert I sent you last week (“Land Of The Living” 3/31/03) I told you about a remarkable book titled “Living Proof: A Medical Mutiny” by Michael Gearin-Tosh, a cancer survivor who rejected chemotherapy (in spite of the warnings that he would live no more than a year without chemo), and with the help of several caregivers customized a treatment protocol that included a strict diet of mostly whole foods, mega-doses of supplements, visualization exercises, acupuncture, and coffee enemas to help detoxify his liver.

Eight years after his diagnosis he wrote this inspiring account of how he came to manage his disease, stating that his intention with the book was to encourage cancer patients to be open-minded, questioning, and to trust their instincts. He believes that the ideal goal for a patient should be to become an involved, “living part” of any therapy that’s chosen.

I was pleased to receive a good number of e-mails from HSI members who wanted to know more about this book. Members Connie, Vickie and others wrote to ask where they could purchase a copy of “Living Proof.” Vickie said, “I went to your marketplace and didn’t find it there.”

“Living Proof” was published just last year by Scribner, so it should be available at most large book stores. I purchased my copy through amazon.com, so I know they have a supply available.

The book concludes with an excellent, peer-reviewed history of Gearin-Tosh’s case, with detailed information about his diet and supplement regimen and how different aspects of his treatment evolved. I mentioned that this case history is available online, and received this e-mail from a member named Dossey:

“I tried to find Carmen Wheatley’s entire case history online at ‘canceraction.org.gg’ but nothing was found and I would like to read it. Please advise me how to find this article.”

Dossey was on the right track. If you go to www.canceraction.org.gg, you’ll find a web site titled “Orthomolecular Oncology.” When the home page comes up, roll your arrow over the menu in the left panel until the words “myeloma case study” are highlighted, then click. The case history, titled “The 0.005% Survivor” should come right up.

As I mentioned, the history is full of good information. It’s sometimes a little heavy on the medical jargon, but don’t let that put you off. Gearin-Tosh’s portion of “Living Proof” is told in a very readable style, incorporating the patient’s confusion, fear, and even moments of humor. It’s a wonderful book and I highly recommend it.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute