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Elle Macpherson has explained why she opted against traditional medicine when she was dealt the 'shock' news of her cancer diagnosis.
Seven years ago the former model underwent a lumpectomy in her breast and it was found that the star had HER2 positive oestrogen receptive intraductal carcinoma.
Macpherson, 60, explained in an interview with Women's Weekly: “It was a shock, it was unexpected, it was confusing, it was daunting in so many ways and it really gave me an opportunity to dig deep in my inner sense to find a solution that worked for me.”
At the time, she was advised by doctors to go through a mastectomy (the process of removing breast tissue) hormone therapy, breast reconstruction and chemotherapy.
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However, the Aussie shared in her upcoming memoir titled Life, Lessons, and Learning to Trust Yourself that she found a holistic alternative instead.
After praying and meditating on a Miami beach, she realised that she didn’t want to try traditional methods and instead wanted to be more holistic.
She called her choice 'a wonderful exercise in being true to myself, trusting myself and trusting the nature of my body and the course of action that I had chosen.'
This 'intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach’ involved her ‘saying no to standard medical solutions’.
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But it wasn’t easy for her.
The model shared that it ‘was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. But saying no to my own inner sense would have been even harder'.
It was at her new rented accommodation in Phoenix that she ‘holistically treated’ her cancer alongside her doctor, who specialises in holistic dentistry, osteopathy, chiropracting, and then two therapists too.
She explained she spent every day 'focusing and devoting every single minute to healing myself'.
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It appears that whatever she did worked as she says she is now in 'clinical remission’ and had the support of her family throughout.
Well, her youngest was fully on board, her eldest wasn’t too keen on her choice and her former partner had reservations but knew it was all down to her.
She said: “Flynn, being more conventional, wasn't comfortable with my choice at all. He is my son, though, and would support me through anything and love me through my choices, even if he didn't agree with them.”
What is the guidance on alternative therapies for cancer?
While cancer treatment mainly involves surgery, often followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, complimentary holistic therapies have been used in combination to provide greater comfort and quality of life to patients. This can involve treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy and yoga.
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Alternative therapies on the other hand are used instead of conventional medical treatment. However there is no scientific or medical research which shows they can cure cancer.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Britt Jones