I wonder what it is about humans that makes us so eager to deny the proven science and go for the latest fad. We seem to want to be suckered.
Steve Jobs was quoted as saying, well after he knew he was dying, that he wished he’d taken his doctors’ advice and not tried “alternative “ ideas first. But wishes got him nowhere.
Glad you went the tough, but true, route. Glad you’re still with us!
Literally on the verge of tears reading this. My chemo-radiation starts on Monday. And like you, I’ve had a parent die of cancer (after a long and horrible chemo and radiation journey). I’m scared shitless (and that’ll be quite literal in just a few days time) - but not as scared as I am about the thought of dying because I didn’t get treatment. Grifting little asshats like Belle Gibson deserve all manner of extreme comeuppance that I won’t detail here because violence is, objectively, *bad*. I have a hard time with objective at the moment, though. [thinks secret violent thoughts while not outwardly advocating for violence]
Anywho - as always, I loved your writing as much as I loved the message here. Glad you’re here to tell the tales 16 years later.
The way you wrote about your experience was incredibly moving and powerful, Alexander. I hadn’t heard of Belle Gibson. What an utterly reprehensible human being.
I love how you pivoted from rage to hope at the end!
On the rage front, though, how ironic that the Apple Watch featured her bs after Steve Jobs’ wrong bet on natural cures followed by a liver transplant that no doubt was accelerated by his money/status.
I had no idea who Belle was, or about the Netflix series. TY for turning the light on! Also thank you for being so tender with us around your own Chemo experience. So glad you are well now, and VERY hopeful that you REMAIN in excellent condition for all time.
Thank you!!! I highly recommend checking it out if you're short on shows to watch. And thanks for always being a gracious, compassionate space when I share things ❤️
I just has met the love of my life And he was great support. Unfortunately, my sister got pancreatic cancer and died 6 months later. Sometimes it is the luck of the draw.
Right now, there are people I'm thinking of as I read this:
Steve Jobs, Apple founder
Andy Kaufman, American comedian
The Americans who didn't get the COVID vaccine
The one thing they all had in common? Opting for alternative treatments touted by quacks. Another thing they have in common? They're all buried or cremated now. Sigh. . .
But you, Alex? You're not going anywhere, not if we--and you--have anything to say about it. Keep on and do what you still need and want to do. ☺️
I watched the series and then the 2-part special as well. The whole thing was excruciating. My heart especially goes out to the cancer survivors that were following Belle’s journey in good faith and felt so betrayed when the truth was revealed. I also feel very dismayed by how Belle treated her brother - he was obviously heartbroken by their estrangement and her lies about him. ❤️My father-in-law suffered through inoperable glioblastoma multiformes - 6 months from diagnosis to death. And the whole 6 months was a misery of useless radiation and chemo, pain and nausea.
I felt the same about her brother! And I'm so sorry to hear about your father in law. I hope you and the family feel a little more at peace knowing he is ❤️
NWP - my answer - please, please, please teach critical thinking to every schoolchild. I had a friend - fellow swimmer, great shape - diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago. She went on a carrot and kale juice diet and died 6 months later. I drank celery and kale juice during cancer treatment, which included chemo, surgery, radiation (and bonus, sepsis!). I made it - 16% chance of surviving for 5 years and I did it!! With the help of SCIENCE!! I am so saddened when I talk to people who are choosing ‘natural alternatives’, especially when they have kids because I know they will be dead soon . . .
I'm so sorry to hear about your friend ❤️ You and I are both testaments to placing trust in the right people. I hope others can do the same when faced with the difficulties we were.
Needed to be said. Someday someone close to Belle will actually get a terminal cancer. But it will be too late for anyone whe has led down the wrong path.
I wonder what it is about humans that makes us so eager to deny the proven science and go for the latest fad. We seem to want to be suckered.
Steve Jobs was quoted as saying, well after he knew he was dying, that he wished he’d taken his doctors’ advice and not tried “alternative “ ideas first. But wishes got him nowhere.
Glad you went the tough, but true, route. Glad you’re still with us!
I had Steve Jobs on my mind too when I wrote this! Thanks for letting me share this story ☺️
Great writing Alexander. I sure hope that all your hopes are realised.
Thank you, Ira. I appreciate you!!!
I find you utterly inspiring.
Monette, you're a delight and I don't care who knows it. Thank you for letting me share this with you.
Literally on the verge of tears reading this. My chemo-radiation starts on Monday. And like you, I’ve had a parent die of cancer (after a long and horrible chemo and radiation journey). I’m scared shitless (and that’ll be quite literal in just a few days time) - but not as scared as I am about the thought of dying because I didn’t get treatment. Grifting little asshats like Belle Gibson deserve all manner of extreme comeuppance that I won’t detail here because violence is, objectively, *bad*. I have a hard time with objective at the moment, though. [thinks secret violent thoughts while not outwardly advocating for violence]
Anywho - as always, I loved your writing as much as I loved the message here. Glad you’re here to tell the tales 16 years later.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I've never heard of Belle, but I've been reading reviews about this show around the 'stack. Thank you for sharing your take.
Appreciate you ❤️
The way you wrote about your experience was incredibly moving and powerful, Alexander. I hadn’t heard of Belle Gibson. What an utterly reprehensible human being.
Thank you, brother! I appreciate you taking the time to come on the ride with me.
I love how you pivoted from rage to hope at the end!
On the rage front, though, how ironic that the Apple Watch featured her bs after Steve Jobs’ wrong bet on natural cures followed by a liver transplant that no doubt was accelerated by his money/status.
Always gotta finish with hope, living in anything else is wasted time and energy!
If you prey on people with cancer, you should be given cancer. Idk how that would work, but that's my take 👩⚖️
The science might need to catch up a little on that one, but I can't fault the creativity.
I had no idea who Belle was, or about the Netflix series. TY for turning the light on! Also thank you for being so tender with us around your own Chemo experience. So glad you are well now, and VERY hopeful that you REMAIN in excellent condition for all time.
Thank you!!! I highly recommend checking it out if you're short on shows to watch. And thanks for always being a gracious, compassionate space when I share things ❤️
Thank you for this article. It definitely needs to be said.
20 year cancer survivor
Radiation, chemotherapy, surgery
Boom! You're a damn Wonder Woman and I love that journey for you!!!
I just has met the love of my life And he was great support. Unfortunately, my sister got pancreatic cancer and died 6 months later. Sometimes it is the luck of the draw.
Right now, there are people I'm thinking of as I read this:
Steve Jobs, Apple founder
Andy Kaufman, American comedian
The Americans who didn't get the COVID vaccine
The one thing they all had in common? Opting for alternative treatments touted by quacks. Another thing they have in common? They're all buried or cremated now. Sigh. . .
But you, Alex? You're not going anywhere, not if we--and you--have anything to say about it. Keep on and do what you still need and want to do. ☺️
I'm here for the long haul! Thanks for checking this one out, Veronica ☺️
I watched the series and then the 2-part special as well. The whole thing was excruciating. My heart especially goes out to the cancer survivors that were following Belle’s journey in good faith and felt so betrayed when the truth was revealed. I also feel very dismayed by how Belle treated her brother - he was obviously heartbroken by their estrangement and her lies about him. ❤️My father-in-law suffered through inoperable glioblastoma multiformes - 6 months from diagnosis to death. And the whole 6 months was a misery of useless radiation and chemo, pain and nausea.
I felt the same about her brother! And I'm so sorry to hear about your father in law. I hope you and the family feel a little more at peace knowing he is ❤️
Brilliant. I must admit, I haven't been able to bring myself to watch it! Just the thought makes me sick.
It's a great series, but super heavy topic for sure. Thanks for checking this one out 😊
NWP - my answer - please, please, please teach critical thinking to every schoolchild. I had a friend - fellow swimmer, great shape - diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago. She went on a carrot and kale juice diet and died 6 months later. I drank celery and kale juice during cancer treatment, which included chemo, surgery, radiation (and bonus, sepsis!). I made it - 16% chance of surviving for 5 years and I did it!! With the help of SCIENCE!! I am so saddened when I talk to people who are choosing ‘natural alternatives’, especially when they have kids because I know they will be dead soon . . .
I'm so sorry to hear about your friend ❤️ You and I are both testaments to placing trust in the right people. I hope others can do the same when faced with the difficulties we were.
Needed to be said. Someday someone close to Belle will actually get a terminal cancer. But it will be too late for anyone whe has led down the wrong path.
It's a dangerous karma to have played around with!
❤️
❤️❤️