In 2014, Jessica was diagnosed with stage 3 tonsillar cancer with lymph infection. As soon as she was diagnosed, she began to research a variety of different healing methods. After trying some conventional treatment (e.g., surgery), she made the personal decision to decline the additional recommended treatment (e.g., chemotherapy), and instead tried other healing modalities. For example, Jessica radically changed her diet (consuming no sugar, dairy, or processed foods of any kind), began meditating, and much more. Here is her story in her own words:
“I felt a lump in my throat. Upon inspection (by me), I saw a growth. I went Saturday, March 22, 2014 (the next day) to a walk-in clinic, and they sent me for an MRI. They recommended a biopsy on Monday. Monday at 8am, I showed up to the ENT. She sent me immediately to Mt. Sinai on March 24. They biopsied the lump and set a surgery date for April 11. After the initial aspiration of the swollen lymph node (which I named ‘Pongo’), it then tripled in size by the surgery date. The tonsil tumor (which I named ‘Cruella’) seemed to stay the same size by the surgery date. My tonsil tumor was 2.5 centimeters and the lymph node was 3 cm at the time of surgery. Surgery was effective (no further lymph positivity) and I refused the recommended radiation.
I had had a relatively healthy diet for more than 30 years; however, I was in a horribly toxic marriage. Luckily, my husband left on March 7 and I was diagnosed on the 24th. I had always considered myself spiritual, but refused to have ongoing contact with my Source. After the diagnosis, I put my health into complete focus. There was never a time that I thought I wouldn’t be cancer-free. I viewed Cruella and Pongo (my tumors) as messengers, and I understood their toxicity and the role I believe I had in creating them. With my diet clean, meditating daily, praying and conversing with Source daily, insisting on including daily “joy therapy”, completely changing my life attitude and approach, and reading and studying voraciously (Dr. Turner, Iyanla, Abraham, Louise Hay, Dr. Lipton, Suzanne Somers, amongst others), I’ve thankfully been clean for 2 years.”
UPDATE January 2022: “Dr. Turner’s book definitely changed my life for the better!!! Luckily, I have not experienced any relapse of my diagnosis or any related diagnoses. Not surprisingly, anniversaries are tough, and even if I’m not cognizant of the time of year, my body seems to be full of muscle memory! It’s hard not to be afraid, but it’s important not to live in that space. I have been going to check-ups regularly and pay attention to whatever my body might be telling me. 2019 was my 5-year mark (from diagnosis) and I’m feeling better than ever!
My life today is very different than it was when I was diagnosed with cancer. Although life has been bumpy and messy and topsy-turvy, I no longer live in a place of resentment and disappointment. I try to engage in “Joy Therapy” daily (taken from my list made in 2014 per Dr. Turner’s advice). I listen to motivational podcasts. I stay away from toxic people and situations. I always ate fairly mindfully, but now I really stay away from sugar (cancer loves it) and “frankenfoods.” If something has more than 5 ingredients, I avoid it. I try to get outside as much as possible. I don’t watch TV although I’m guilty of spending too much time on social media. I certainly don’t argue with strangers! I try to support and compliment as many people as possible. In the past 2 years, I’ve been intermittently fasting. Recently, I’ve learned the benefits of extended fasts and incorporate them into my schedule. I’ve never felt better and my skin looks fabulous!!
It’s odd to say, but I feel that my bout with cancer was a blessing. Potentially losing my life made me realize how much I wanted to live a full and long life. I feel that I learned the lessons it needed to teach me, and so there is no reason for it to return. My advice to anyone who is struggling would be to go inward. Try to learn what the disease is trying to teach you. Study and research and never give up hope or give in to despair or resentment. Good luck to all reading this!”
EDITOR’S NOTE: As of April 2022, Jessica remains well and thriving. Stay up-to-date with her here.
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Hi Jessica. I loved reading your story because it relates directly to me. I was diagnosed this past September with Stage 3 Throat Cancer (specifically HPV related Tonsil Cancer). Living my entire adult life (I’m 60yrs old) from a spiritual, holistic and homeopathic foundation I never considered traditional methods (radiation, chemo et al). I immediately started a plant based diet upon the advice from my Radical Remission Instructor (John Henry) and dove into all of the Healing Factors. As a teacher, singer and podcaster it was imperative that I keep my throat and voice active and operating in ways that I’m accustomed to. Along with the diet I’ve implemented Reiki, Chios, and Acupuncture sessions along with daily exercise, meditation and psycho therapy. To date I feel stronger than ever. I’ve dropped over 20 pounds due to eating ‘clean’ and have just added an Integrative Specialist to my team. I will be looking for another scan to gauge my progress but I feel great. If you have any additional throat specific bits of information that you wouldn’t mind sharing, I’d love to hear it!
Thank you again for your very inspiring story!
To our health!
Danny Rongo
Hello Danny, I very much appreciate hearing your story, as I too have been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of left tonsil in September 2021. We seem to be on similar healing journeys. Like yourself, I have had a holistic focus my entire adult life, and I do a lot of online teaching and singing of mantrams. I’m currently on sabbatical however to focus all my energy on healing and simply being.
I have been considering Proton Therapy and low dose chemo, but my intuition continues to guide me towards natural healing and the 9 principles of Radical Remission. I feel healthy and strong. The lesion on my tonsil measures 4 by 2 centimeters, and I have one lymph note slightly involved (1.5 cms). Neither is painful, and the lesion in my throat does not interfere with swallowing. I would love to connect with you personally. My email is: [email protected] Feel free to contact me. Thanks much for your and Jessica’s testimony. I find much joy in dancing, practicing yoga and dipping into the cold Pacific Ocean and running along the beach.
Let’s all continue to heal naturally and easily, James Docker
Where did you find your Integrative specialist?
Jessica, I love the joy and energy in your picture. Your story inspires me and reminds me to practice joy and plan times for it into my life and into my days. Thank you.
Jessica thank you for sharing your story! I would love to personally reach out to you about a few things regarding your diagnosis and certain things your doing after your surgery! Can I personally reach you on FB or email.