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