Can Your Mind Set Help You Survive Cancer?

Sponsored by IT RISK LIMITED, LLC

The Dreaded Phone Call

Finding a lump anywhere in your body can cause a series of emotional responses. In some cases, people will succumb to the disease by the news of the sheer possibility derived from abnormal test results whereas others simply go straight into denial. This is when cancer can kill! When the bad news has been received and the assumption is made that the disease will run its course, people expect the worst. This results in an emotional roller-coaster in which the patient continuously ponders upon thoughts such as:

• How serious is it?
• What if it’s the Big C?
• Will I survive?
• How do I tell my partner?
• How do I tell my children?
• How will I cope?
• Why me? I’m too young to die!
• What have I done to deserve this?

The doctor is the next port of call; IMMEDIATE port of call! Wouldn’t you rather be told it’s not cancer than it’s cancer and you have left it too late? The reality is that once you have seen your doctor the ball begins to roll. You will be seen by a specialist, biopsies will be taken and then you can explore with your options.

Tackling the mental side of the battle!

According to Cancer Research UK (24 July 2012) 1 in 3 of people will develop cancer of some sort in their lifetime. This is a harsh, yet accurate statistic. The journey of cancer is an emotional roller-coaster that you would never opt to ride. A daily turmoil, which rides on the waves of anger, guilt, grief and from a powerlessness, that stems from a lack of control. Every person who experiences cancer rides a similar roller-coaster. It is the highs and the lows of the ride that varies from one person to another. Tackling the mental side of the battle with cancer is now widely recognized. It is the positive and determined attitude that enables you to win the fight with cancer whereas giving up allows the cancer to win.

At the point when the ‘lump’ is discovered onward the individual’s emotional strength is tested. Every Doctor’s appointment explains the results from one of the numerous tests or scans that is undertaken to determine the prognosis of the cancer. Waiting for the results in and of itself is emotionally testing, especially if the individual is not in the right mind-set or is feeling particularly vulnerable. These emotional uncertainties can be compounded by the individual’s social and psychosocial circumstances. The need to protect and support the people who are near and dear to the individual often prevents him/her from having enough resources left to stay strong.

 

The Mind and Body Link

The mind body link is a well-researched phenomenon. It provides the foundations of many of the alternative therapies that are now available to help fight Cancer. The first research dates back to 1978 when Dr Carl and Stephanie Simonton published their book Getting Well Again. This book demonstrated the relationship between the mind and body link, looking into psychoneuroimmunology, the way the mind affects the nervous system, which in turn affects the immune system. The Simontons worked with 159 people considered to have medically incurable cancer (with a life expectancy of around 12 months) the Simontons reported two years later that 14 clients had no evidence of cancer at all, 29 had tumors which were stable or regressing, and almost all had lived well beyond the 12 month “limit” (p 11-12). Essentially, 10% were cured and 20% were curing themselves. The Simontons used a combination of biofeedback, visualization, exercise, goal setting, resolving internal conflicts, letting go of resentment, and engaging family support.

An Approach to Curing Cancer

Neuro linguistic programming (NLP) is an approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy. The title refers to a stated connection between the neurological processes (“neuro”), language (“linguistic”), and behavioural patterns that have been learned through experience (“programming”). NLP provides resources for coping with any kind of circumstance. NLP can be used especially during the most difficult times in our lives which change the course of our lives, who we are, how we live and the decisions we make.

NLP is an ever evolving field that is enhanced through its principles and modelling of success. The Mind-Body Therapy (1988) of Ernest Rossi and David Cheek provide another model for clearing cancer. This model is based upon ideo-dynamic communication (hypnotic communication with the unconscious mind).

Robert Dilts, Tim Hallbom and Suzi Smith developed an NLP frame for understanding the same processes in their work on beliefs  in 1990. They looked into the role played by limiting beliefs and internal conflicts in illness.  Further developing the tools of NLP to resolve the conflicts and understand the root course of the limiting beliefs, enabling individuals to clear the blockage they may have.

Keith’s Personal Journey Surviving Throat Cancer

What is it like to hear the words “you have cancer”? In Bangers & Mash, Keith Hern explains exactly what it’s like, using honesty and humour. From the grim reality of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, to unexpected moments of real warmth and kindness from friends new and old, the fight for survival is vividly described. Working with an NLP coach, Keith challenges cancer head-on and emerges successfully with a second chance in life. Keith explores every emotion which touches the life of a person who has been told “you have cancer”. From the beginning, he takes you through his amazing journey in an honest, heartfelt and courageous manner. Being diagnosed with a potentially terminal disease is mentally traumatic. For those on this journey, sometimes comfort can be found through the words of someone who has traveled that road.

The Interview

Tune in to this segment of The NLP View Radio Show, as host, Donna Blinston is joined by author, Keith Hern to discuss his best-selling book, Bangers and Mash, How to take on throat cancer, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and win, with help from an NLP coach. This Saturday October the 20th, 2012 at 7pm EDT/4pmPST/12pmGMT! Stay Tuned!