My #1 Piece of Advice for Someone Facing a Diagnosis

I’m often asked about my biggest piece of advice for someone who’s just been recently diagnosed with a chronic illness/cancer.

If I could give only one bit of advice to that person, it would probably be:

Be the CEO of Your Health.

How to Be the CEO of Your Health

1. Connect with Your Spiritual Side 🙏

Few things make us feel as helpless as a life-threatening diagnosis.

I quickly realized that our diagnosis was much bigger than me. Unlike previous problems in my life, I could not out-think, out-work, out-hustle, or out-smart this problem. Even if I worked from sun-up to sun-down, there were no guarantees. And, the thought of what my sweet child would have to endure over the coming months was completely overwhelming.

And so I prayed.

Deep, raw, soul-level (hands and knees) prayers. In a way that felt totally transparent, egoless, and completely connected to spirit. In a way that seemed to involve my whole heart.

Despite your religious beliefs, spirituality profoundly affects outcomes.

• Spirituality elevates invaluable gems like hope and faith, bringing us light and comfort during dark times. 

• I once heard Dr. Tony Jimenez, founder of Hope4Cancer, say that when a sick patient is facing the uncertainty of a life-threatening diagnosis, they almost always turn toward God, even if they formerly were not a believer— how interesting.   

• Dr. Larry Dossey's double-blind, randomized prayer study results were so significant that he made it his practice to pray for all his patients. 

• Nearly 80 medical schools have instituted courses devoted to exploring the role of prayer in medicine, many of which use Dossey's publications as textbooks. 

• People report that navigating difficult decisions is easier when connected to Divine Guidance.

2. Interview and Hire the Right Team 💼

Choosing the right doctors (dream team) is critically important.

• Remember: The white coats work for YOU. You wouldn’t hire just anyone to run your company, so don’t settle when assembling your medical team.

• Interview them thoroughly. Just as you would for any other job vacancy, you need to interview practitioners for a seat on your dream team.

• Organize a brilliant and diverse dream team. Your team should include a mix of conventional, integrative, naturopathic, and alternative specialists who align with your wellness philosophy.

• Ask questions, trust your gut, and make sure they align with your wellness philosophy

  
  

Key Questions to Ask:

● How many patients do you treat per year with my condition?

● Do you support integrative medicine and work with other patients who utilize this approach?

● Are you willing to collaborate with other doctors on my team (naturopaths, integrative, conventional)?

● What do you think caused my condition? Lifestyle? Genetics? Toxic burden?

● What alternative treatment options do you recommend?

●Ask about innovative treatments that you may be interested in—leave the doctor a list for review.

●If I were your spouse/child, what treatment would you choose?

● If I decide not to do conventional treatment, will you support me with periodic blood tests and scans?

● Can I speak to a few of your patients who have my condition?

● Will I be able to contact you after hours if I have issues/questions?

3. Get the Right Second and Third Opinions 🏥

You can’t stack your team if you don’t conduct plenty of interviews with the most qualified candidates. Many renowned facilities offer virtual consults, which dramatically increases your access to the world’s most innovative treatments. For conventional therapies, go for the best: Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson, Johns Hopkins, Sloan Kettering, etc.

🩺👇For alternative providers, see the list below.

4. Look for a Harvard Education and A Heart Connection 💛

Having Ivy League doctors on our team seemed important, but we also needed a soulful connection with them. After all, we would be entrusting them with our most sacred possession (our child). If you're like us, you want a sense that your team cares deeply, understands your plight, and is aligned with your wellness philosophy.

🩺 A list of our dream team is 👉 here.

5. Ignore the Ticking Clock (for a Moment) ⏳

A diagnosis often comes with an overwhelming sense of urgency. But unless your doctor says immediate action is necessary, take a breath. Most tumors have been brewing for 8-10 years before discovery—so there is time to choose the right doctors, weigh options, and create an effective wellness plan.

6. Do Your Research and Show Up Prepared 🔍

Every appointment is an opportunity to take control of your care.

• Keep a running list of questions.

• Record conversations (with permission).

• Research everything—doctors, treatments, medications, and innovations.

Knowledge is power.

7. Don’t Let the White Coats Push You Around 🥼

Too often, we show up at the hospital and are shuffled through the standard routine—weight, blood pressure, temperature. We are asked to repeat our story like a million times to the scheduler, receptionist, nurse, etc.

Next we’re told to get naked, put on the dreaded gown, and a doctor (whom we’ve never met before) will be in shortly to poke and prod us. Sounds totally awesome-right?

During this process, there are many unspoken rules that dictate the doctor (with all that education and white coat) is in charge. While we sit naked and afraid.

It’s easy to get sucked into a conventional mindset (“the doctors always right”). So, remind yourself that YOU are in the driver’s seat. Set clear boundaries with love and respect for all involved.

A few things that we did that weren’t exactly the norm:

• We NEVER wore a gown (those are for sick people!)

• We played “catch” with a baseball on the hospital deck (IV in tow), while the nurses took pictures with their phones from the hospital window

• I personally cleaned my child’s hospital room before he entered (the amazing nurses always had supplies ready for me!).

  
  

8. Be Transparent About Your Approach 🪟

Explain the following to potential dream tea members:

• You are interviewing doctors for your wellness team.

• Your philosophy of treatment and wellness plan.

• You want doctors who collaborate and think outside the box and provide them a list of the other doctors you are working with

• You choose positivity—no grim statistics or yucky words (i.e. chemo), just solutions!

• You are leading this journey, with guidance from God and a team of amazing professionals.

  
  

9. Appoint a Deputy CEO and Delegate 👨‍💼

Navigating a diagnosis solo is overwhelming. Find a right-hand person who shares your vision and can advocate for you.

Delegate and tap into your support network:

• I was the CEO, handling research, planning, coordinating care and appointments.

• My husband was the errand runner and managed things at home.

• My sons kept things light and fun (laughter is medicine!).

• My daughters helped keep our home tidy and germ-free.

  
  

10. Make Mental Health a Priority 🧠

For where the mind goes, the body follows.

A strong, positive mindset is crucial when facing a health challenge. Stress, anxiety, and negativity can weaken the immune system, while optimism, mindfulness, and emotional resilience promote healing. Therapy, meditation, journaling, and support groups can be invaluable tools. Surround yourself with positivity and remember—your thoughts have the power to shape your health journey.

11. Be Okay Firing People 🚫

Most all doctors are well-intentioned, but they won't all be the right fit for your team– and that’s okay!

If a doctor dismisses your questions, doesn’t align with your philosophy, or just doesn’t feel right—thank them and move on. Your dream team should be knowledgeable, compassionate, and supportive.

Where to Access Treatments 🩺

• World Renowned Conventional Medical Facilities (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, etc.)• Licensed Naturopathic Doctors • Alternative Clinics • Integrative Oncology Centers • Wellness Retreats • Functional Medicine Practitioners

Alternate & Integrative Providers

There are many integrative and alternative practitioners, heres a list of a few:

Hippocrates Health Institute

📍 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

🌐 Website: hippocrateswellness.org

Overview:

• Founded in 1956, located on a 55-acre tropical retreat.

• Focuses on holistic therapies, emphasizing raw vegan diets, wheatgrass therapy, and natural treatments.

• Offers therapies such as: Acupuncture, Colon Hydrotherapy, Psychotherapy, H-Wave Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Oxygen Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, etc.

Hope4Cancer Treatment Centers

📍 Location: Tijuana & Cancun, Mexico

🌐 Website: hope4cancer.com

Overview:

• Established in 2000, set in serene, oceanside locations.

• Provides a tranquil healing environment with a comprehensive range of non-toxic cancer treatments.

• Treatments include: Immunotherapy, Photodynamic Therapy, Oxygen Therapy, Light Therapy, Sound Therapy, Hyperthermia, IV Therapies, etc.

Oasis of Hope Hospital

📍 Location: Tijuana, Mexico

🌐 Website: oasisofhope.com

Overview:

• Founded in 1963 by Dr. Ernesto Contreras.

• Offers alternative cancer treatments in a patient-centered environment, integrating alternative and conventional therapies.

• Treatments include: Laetrile (Amygdalin, Vitamin C Infusions, Immunotherapies, Hyperthermia, Oxygen Therapy, Nutritional Support, etc.

Gerson Institute

📍 Locations: Tijuana, Mexico & Budapest, Hungary. San Diego, CA (global hub for info and patient support)

🌐 Website: gerson.org

Overview:

• Founded on the principles of Dr. Max Gerson (1920s).

• Focuses on natural healing through:

  • Organic, plant-based diet

  • Raw juices

  • Coffee enemas

  • Natural supplements

• Aims to detoxify the body and boost the immune system.

The Cherng Family Center for Integrative Oncology at City of Hope

📍 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA

🌐 Website: cityofhope.org

Overview:

• Part of City of Hope National Medical Center.

• Collaborates with clinical teams to offer integrative care options that complement conventional cancer treatments.

Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy, MD – Center for New Medicine & Cancer Center for Healing

📍 Location: Irvine, California, USA

🌐 Website: connealymd.com

Overview:

• Practicing since 1986, founded the Center for New Medicine (1992) and the Cancer Center for Healing.

• Integrates conventional medicine with complementary therapies.

• Treatments include: Low-Dose Chemotherapy, Insulin Potentiation Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Intravenous Vitamin C, etc.

Dr. Keith Block, MD – Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment

📍 Location: Skokie, Illinois, USA

🌐 Website: blockmd.com

Overview:

• Founded in 1980 by Dr. Keith Block, often called the "father of integrative oncology."

• Combines conventional cancer treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies such as:

  • Chronomodulated Chemotherapy

  • Nutritional Interventions

  • Lifestyle Counseling