Based on the belief in the intrinsic power of the body, mind, emotions, spirit connection within each person, HCRH aims to provide articles, posts, videos, interviews, interactive forums, resources to teach patients how to harness their personal power in their battle with cancer.

The major cancer treatment centers around the world focus on treating the body with medical interventions. Each specialist focuses on their area of expertise. There are General Practitioners, Internal Medicine doctors, Gastroenterologists, Surgeons, Oncologists, Pulmonary doctors, Radiologists and Interventional Radiologists, to name a few.

There are a host of tests for diagnosing cancer: blood tests, genetic tests, CT scans, MRI, colonoscopy, endoscopy with Ultrasound, PSA tests, physical exams, mammograms, biopsies of suspicious tissues.

The traditional Western medical treatments for cancer include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, ablation, radioactive isotopes, cryotherapy, immunotherapy, clinical trials, and newer interventions.

What is missing in traditional cancer treatment is the INVOLVEMENT OF THE CANCER PATIENT IN THEIR OWN HEALING.

The patient walks onto the conveyer belt of the medical system and is carried along, without personal involvement, hoping for the best but accumulating a series of frightening, isolating, painful, traumatic experiences that put them in a state of “fight/flight/immobilization.”

These experiences release stress cortisol, depress their immune systems, often lead to increased inflammation and depressed immune functioning.

Cancer treatments have side effects which can depress the immune system, damage surrounding organs and veins, disrupt the healthy gut microbiome and digestion, and can involve removal of organs – which may require long periods of healing and the use of medication to replicate the job of the various organs that were removed. There are a host of possible side effects, which vary from patient to patient.

The “cancer journey” is dominated by FEAR and often leads to bouts of anxiety, depression, panic, and helplessness. Treatments affect the patients’ body image, self-esteem, energy, mobility, resilience, brain functioning, stamina, confidence in their ability to recover, and feelings about their future.

Surveillance testing during treatment and post- treatment bring their own set of FEARS. The tests themselves might be painful, frightening, anxiety producing, uncomfortable. Days before the tests and waiting for test results bring their own set of fears. “Has the cancer returned?” “Am I going to die?” “What new treatment will I be subjected to?” “Do I have the emotional where-with-all to continue treatment, or do I just want to give up?”

The cancer journey is an “emotional roller coaster ride” which never quite ends. It can rock and disrupt your entire inner foundation, your view of life, your relationship with your Self and your loved ones. And it affects their world in the same ways.

As a Pancreatic cancer Warrior Maiden, I want to help save peoples’ lives and diminish the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual suffering. When you learn to harness the power of your body, mind, emotions and spirit, you regain a sense of personal pride and identity. You learn that you are much stronger than you thought. And you see tangible proof that you are impacting your treatment outcome.

Combined with the best medical treatments, the knowledge and self-help tools learned here can re-balance your Whole Person dynamic and promote healing, inner peace, longer and more fulfilling life and relationships.

I welcome each and every one of you to this interactive forum. I invite your participation in our mutual learning and sharing. I hope to inspire you and direct you to others who will educate and inspire you. In return, I look forward to being inspired by you – your cancer journey, your questions, your successes and fears, your search for particular resources.

HCRH was launched in November 2023 by Judith Anne Desjardins and is dedicated to cancer patients around the world. The information on this website is gleaned from her experience as an Oncology Social Worker, the wife of a Prostate cancer survivor, and from her own personal journey with Pancreas cancer.

Judith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, and a Master Social Work Addiction Counselor. She is a multi-award winning author of two books and maintains a private Holistic psychotherapy practice. For more information, go to: www.JudithAnneDesjardins.com