Dennis W.

November 15, 2012

Dear Susan,

In May of 2010 on a visit to our two oldest grandchildren I developed a mild sore throat and had a small lump on my neck that I thought was from a cold. Little did I know that two weeks later I would be told that I had stage 4, diffuse large B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. That began a journey of numerous blood tests, a lymph node biopsy, CT scans, a bone marrow biopsy, an echocardiogram, chest x-rays and of course a visit to the oncologist. This is where I learned three things; 1) Place your faith in the Lord because we do not control the outcome of our life; 2) Doctors know about treatment only; and 3) Nutrition is an essential factor in both withstanding the effects of the chemo and radiation treatment and in recovery.

Thanks to you Susan and your organization beatcancer.org the unknowns of what item 3 really means were well covered. Without your support and guidance I would have been easily discouraged by the doctor against any role nutrition might play in treatment and recovery. From the very beginning the doctor was opposed to me taking any form of antioxidants. I had already been on Juice Plus for the last 5 years so I had a head start on the benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. It’s amazing to me how little doctors know of what role nutrition can play in cancer prevention and treatment and also in recovery from the devastating effects that chemotherapy has on your immune system. Your guidance on finding resources that clearly showed the evidence in support of good nutrition and also your knowledge and compassion for supporting me in a time which can be filled with great fear and despair are beyond just a mere thanks.

I often, with my experience have the opportunity to share with others my journey and you and your organization is one of the first places I point people to. It has been two and one half years now since I finished chemo and radiation and am cancer free. Not only was I cancer free at the end of 3 months of treatment but my immune system (blood work) was completely normal. I am thankful for the Lord’s miraculous healing hand in my life and the support and guidance you gave me. Being cancer free meant that I was here to witness the birth of 4 more grandchildren last year, a girl to my son and triplet girls to our youngest daughter. We are so blessed.

Sincerely yours,

Dennis W.