Reflections and Ruth Hedrick's Cancer Fighting Story

Words of Reflection

Dr. Ruth Hedrick is an author, health expert, and remarkable athlete. She has an important personal story to share:

"I was 47 years old that year, living in paradise, Hawaii, and pursuing my PhD in psychology. One day while showering, I felt a lump in my right breast. Needless to say, I was worried and rushed to see a doctor. But he said, 'Oh! You're too young to have breast cancer.' However, he still ordered a mammogram, 'just to confirm.' The mammogram came back negative, which was reassuring. The doctor told me that, just to be safe, I should have a checkup every year. The second year's checkup was also negative. However, in the third year, the lump became very noticeable. The doctor was shocked and demanded an immediate biopsy."

Little did they know that the mammogram had been wrong all along. The lump was not only cancerous, but it also lacked clear borders.

Of course, I was terrified. I felt betrayed by my body. For 14 years, I'd been an active runner; I'd even run marathons. I was the healthiest person I knew. I'd always followed what I considered a healthy diet. Yet, I got cancer. It's unbelievable!”

To remove all the cancer, Ruth had to undergo numerous surgeries. But it was too late. The cancer had spread to her bones and left lung, and her liver enzyme levels were elevated, meaning the cancer had undoubtedly metastasized to her liver as well. Unable to remove all the metastatic cancer cells, she underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments couldn't guarantee a cure; they were merely delaying measures, nothing more.

"I was terrified of chemotherapy, but I was also terrified of not having it. Besides the potential danger points in my bones, my bones started to ache severely, and medication wasn't relieving the pain. But then, what I consider the best stroke of luck of my life struck: I happened to see a newspaper article about a study on the role of diet in the spread of breast cancer. I practically ran to call the researcher, Dr. John McDougall, who explained that he was exploring whether a vegan diet was more effective at reversing cancer than chemotherapy and radiation therapy. With that option, making the decision was a breeze. With immense relief and a slight apprehension, I refused chemotherapy and radiation therapy and opted for a dietary change. This later proved to be an incredibly wise choice. For me, there was no 'transition period'; I started eating vegan that very day."

I've found that a vegan diet is very easy to follow. I already love brown rice, whole-grain bread, and oatmeal; I just need to replace chicken, fish, and dairy products with vegetables and fruits, and remove all the oil.

I went back to my oncologist and told him about the experiment I was participating in. He replied that diet had absolutely nothing to do with my breast cancer, and that I couldn't possibly be getting enough protein, calcium, and the necessary fatty acids. I took his concerns to heart, but after Dr. McDougall assured me that I would be getting more than enough protein, calcium, fatty acids, and other nutrients, I continued with the new diet.

Around that time, I saw triathlon on TV, and that became my second major stroke of luck. I was captivated by the idea of ​​surpassing the 26.6-mile marathon. A triathlon is a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride, and then a marathon! When I discovered that neither cancer patients nor women my age had ever completed what was considered the world's toughest competition, I found my challenge.

I was particularly excited to find that my new diet gave me more energy and a faster recovery time. This diet allowed me to quickly get back to running after surgery and I also added swimming and cycling to my daily training.

The triathlon was so grueling. Looking around, all I saw were young, healthy bodies. I didn't know what I'd gotten myself into. Then I remembered my mission: to show people how powerful this vegan diet is. However, I truly needed to tap into my potential, because the challenge I faced was unprecedented! Crossing the finish line in 14 hours, I had an indescribable feeling-joy, control, ecstasy-mixed with utter exhaustion! I couldn't take another step!

At the same time, I was advised to check the condition of my cancer. Within two months, the danger point in my bone began to recede. My body had essentially isolated the disease in my lungs, and my liver enzymes returned to normal. I felt healthy and strong. I have remained healthy for 28 years since then.

I also want to emphasize that my completion of the triathlon was no fluke. Since my diagnosis, I have completed six triathlons and run 67 marathons, setting several fitness records for my age group in the process!

Today's kitchen tip: Vegetables – Get rid of chemicals

If you're wondering what vegetables to have for dinner, consider broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, or kale. These vegetables, among other benefits, also have special anti-cancer properties.

Each of these vegetables is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning its flowers are arranged in a cross shape. In your body, these vegetables stimulate the liver to produce enzymes that detoxify and eliminate chemical pollutants. This is important because we are all exposed to a variety of chemical pollutants in the air, water, and food. Some of these chemicals can damage DNA and induce cancer.

Within 48 hours of eating cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables, the liver produces more enzymes to eliminate carcinogenic chemicals from the body. Cooking cruciferous vegetables does not impair their effectiveness.

Common cruciferous vegetables include: bok choy, broccoli, large-leaf kale, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, radish, kale, and watercress.