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Patti Jacobs

February 12, 2019 Patient Story Comments Off on Patti Jacobs

Before cancer I was one of those annoying people who never got sick. When my left arm started hurting in August 2014 I thought it might be tennis elbow, even though I don’t play tennis. After a few weeks I finally got an X-ray and it showed a six inch tumor inside my left humerus. As it turned out, I had kidney cancer and it had spread everywhere. I was stunned.

Since then I’ve had radiation on some larger tumors (chemo doesn’t work on kidney cancer), different immunotherapy drugs, and participated in drug trials. I’ve had a rod inserted in my left humerus, a rod in my left femur, my left shoulder and arm amputated, and finally a rod in my right humerus. At this point, I’m almost the bionic woman! Kidney cancer is relatively rare, representing only 3% of all cancers. The survival rate is tied to how long it takes to work through the short list of available treatments and, unfortunately, that’s where I was last January.

I had attended the Believe Big dinner event a few years ago and had heard about mistletoe. Since my last experimental drug had given me a heart attack, I thought the time had finally come for me to try an alternative option. I contacted a patient advocate at Believe Big (Patty) and she was so fantastic! She provided a variety of resources and ways that Believe Big could help. One option was Namaste Health Center in Colorado where I could have mistletoe IV therapy, as well as other treatments. Some of these were Naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine, Ortho-Bionomy, and nutrition therapy. With the help of a Believe Big grant and a Go Fund Me campaign I was able to attend Namaste Health Center for two weeks this past March.

Since my return, I’ve continued the mistletoe treatments, in combination with Opdivo (immunotherapy). Three times a week a family member gives me a mistletoe injection and monthly I get an Opdivo IV at Johns Hopkins. I’ve had several CAT scans since March and both showed the tumor in my kidney shrinking, while other tumors are stable or a little smaller. For me this is very encouraging since no other treatment has ever shrunk any of my tumors!

I’m so grateful that Believe Big was there to provide the information and help that has started me on this mistletoe journey. I’m very hopeful about where this will go and for now I’m appreciating every day with my family and friends. 

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Stefanie O’Polka – Lung Cancer Overcomer!

October 3, 2018 Believe Mugs, Patient Story Comments Off on Stefanie O’Polka – Lung Cancer Overcomer!

Stefanie O’Polka

Lung Cancer Overcomer!

As a lifelong non-smoker with no family history of cancer, I was shocked and horrified to receive a lung cancer diagnosis in April of 2015. I had a serious case of pneumonia that thankfully hadn’t responded to oral antibiotics. My general practitioner sent me to the emergency room to be admitted, get IV antibiotics, and rest. I began to suspect something was wrong when an unusually large number of doctors and specialists traveled in and out of my ER room, all of them saying they were trying to “rule things out.” After several days in the hospital and many tests and procedures, I awoke from anesthesia with an oncologist by my bedside. It was confirmed: I had lung cancer.

I didn’t know specifics, but somewhere in my mind I remembered reading that lung cancer was one of the worst types of cancer. The actual lung cancer facts are staggering. It is the deadliest of all cancers, killing more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers COMBINED. The five-year survival rate for those diagnosed with lung cancer is just 18%. Not great odds, but I am a fighter, and I was going to do whatever I could for me and my three amazing children.

I underwent conventional treatment including surgery removing the majority of my right lung and four months of weekly chemotherapy. I also began researching complementary therapies that could help boost me into that small number of lung cancer survivors. I found an acupuncturist, started taking supplements and juicing, opened myself up with spiritual practices like meditation and gratitude, and I was introduced to Believe Big. Believe Big’s beautiful stories of survival gave me hope that I, too, could overcome cancer, and their nutrition and mistletoe therapy services gave me practical ways to fight this disease.

As I write this, I can gratefully say that I have been cancer free for 3 ½ years! I continue my mistletoe injections and I strive to live a balanced lifestyle. Giving back has always been a part of my life, and I’m proud to say that this year I raised over $30,000 for the Lung Cancer Research Foundation. I am a monthly donor to Believe Big, I’ve enjoyed attending the last three inspirational fundraising dinners, I’ve hosted a fun Believe Mug painting in my home, and my niece now works for this incredible organization that helped me so much on my cancer journey.

Stefanie is pictured above with her niece and 3 children, Believing Big!

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Believe Big Story Hope – Jeff Charles

May 9, 2018 Patient Story, Uncategorized Comments Off on Believe Big Story Hope – Jeff Charles

Watch the video here >

My name is Jeff Charles, and I am a two-time cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2012. I was 60 years old and in outstanding physical condition, which is a big reason why I am here today. I was in remission for 20 months and naively thought I had whipped cancer. Not so fast my friend. In February of 2016 another tumor was discovered in my left lung, and I had surgery where they removed half my lung. I had the same oncologist from day one and became increasingly frustrated while under his care. After three lung surgeries to remove four tumors I asked him, “Where do you think we are, moving forward?” His response was a shrug of the shoulders and, “You’ll just continue to get more tumors.” That was my light bulb moment. I said, “There has to be a better way!”

I searched the internet for a natural approach to cancer and found Believe Big. I called and they directed me to the resources I needed. I received IV mistletoe, injections of mistletoe, and radically changed my diet. The great news is that no new tumors have appeared since changing my protocol and I am completely cancer free.

I am now on a mission to help Believe Big Spread the word about about a combined approach of complementary and traditional care to cancer treatment. I am thankful to have a job as a sportscaster that enables me to do so. You want to beat cancer? Be smart, be tough, your attitude is incredibly important. As crazy as it sounds, cancer has been a blessing. Through having cancer, I have become a better husband, father, coworker, and just an overall better person. In a strange way it also gave me confidence. It’s like, “This is about as tough as it gets. I’ve come through this and I can handle anything and WIN! I am forever grateful to Believe Big.

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Story of Hope – Stage IV head and neck cancer

December 29, 2017 Patient Story, Story of Hope, Uncategorized Comments Off on Story of Hope – Stage IV head and neck cancer

Russ LeBlanc Overcomes stage IV head and neck cancer!

written by: Rena LeBlanc
Just two years out from my battle with lung cancer, Russ was diagnosed with stage IV head and neck cancer. Our flesh was scared, angry, and exhausted, but our spirit had hope. We were once again on our knees asking God for healing, only to learn that God had already set relief, comfort, and HOPE in place for us.

For two years many had mentioned the hope and help for cancer patients found at Believe Big. One of Russ’ nurses happened to be a neighbor of Ivelisse Page. The nurse’s recommendation to contact Ivelisse was the final arrow pointing our way to Believe Big. Believe Big is a place of love and hope that led us to the gift of relief in mistletoe therapy. The mistletoe spared Russ from much pain and suffering during chemotherapy and radiation and aided in his recovery. Because of Believe Big’s grants and guidance, we were able to utilize mistletoe therapy and see an oncology nutritionist whose advice far surpassed anything offered at Russ’ hospital.

God nudged His people to pray for us, encourage us, and supply all our needs. Ultimately, He healed Russ of cancer, carrying and leading us through the darkest of times. These wilderness times can be frightening and harsh but they can also be the most beautiful as we see the Lord moving, hear His gentle promises, and feel His touch in our lives.
We “have learned to kiss the wave that throws us against the Rock of Ages.”
-Charles Spurgeon

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Story of Hope! Jeff Charles Beats Colon Cancer with Mistletoe!

September 15, 2017 Patient Story, Story of Hope Comments Off on Story of Hope! Jeff Charles Beats Colon Cancer with Mistletoe!
My name is Jeff Charles, and I am a two-time cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer on December 3, 2012. I was 60 years old and in outstanding physical condition, which is a big reason why I am here today. I was in remission for 20 months and naively thought I had whipped cancer. Not so fast, my friend. February 2016 another tumor was discovered in my left lung, and I had surgery where they removed half my lung. I had the same oncologist from day one and became increasingly frustrated while under his care. After three lung surgeries to remove four tumors I asked him, “Where do you think we are, moving forward?” His response was a shrug of the shoulders and, “You’ll just continue to get more tumors.” That was my light bulb moment. I said, “There has to be a better way!”

 

I searched the internet for a natural approach to cancer and found Believe Big. I called and they directed me to the resources I needed. I received intravenous mistletoe, injections of mistletoe, and radically changed my diet. The great news is that no new tumors have appeared since changing my protocol and I am completely cancer free!

 

I am now on a mission to help Believe Big spread the word about a combined approach of complementary and traditional care to cancer treatment. I am thankful to have a job as a sportscaster that enables me to do so. You want to beat cancer? Be smart, be tough, and your attitude is incredibly important. As crazy as it sounds, cancer has been a blessing. Through having cancer, I have become a better husband, father, coworker, and just an overall better person. In a strange way it also gave me confidence. It’s like, “This is about as tough as it gets; I’ve come through this and I can handle anything and WIN!” I am forever grateful to Believe Big!

– Jeff Charles

Jeff Charles is a sports radio announcer for the Eastern Carolina University (ECU) Pirates. ECU is selling bobbleheads to commemorate Jeff’s 30th year with the university. All the proceeds from bobblehead sales will be directly donated to Believe Big to benefit cancer patients. You can read more about Jeff and purchase the bobbleheads here.

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Believe Big believes that there are many aspects to healing. Each person needs an individualized diet and treatment plan for their type of cancer, stage, and sensitivities. Our vision at Believe Big is to see patients and their families discover their pathway to healing. If you or someone you love is in need of help, please have them contact us at 888-317-5850 or visit www.believebig.org. Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear about your story of healing. ContactMeredith@believebig.org.
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