Sophie_Sabbage

Thanks for this question. I am not a health practitioner. I do share my choices with people if they ask. I also do conventional medicine, including radiotherapy and a chemo drug, which have both saved my life. I just think this can be complemented by things like diet, acupuncture and treatments that boost immunity. One of my natural practitioners said, "You have terrorists (tumors) in your house. The chemo and radio are the SAS, here to take 'em out. The rest of us are taking care of the land, the building and the innocent civilians." I loved that.

As for emotional roots, this is a personal perspective, but is also supported by psychologists and some medical paradigms. For example, according to Chinese Medicine, grief is held in the lungs. I have lung cancer and have unlocked huge amounts of grief since being diagnosed. I have found this deeply emotionally healing and, perhaps, physically healing, but I don't want to press that point. We are integrated systems. Our bodies and emotions connect with each other. My background is in psychology and mindset change, so this is my area of interest and expertise. But it is not everyone's cup of tea for sure.

Champagne

It is often asked first and empathy is withheld unless the answer is no. This is the lung cancer stigma and the reason there is one lung cancer charity in the UK compared to dozens for breast cancer. Many people who never smoked get it. But even if someone did smoke, we need to be asking why they did that? What did they not want to feel? Why did they not love themselves? People numb out with food and alcohol, but don't get blamed so much if they get sick. No one deserves this disease.

As for treatment I have directed my own from the start and turned things down even under pressure. This has been the most empowering decision I made. I am two years on now and feel really well. I was given a matter of months.

Haha. I have a six year old girl so I want to live as long as I can. I have actually given up almost all my favorite vices - wine, coffee, sugar - because I want to be as healthy as I can. But when the sun goes down I will have champagne in my hand and on my lips.

Big question. In part, it is about feeling your sorrow and letting yourself wail against the dying of the light. It requires you to breathe into your deepest wounds and let the dam break. Grief comes in waves. You need to allow it to flow through you. If we don't feel the sorrow then grief becomes a dark, heavy burden we carry around instead of a healing force. Unlike fear and anger, which separate you from yourself and others, grief connects you with yourself and others. It is the cousin of love. We grieve that which we have loved and do love so grief keeps love alive. It doesn't bring closure. It brings new life. This is my experience. I am more open, loving and grateful for its presence in my life.

If you are struggling to engage with it I recommend some professional support. It is so worth it.