They Gave Him 3 Months. He Took 20 Years (And Counting).

Dear Community,

In 2005, when I turned 15, life threw our family a curveball that none of us were prepared for. My father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a term I hadn't yet learned to fear. The doctors delivered grave news: he might have only a few months left. Pancreatic cancer is notoriously aggressive, with only a small fraction of patients surviving beyond three years. Following his diagnosis, my father underwent an extensive surgery where his gallbladder, a portion of the stomach, and part of the pancreas were removed. Despite the uncertainty of his prognosis, what followed was not a story of decline, but a masterclass in self-advocacy. And now, we've celebrated 20 years post-surgery—a testament to his remarkable resilience and determination.

The Remarkable Survival Statistics

Though pancreatic cancer survival rates are daunting, my father's case stands out as a rare beacon of hope. Here are some statistics to provide context:

How did he manage to defy these odds? What set his journey apart?

A Unique Approach to Health

My father wasn't content with merely following medical advice. While today's medicine is undeniably advanced, it can never fully encapsulate an individual's daily health regimen. He became exceptionally vigilant about his health, paying particular attention to his blood results. Even when doctors were satisfied with his progress given the circumstances, my father was not. He believed he held the keys to his own health and took action to ensure his vitality.

Whenever there were imbalances in his kidney function, sugar levels, or cholesterol, partly due to his altered physiology, he worked tirelessly to correct them. How? Through meticulous monitoring of his diet, rigorous blood testing, and understanding the impacts of these elements on his body. For example, after discovering how ox bile helped stabilize his low cholesterol and blood sugar levels, he integrated it into his regimen—a discovery he made through his own relentless research. Over time, he built a deep understanding of what worked for his unique body.

Taking Control of Your Health

His story is a powerful reminder of the incredible influence we can have on our own health journey. This blog post is an invitation to explore that power within yourself. Irrespective of your condition, you can be an active partner in your own healing. It’s about shifting the focus from what's happening to you, to what you can do for yourself. You are always the captain of your ship, with the power to steer your course.

In our experience, those who approach their health with a proactive mindset often only need a nudge to find success. My father stands as a living testament to this truth—not just in theory, but as living proof of what becomes possible when determination and self-reliance are woven into the healing process.

Defying Fate — The Power of Choice

My father's journey demonstrates a profound truth: while the world may see luck, the individual experiences choice. This contrast was never clearer than after his surgery. Under heavy morphine, he envisioned men in black inviting him to leave this world. It wasn't luck that made him tell them to "go away"; it was a conscious decision, a defiant choice to stay until his sons graduated.

This pivotal moment of determination is the part of the story often overlooked. To many observers, including some doctors, his remarkable recovery was simply a fortunate outcome. The proactive, healing practices he integrated into his lifestyle were dismissed, and his personal discoveries were met with indifference. This underscores the incredible resilience of the human spirit, which persists and triumphs even when its efforts are unrecognized by the outside world.

A Wisdom to Live By

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." My father's journey reminds us that it is never too late to take ownership of our lives and health. Embrace the journey, learn relentlessly, and carve out your path with courage and wisdom.

See you soon,