A Skeeby cancer sufferer who was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer ten years ago tells her story, in a bid to help others.

In 2012 Lizzie Emery from Skeeby was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Her chemotherapy was described as ‘palliative only’. Ten years on she has regained her full health and strength.

In her book, she describes in detail her journey of self-healing – and she discovers along the way that many, many terminal cancer sufferers have followed this path. 

This book has been written to help others who find themselves without warning in a wilderness of fear and the unknown, where there are no signposts, and where the people to whom you turn for help on the way do not always know what to say, or make it clear that they believe you cannot possibly get to where you wish to go.

After giving us a brief story of her life up to the time of her illness and diagnosis, Lizzie describes her cancer experience in terms of a journey or pilgrimage. Alongside an exploration of the holistic therapies which she used, there is a whole chapter on how to plan a healthy, organic diet to suit your own needs, with advice on choosing non-toxic cosmetic and cleaning products wherever possible. The book is full of tips on lifestyle and ways to enhance physical, mental and spiritual well-being; how to deal with ‘toxic’ people and events such as a phone message inquiring about your prognosis, being given a book of poems on death, or a disappointing scan result. She does not pretend that the journey is easy or the outcome clear; but shows how those who set out with faith and determination can reach their goal. At the same time; she encourages loved ones and professional health workers to help cancer sufferers see beyond a dire prognosis and to support them with hope and love.

On Breakfast, we caught up with Lizzie as she prepares for a talk in Richmond Library on Wednesday 6th April at 10.30am

You can hear the entire interview as a podcast here