A Deep Secret: Revealing The
By Eric T. Richter Bracing myself for the worst, I called my gastroenterologist for the pathology report. Following a colonoscopy the day before, she had given me pictures of the “large mass” she had discovered on the inside of my colon. Technically it was a “moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma” – in other words… the dreaded C-word. Cancer! But she had consoled me. The pathologist was hopeful. The next step – to find an oncologist. Thus began my healing odyssey in December of 2006. With the holiday season looming gloomily on the horizon, and with all the hustle and bustle, would anyone have time to start treatment? And what would that entail? What stage of the dreaded “C” was my tumor? Oh... Why me? At least I didn’t panic. From years of publishing articles about holistic medicine, I knew that we all form small cancers in our bodies. Usually, our immune systems nip it in the bud and eliminate the genetically abhorrent cells. In truth, we are all cancer survivors. And I also knew I was blessed to have extensive knowledge about alternative treatments, as well as a trusty DSL connection to the Internet and an awesome network of healers on Maui to rally for support and my healing. But I asked… Why me? Mulling it over, I knew there was a family history of colon cancer – my dad had it in his 60s and survived. My older brothers and sisters routinely had polyps removed. In fact, it was my sister Anne who had encouraged me to schedule a colonoscopy once I turned 50. But I procrastinated for a year until I turned 51. So, what did I do? First I sat quietly and decided to start a conversation with the Creature as I began to refer to It. I was relieved when It seemed to tell me “I’m sorry, I didn’t know I was not welcome. I promise to leave.” I began telling some close friends and associates about my predicament. Gina, of the South Maui Healing Arts Center, had excellent suggestions. She recommended a medical doctor in New York City who treated conditions entirely with diet and nutritional substances. As a patient of his she had witnessed some amazing reversals of symptoms in her own situation. Since traveling to New York seemed a bit off my dial at the moment, I took her second suggestion, an hour-long shamanic counseling session with Conrad, her mentor and teacher.
Working with Conrad, he and I were able to penetrate the “black energy” that seemed to surround It. What was important, he emphasized, was to transform my overcommitted, frantic life. Once the healing began taking place, I was to replace it with a healthier lifestyle. According to Gina, Conrad’s sessions are particularly powerful in helping reverse cancer if he can counsel the patient within 48 hours of the diagnosis. Next I called Rev. Jill Carl, an ordained Religious Science minister here on Maui. Religious Science ministers and practitioners use Spiritual Mind Treatments, a form of affirmative prayer, to treat conditions. Rev. Jill first treatment was to disconnect me from my genetic entanglements (a belief that cancer is a part of my family history, so expect it). “You are not your father or your mother or your family genetics,” she affirmed. She followed with a prayer for my complete healing and restoration of total health. Rev. Jill’s powerful assertion of the truth of my connection with God’s perfection was consoling. Her prayer work and clarity were awesome. With much love and gratitude, I mailed her a donation and requested she keep me on her prayer list. For additional prayer work and support I called longtime friend and Minister Rev. Peggi Garvey in Los Angeles. Next the tedious part began; the research
Page 12 Maui Vision Magazine June/July, 2007
on the Internet about both traditional and nontraditional methods of cancer treatment. There’s a treasure trove of material to wade through, and unfortunately, the alternative information all seemed kind of hokey. But what I was able to ascertain was that cancer cells loved sugar and thrive in an anaerobic (low oxygen) and acidic environment. It looked like it was time to give up my caffeine and sugar addiction, especially the “rewards” for “keeping going” during the publishing deadlines of Maui Vision Magazine! If I could change my system from acidic to alkaline, I reasoned, I’d have a much better chance of beating the cancer. Some studies suggest cancer cells cannot survive in an alkaline environment. What a simple cure! If I could make some dietary changes, eat lots of organic veggies, juices and alkalinizing foods, I could beat it! At this point I had no excuses not to try. My life was being threatened. I lived within a short walk from the health food store in West Maui, so where was my resistance? At first it felt strange when I went in for my nearly daily shots of wheatgrass juice. What a nasty taste it had – just like grass clippings – but I felt energized and empowered that I was doing something positive for myself. (Wheatgrass therapy is one of the cornerstones of the Hippocrates Health Institute, a well-known rejuvenation retreat center on the Mainland.) All of that green energy must have had some oxygen in it as well. I was feeling good, in fight mode. Then some bad news came. The first oncologist I was referred to would be unavailable to start treatment. He was taking a three-week vacation while his wife gave birth. Luckily, the second referral, Dr. O from the Pacific Cancer Institute on Maui was available. It was getting to be mid-December, with no traditional treatments started. I was starting to get antsy. Even though it was holiday season, I felt like “Maui Time” was setting in, sometimes things happen faster here, mostly slower, but usually never when expected. Even though I had made an appointment with the second oncologist, the first oncologist’s office called and I agreed to an almost immediate appointment before his vacation started. Dr. A took a lot of time with me, explaining my treatment options, including participation in
Anatomy Of A Miracle Healing cutting-edge research trials sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. But what impressed me most was his answer to my question, “What is the most important component in successfully beating cancer?” His answer astounded me. “The patient’s attitude!” Floored, it affirmed what I already knew – through your mind you can facilitate a healing. As you think, so you are – a basic Science of Mind principle! Dr. A ordered some blood tests and a CAT scan for me. Leaving Dr. A’s office, I was encouraged and confident – I had already taken several positive steps forward. My next appointment with Dr. O at the Pacific Cancer Institute at Maui Memorial Hospital got things moving even faster. The Institute, located near the emergency room, is newly remodeled, bright, clean and pleasantly decorated. I was positively impressed from the moment I entered and received an enthusiastic welcome. You just get the feeling of genuine caring from everyone you encounter there. Dr. O also took a lot of time with me and described the same treatment protocols Dr. A offered. Who would have thought, here on Maui, that you could receive some of the most advanced traditional treatment options for cancer? Ultimately, I chose not to participate in the research trials. Since I would be randomly placed in one of protocols, I was afraid that I would be assigned an option which included a chemotherapy that caused neuropathy (numbing of the fingers and toes) as a side effect. Eek! No! Also, since I planned on doing alternative treatments simultaneously, my results would skew the study. So, I chose one of the other four options – a tried and true standard treatment protocol – six weeks of chemotherapy (a combination of FU-5 and Heparin), concurrent radiation and six to eight weeks after that, surgery. I knew traditional treatment’s track record, and I wasn’t too thrilled about being poisoned, burned and cut. But I was in good health otherwise and knew I could get through it. The next step was a chest implant of a catheter so the chemotherapy could easily access my bloodstream. My surgeon, Dr. T, did a great job. I was in and out of Maui Memorial Surgicenter the same day. Undergoing the surgery without my contacts
threw up. And no, I didn’t lose weight. And the or glasses, it was kind of scary. You start out in the Immodium to treat the accompanying bouts of new wing of the hospital which is beautiful, clean diarrhea worked wonders. And, no, my hair and spacious and get transported on a gurney into the didn’t fall out, thank God! old inner bowels of the hospital, with people rushing My friend Sundari happened to be off work about and strange clanging and banging noises in the simultaneously. She decided we both should get background. Every nurse approaching you verifies on a health kick, and we shared expenses and she your name and procedure before the final wheeling juiced organic vegetables and fruits almost daily. into the operating room. When you finally wake up, Sometimes it was delicious or so we tried to conyou are back upstairs in the new wing. vince ourselves! One day she got a little heavy on With my Portacath in place on January 2, I began the organic beets – and late that night my liquid the chemo/radiation treatments on January 8. For the elimination turned red, beet red. I thought I was radiation, I got fitted with a special mold to hold me in dieing! Freaking out at first, I fearfully believed the proper position, so the radiation could be localized I was bleeding internally from the radiation and to the exact site of the tumor. complained to my doctors the next day. Then, For the chemotherapy, a special pump with an one of the radiation nurses casually mentioned IV line ran from my chest to the portable pack, which beet juice and I sheepishly realized the “blood” I put in my left pocket. I disguised my cancer patient was the beets. (And my tumor has received a status well! direct “blast” from it!) Then the daily regimen began; Monday through Rev. Jill had recommended Dr. Sierra Levy, Friday. Daily I was zapped by radiation. On Mondays N.D., as particularly helpful and I knew Dr. Sithe nurses hooked me up to my chemo pump, and erra from her participation in the Healthy Hawaii Fridays I got disconnected for a weekend break. The Expos we sponsored, and from occasional ads in daily trips from West Maui to Wailuku dragged on and Maui Vision Magazine. But I also knew she had on. By Thursday and Friday, I was weak to the point a full practice, and I hoped my call to her would of being mostly bedridden and taking frequent naps. be answered, and it was! Somehow, Dr. Sierra Weekends were slow recovery times, but Monday squeezed me in for weekly and biweekly visits. inevitably loomed. Luckily, friends and loved ones Her energy medicine treatments were amazing. were able to help with the driving. Each week seemed Clairvoyant, she pulled out strands and bits of like an eternity. DIVINE YOUR stored karmic information from my body and reYes, I felt weak and nauseous as the chemo and F But U TI never U R Eleased them. Childhood traumas and old broken radiation did their damage to my tumor. relationships were cast away. With the help of her electro-acupuncture machine, she checked my pulses and functions of my internal organs, and tuned me up energetically. She consulted with my angels and guides to help heal and protect me, as all the toxins D E R E K CA L I B R E my traditional cancer from treatments were DER E K CA L Ibeing BRE PS Y C H I C eliminated. PSY CHI C Dr. Sierra encouraged me to use “Essiac” herbal tea as an anti-cancer remedy. I was already familiar with it and had planned purchase it g u i da n c e gu ito dan ce weakenedS ~state CA R E E R ~ R E L AT I O N SH I P S ~ Dover E C I SI Othe N S Internet, CAbut R E E Rin~ my R E L ATIONSHIP D E C ISIONS hadn’t gotten around to it. Originally developed a p p o i n t m e n t s by a Canadian nurse, the teaawas p p o irenowned n t m e n t s for 8 0 8 3 8 3 . 9 3 5 3healing cancer. Dr. O, my8oncologist, 0 8 3 8 3 .approved, 9353 and I purchased it at the local health food store where it is called “Flor•Essence” and sold under the Flora brand as a dietary supplement. W W W. S TA R C L E . N E T
The “Creature”
W W W. S TA R C L E . N E T
Continued on next page.
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June/July, 2007 Maui Vision Magazine Page 13
...Miracle Healing Continued from previous page.
My friend Robert, visiting from Michigan, mixed up my first batch. (It takes quite a bit of effort and requires some special equipment.) Faithfully, I drank the recommended dose in the morning and evening for several weeks, thinking who knows, maybe it would make my Creature disappear. And it didn’t taste too badly! I also drank Green Tea (known for its antioxidant properties) almost continuously during the six weeks. My friend Marti helped me with my visualizations to see the cancer cells being released, and replaced by normal healthy cells. And I even discovered what I called “Healthy Cancer Junk Food” in the health food store – dark-chocolate-covered Goji berries. Goji berries and Goji juice have anti-cancer properties, and dark chocolate is an antioxidant. One weekend, with Dr. O’s permission, I tried liquid Zeolite, a Waiora product which friends had recommended. Someone’s aunt had used the product and successfully reversed advanced cancer. It was probably effective, but for me, every time I sneezed I felt an electric shock up and down my spine so I gave that one up. And I asked for lots of prayers from everyone close to me. My niece Sherry, a devout Christian, had been dubbed the President of the Miracle Club. As a family we were continuously astounded as we kept my aging and ill parents alive – going, going, going seemingly by prayer power alone – well beyond their time.
One day I woke up from one of my many naps in a state of extreme sensitivity and just felt surrounded by the presence of angels and positive healing forces. I knew Divine Intervention had taken place. For the longest time I had wanted to set an appointment with Bula Logan, a gifted Maui Hawaiian healer, who had studied extensively with a well-known West Side kahuna. Luckily, Bula also made a slot for me in his busy schedule. Learning of my condition, he treated me to a one-hour lomilomi (Hawaiian massage) session. He kneaded my intestines and undid the kinks, while simultaneously counseling me with Ho’oponopono. My lesson from the cancer, he said, was to learn to practice forgiveness. At the end he proclaimed I was cured and sent me on my way with a handmade and blessed bottle of Noni juice. (Noni Juice, made from the fruit of the Noni tree, is native to Hawaii and known for its anticancer properties.) It seemed that Bula had hit the cause of my cancer on its head – indeed there was a person in my life that I was having trouble forgiving. The incident involving this person had taken place a little over a year before. (I had asked Dr. O how long the cancer had been growing and he said about a year.) Hmmm… How do I forgive the unforgivable? I was stymied for several weeks. Finally, the chemo and radiation was over. Its goal was to shrink the tumor, which would then be surgically removed 6-8 weeks later. I could have
the surgery on Maui, but as my first surgeon ascertained, why not get the best treatment available in Hawaii? (There are no colon-rectal surgical specialists on Maui.) He knew a good one on Oahu, a Dr. W, associated with The Queen’s Medical Center, whom he recommended highly. (As the saying goes when seeking medical care on Maui, “When in doubt, fly out!”) Meanwhile, all the blood tests and CAT scans continued to come back negative; meaning the cancer was not spreading. The day before my scheduled trip to Oahu to meet Dr. W, I finally had a breakthrough on my forgiveness issue. I didn’t need to forgive the person for what she had done. She was just expressing her normal nasty self! Who I needed to forgive was myself, for the way I had reacted to her; for my own nastiness and the way I had lowered my behavior to her level. I definitely had not been loving or kept my cool. For this I forgave myself. I breathed a deep sigh of relief. The flight was perfect and I arrived to a magical day on Oahu, with puffy white clouds and a beautiful blue sky. On the trip from the airport to Dr. W’s office I marveled at the amazing architecture of the old, large buildings in downtown Honolulu. Iolani Palace and the State Capitol building reassured me with a grounded sense of permanence and substance. Just outside the medical center office building a sudden cloud burst came out of the blue and soaked me. I immediately claimed it as a blessing – an awesome sign from above! The receptionists at Dr. W’s office laughed at me arriving soaking wet from Maui. “Is it raining?” they asked. “It’s a good sign!” I replied with a big grin.
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Page 14 Maui Vision Magazine June/July, 2007
I didn’t realize Dr. W had planned on examining me and my tumor. I thought I was there just to talk about the surgery, and my Creature, which was located not that far “up there.” He pumped my abdomen full of air and examined me with his special scope. Looking puzzled, he didn’t see what he was looking for, so he had to use his other, super-duper scope in the other examining room. Once again, I was pumped up and probed. Then the shocking moment of revelation came. Dr. W calmly told me the tumor was gone, the only thing remaining was a small red mark where it had been. I burst into tears. Dr. W told me it was only the second time in all his years of practice that a tumor that large had ever disappeared with just being treated with chemotherapy and radiation. Usually they just shrink! Astounded, I went to Ala Moana Center to meet my friend Sharman for lunch at the restaurant at Neiman Marcus. I revealed to her my story (and the Miracle) for the first time. She congratulated me and we dined decadently and splurged on lunch and forbidden chocolate cake for dessert. No, despite my good fortune, I wasn’t completely off the hook. Dr. Sierra scanned my body and told me it just wanted rest and to get strong before the surgery. I could stop the detoxifying Essiac tea, relax a bit with all the juicing and just focus on eating well to gather strength. Since it had never been determined if the cancer had breached the wall of my colon, the surgery was still necessary. What if there were a few remaining cells on the site? What if it started to spread to local lymph glands (before it had disappeared) even
Divine intervention or what? though the blood tests and CAT scans came back negative? After getting the April/May Maui Vision Magazine to the printer and distributed, I underwent the surgery at The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu in early April. More good news! The pathology report revealed no remaining cancer cells on the part of the colon that was removed, and also, there was no cancer in any of the lymph nodes they removed. Yes, my Creature had kept its promise and left. Finally, I was certified cancer-free and I intend to stay that way! Now it is as if a rebirth has taken place, I have a whole new life to look forward to. I’m counting it as Lifetime #5 after all the other life-threatening events and situations I have survived. Yes, during the process, I chose to keep my
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condition a secret from a lot of people. I had limited time and energy, and I was afraid of being overwhelmed with good suggestions from everyone. I knew I wouldn’t have time or energy to do them all. And with cancer, I knew there were a lot of alternatives that definitely work. Each step along the way, I asked my oncologist, Dr. O for permission to use my holistic remedies. I got the unspoken feeling from him that he knew chemotherapy, radiation and surgery had mostly poor track records as completely effective cancer treatments just by themselves. But, due to the politics of cancer that is all he could legally prescribe without threatening his medical license or triggering a malpractice lawsuit. The unspoken truth is that it is really up to the cancer patient to take responsibility for their condition, rally their own resources, make decisions and choose their own healing path in addition to what mainstream medical doctors can offer. What brought about my miraculous healing? Was it my attitude, the herbal teas, the juicing, the energy healing, the prayers, divine intervention, holistic remedies, the chemotherapy or the radiation? I’d like to think that put together as a holistic healing program, they all helped. But I’d like to also think that empowering yourself with as much knowledge as possible, and using whatever tools you feel guided to is the best path for total healing. When you choose wisely, the healing Universe does respond! Eric T. Richter is the publisher of Maui Vision Magazine.
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