When Karen first went in for an MRI because of chronic headaches, cancer wasn’t even on her radar.

The scan found something unusual in her neck. A biopsy confirmed lymphoma. Then doctors ordered additional imaging to see whether the lymphoma had spread. That’s when they found something else. Suspicious spots on her liver.

A second biopsy revealed stage 4 melanoma that had metastasized from a melanoma spot on her back. By the time doctors discovered it, there were at least 20 lesions on her liver.

What followed became a whirlwind of hospital visits, sleepless nights, research, immunotherapy, supplements, difficult conversations with doctors, and a determination to leave no stone unturned.

Recently, Karen and her husband Jeff shared their experience publicly in a video interview discussing the path they took, including conventional treatment, repurposed medications like ivermectin and fenbendazole, supplements, cannabis products, prayer, and integrative support resources.

Their story has started gaining attention because, according to the interview, Karen’s follow-up PET scan just three months later reportedly showed no remaining melanoma lesions on her liver.

“I Wanted Every Option Available”

Karen’s oncologists recommended immunotherapy immediately.

She underwent treatment using two immunotherapy drugs after having a port installed. According to the interview, she completed 11 total treatments.

At the same time, Jeff says they began researching additional approaches outside standard oncology protocols.

“We started immediately doing fenbendazole, ivermectin,” Jeff explained in the interview, referencing the Joe Tippens protocol.

Jeff, a registered nurse, described spending countless nights researching supplements, alternative therapies, cannabis products, and patient stories while trying to support his wife through two separate cancer diagnoses happening at once.

He repeatedly emphasized one thing throughout the conversation. They were not rejecting conventional medicine.

They wanted more than one strategy.

“I wanted every option available,” he said.

That line probably resonates with many cancer patients and families.

Because when people hear “watch and wait,” “there’s nothing else,” or “just trust the process,” it can leave them feeling powerless. Especially when the disease feels urgent.

The Growing Interest in Repurposed Drugs

Over the past several years, drugs like ivermectin and fenbendazole have become increasingly discussed in alternative cancer communities online.

Supporters point to laboratory studies, anecdotal reports, and patient stories suggesting these medications may affect cancer pathways, inflammation, metabolism, or immune response. Critics argue the evidence remains limited, incomplete, or largely preclinical.

That tension showed up throughout Karen and Jeff’s interview.

Jeff openly acknowledged their oncologists were uncomfortable with some of the protocols they pursued alongside immunotherapy. One doctor, according to the interview, warned Karen she likely had six months to live and criticized their use of alternative therapies.

Still, they moved forward.

Not recklessly, at least in their minds. Intentionally.

Jeff repeatedly says they viewed their approach as complementary rather than either-or. He believes the combination of therapies, supplements, lifestyle changes, and immunotherapy all worked together.

That distinction matters.

A lot of patients exploring integrative or alternative approaches are not necessarily abandoning oncology. Many are trying to combine conventional care with additional therapies they believe could support the body during treatment.

Immunotherapy Likely Played a Major Role

One thing worth stating clearly is this.

Immunotherapy has changed outcomes for some advanced melanoma patients in ways that would have sounded almost impossible twenty years ago.

Drugs like Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) have produced long-term remissions in some stage 4 melanoma cases. Karen’s rapid response timeline aligns with what oncologists sometimes see in strong immunotherapy responders.

Even Jeff acknowledged throughout the interview that the conventional treatments appeared to be working.

That’s important context because stories involving alternative therapies can quickly become oversimplified online.

There’s a difference between saying:

“Here’s what this couple chose to do.”

…and claiming:

“This protocol cures cancer.”

Those are not the same thing.

Karen and Jeff themselves repeatedly avoided making definitive claims. In fact, Jeff directly stated:

“I can’t say definitively 100% that it was responsible for everything that we see here today.”

That honesty gives the conversation more credibility, not less.

The Emotional Side of Cancer Nobody Talks About Enough

One of the strongest parts of the interview had nothing to do with supplements or drugs.

It was the exhaustion.

The fear.

The desperation of trying to make the right decisions while watching someone you love fight for their life.

Jeff described staying up night after night researching treatments, printing studies, organizing notebooks, tracking lab work, and trying to make sense of endless information.

Karen talked about chemo brain, fatigue, itching, digestive issues, and the emotional weight of the process itself.

That part often gets lost online.

People sometimes discuss cancer protocols like they’re comparing workout plans or productivity apps.

But this is life-and-death decision making happening under enormous pressure.

Families are scared. Patients are scared. Doctors are trying to balance evidence, liability, risk, and outcomes. Everyone is operating inside uncertainty.

“It’s Your Life. It’s Your Body.”

Toward the end of the interview, Jeff made a statement that reflects a growing mindset among many patients navigating serious illness.

“It’s your life. It’s your body.”

Whether people agree with every decision they made or not, that sentence captures something important happening in healthcare right now.

Patients are asking more questions.

They are researching clinical trials, integrative therapies, nutrition, metabolic health, supplements, repurposed medications, and lifestyle interventions. They are comparing experiences online. They are trying to become active participants in their care instead of passive observers.

Sometimes that leads people toward good information.

Sometimes toward questionable information.

Usually, it’s a mix of both, which is why discernment matters so much.

Why Stories Like This Matter

At Journey to Wellness, we believe stories matter because they expand conversations.

Not every therapy works for every patient. Not every anecdote becomes scientific proof. Not every experimental or alternative approach will hold up under rigorous research.

But patient experiences still deserve thoughtful discussion.

Especially when they raise important questions about integrative care, patient autonomy, emerging therapies, hope, and the need for individualized approaches to cancer treatment.

Karen’s story is not presented here as medical advice or a guaranteed outcome.

It’s one family’s account of what they chose to pursue during an aggressive cancer battle. A story involving immunotherapy, extensive research, supplements, repurposed medications, prayer, community support, and persistence.

And for many readers walking through cancer themselves, sometimes hearing that someone kept fighting matters more than anything else.

Watch the full interview here: From Stage 4 to Clear Scans in 90 Days

The post From Stage 4 Melanoma to Clear Scans in 90 Days first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

Recently, two community members shared updates that lifted the spirits of thousands following along.

One man wrote about his fight with stage 4 prostate cancer. When diagnosed, his PSA level was 140. Within three months, after adjusting his diet and beginning the Tippens protocol, his results began to change.

“I started Joe’s protocol immediately. I changed my diet, cut out a huge amount of processed foods, and cut sugar out completely. I got the testosterone blocker 30 days ago and I’m proud to say my PSA has dropped to 28.”

He credits consistency, lifestyle changes, and the encouragement of his wife for keeping him motivated every day:

“A huge shout out to my beautiful wife who keeps me motivated and moving in the right direction.”

Another community member shared her own update that radiates gratitude and faith.

“So thankful to say my six-month scan came back clear! I was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer in February 2023 and have now been cancer-free for two years!”

She added words of encouragement for others walking a similar path:

“Whatever you’re going through, keep fighting and stay positive. Pray, pray, pray.”

Every journey looks different. Each diagnosis, body, and treatment plan carries its own story — but hearing from people who continue to hope, adjust, and persevere gives strength to those still in the fight.

At Journey to Wellness, we share these stories not as medical advice, but as real experiences that remind us what resilience can look like. Sometimes it’s a lab result moving in the right direction. Other times, it’s simply the will to get up and try again.

Disclaimer: These are personal testimonials from individuals in the My Cancer Story community. Journey to Wellness shares these for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not offer medical advice or endorse any treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting or changing any medical or supplemental regimen.

The post Courage, Change, and Hope: Two People Share Their Cancer Journeys first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

When a diagnosis feels overwhelming, sometimes hope comes from unexpected places. One family recently shared their remarkable journey after turning to the Joe Tippens protocol.

Seventeen months ago, a woman was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to her brain. Doctors gave a grim prognosis, and the path forward seemed uncertain. Like so many others, the family began searching for answers beyond conventional treatments.

They decided to try the Tippens protocol, a regimen that has gained attention in patient communities worldwide. With faith, determination, and the support of loved ones, she followed the protocol consistently for over a year.

Recently, after 17 months, her latest scans revealed something extraordinary: she is now 100% cancer free. The metastasis in her brain is gone, and her doctors found no evidence of disease.

Her husband expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and encouragement they received along the way:

“I want to thank all of you for your support every time I had a question. Thank you, thank you for your prayers.”

Their story is not just about remission — it’s about hope, perseverance, and the power of community. For families facing similar battles, it serves as a reminder that sometimes the journey to wellness takes a path less expected.

Disclaimer: This story reflects the personal experience of one family and is shared for educational purposes only. Journey to Wellness and the Sturgeon Family Foundation do not provide medical advice, endorse specific treatments, or guarantee outcomes. Every individual’s situation is unique, and health decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional.

The post Stage 4 Lung Cancer to Cancer Free first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

But John couldn’t shake the feeling that the path laid out for him wasn’t his only option. After going through three rounds of CyberKnife radiation to his chest, he declined the rest of the recommended treatments, including chemotherapy and brain radiation.

Then, something shifted.

He stumbled across a YouTube video featuring Joe Tippens, a man whose own cancer recovery journey inspired thousands. John had seen countless cancer “cures” online by then, most of which left him skeptical or overwhelmed. But this one felt different.

He believed it.

And that belief became the beginning of his new chapter.

A Radical Shift

John began following what’s known in the cancer recovery community as “Joe’s Protocol,” a supplement regimen that includes fenbendazole, curcumin, CBD oil, and vitamin E. While many oncologists won’t officially endorse these alternative approaches, John quietly pressed forward with his new plan.

He didn’t share the protocol with his doctors. “They don’t want to know,” he said plainly.

But what he did do, was choose to live.

The first part of his healing, he says, wasn’t a pill or a therapy. It was mindset.

“I wanted to live very badly,” John wrote in his post. “I expected that I was healing, and that each scan would be an improvement.”

Ninety Days Later

Three months into the protocol, he returned for a PET scan.

He considered pausing the protocol for a few days — he’d read that continuing might mask the cancer from detection — but in the end, he stuck with it. He was feeling better than he had in years, and he didn’t want to give any ground back to the cancer.

The results?

He was officially NED — No Evidence of Disease.

The oncologists were stunned.

Just weeks before, they’d told him that his cancer was doubling every month, growing rapidly on a scale of 91 out of 98. Now, they couldn’t find any tumors, nodules, or signs of metastasis. And it didn’t stop there.

After 180 days on the protocol, John still had no signs of cancer.

No tumors.

No nodes.

No fluid.

Just a clean scan and a chance to keep living.

The Power of Belief and Prayer

John is quick to acknowledge that his journey wasn’t just physical, it was spiritual. He credits much of his strength and healing to prayer, a supportive network of “prayer warriors,” and a faith that kept him grounded.

He also recognizes how vital it was to have a positive mindset. “Not everyone wants to live,” he said. “Some want the attention that comes with a terminal illness. I wanted to live.”

What We Can Learn

This story is one of many emerging from people who are choosing to explore options outside the conventional medical box. While traditional cancer treatments like chemo, radiation, and surgery are the mainstream standard, they aren’t the only roads being walked.

John’s journey is not medical advice. It’s a story of personal choice, faith, and curiosity. A man who felt led to try something different and saw astonishing results.

His scans were real.

His recovery was witnessed.

And his gratitude is palpable.

Our mission at Journey to Wellness is to share stories like John’s so others can explore, research, and decide for themselves what paths might bring healing. We don’t sell products. We don’t prescribe treatments. We simply bring voices to light — voices that might otherwise go unheard.

Your journey is your own. But you’re not alone in walking it.

The post From Stage 4 Lung Cancer to No Evidence of Disease first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

The post Tony Clark’s Healing Journey at ITC in Mexico first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

Despite advice from 32 doctors and experts, she chose to explore a different path — one that felt more aligned with her personal beliefs and values.

Macpherson’s decision to forgo conventional treatment was not made lightly. She spent weeks deliberating and found herself seeking clarity and peace. During a visit to the beach in Miami, through prayer and meditation, she came to what she describes as “one of the biggest decisions of her life.” Instead of chemotherapy or radiation, she opted for a more intuitive and heart-led holistic approach under the guidance of her primary physician, who specializes in integrative medicine. This treatment plan focused on healing her entire being — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Macpherson’s integrative care approach was multifaceted, involving not only her primary physician but also a naturopath, holistic dentist, osteopath, chiropractor, and two therapists. She rented a house in Phoenix, Arizona, and devoted eight months to intensive self-healing. Her treatment plan emphasized addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of her breast cancer, which she described as essential to her recovery.

Despite some resistance from family members and friends, including one of her sons, Macpherson stood firm in her decision. She believed that addressing her emotional and spiritual well-being was just as important as treating the cancer itself. As she explains, “Saying no to standard medical solutions was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. But saying no to my own inner sense would have been even harder.” This deeply personal decision to follow her intuition reflects Macpherson’s commitment to trusting her body and her belief system throughout the healing process.

Now, Macpherson is in what she describes as “clinical remission,” though she feels she has achieved much more than that. She believes she has reached a state of “utter wellness” — a term she uses to describe her physical, emotional, and spiritual health. “It’s not only what your blood tests say, it’s how and why you are living your life on all levels,” she told Australia’s Women’s Weekly. Her holistic journey allowed her to focus on her total well-being, and she now feels revitalized and whole in a way that goes beyond the clinical definition of remission.

Macpherson’s story emphasizes the importance of personal choice and intuition in cancer treatment. While traditional methods such as chemotherapy and radiation remain the standard of care for many, her journey highlights the growing interest in alternative and holistic therapies. Her integrative approach, which combined physical treatments with emotional and spiritual healing, provides an example of how patients can tailor their treatment plans to suit their individual needs and belief systems.

Elle Macpherson’s decision to take a holistic approach to cancer treatment reminds us that healing is deeply personal and multifaceted. For some, like Macpherson, alternative therapies can offer a pathway to not only physical recovery but also emotional and spiritual well-being. Through her story, Macpherson encourages others to trust themselves and their bodies and to explore all options that align with their values as they navigate their own health journeys.

Her memoir, Elle: Life, Lessons, and Learning to Trust Yourself, will be published in the U.S. in November 2024, and offers a deeper insight into her journey, sharing the hard-earned wisdom and lessons she gained through her battle with breast cancer.

The post Elle Macpherson’s Holistic Journey Through Breast Cancer first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

I met with a surgeon to discuss removal and a radiation oncologist. Funny thing was that after each of those meetings, I left feeling like each of their procedures was the way to go. I don’t want to say I was being given a sales pitch as I’m sure they both strongly believe that their option for treatment was the best option. During this time, I also started learning more about alternative options. I did my research, spoke with others who had gone through traditional treatment as well as those who had pursued alternative treatment.

Based on the information I gathered and what I felt like was the best option for me and my situation, I chose the alternative route. I went to Mexico and received daily treatments for 3 weeks at the Immunity Therapy Center. Most of the patients there had already done chemo, radiation etc., and were grasping for answers. I wanted to avoid being in that place. The staff there was amazing, and my experience was nothing but positive. Since returning from Mexico, I am clear of cancer and would recommend to anyone exploring treatment options, to consider all their options before just following the traditional path. I was able to get well quicker than I could even get started moving through the tests, much less the treatments. I have talked to many who lost a year of their life with miserable treatments, surgery, chemo, etc. I am still well, eating better and taking better care of myself, and taking the supplements called for in the Tippen protocol.

The post Jim E’s Experience Recovering from Prostate Cancer in Mexico first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

Taylor began high-dose vitamin C IVs and other alternative therapies, some of which she still travels to Mexico for. She also follows a strict ketogenic diet and takes around 50 supplements daily. By combining these treatments with conventional methods, Taylor has been able to tackle her Grade 3 brain cancer effectively. Her neurosurgeon in Arizona removed the entire tumor in February 2023, and she was released just 24 hours after surgery.

Taylor’s story highlights the importance of exploring all treatment options and finding a path that aligns with one’s personal health beliefs. Despite facing a challenging diagnosis, Taylor’s proactive approach and dedication to alternative treatments have allowed her to continue living a vibrant, fulfilling life.

(From Taylor’s interview with 76107 Magazine, June 2023)

The post Taylor’s Journey to Healing & Conquering a Brain Tumor with Alternative Therapies first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

The post Martin O.’s Story of Recovery from Pancreatic Cancer Using Various Therapies first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

“The cancer clinic in Mexico Saved My Life and I Hope they Can Help You Too.”

On March 14th, Debbie was diagnosed with a rare type of Ampullary and Liver Cancer. Her doctors told her that her diagnosis was essentially a death sentence. After some extensive research, Debbie discovered the clinic online and decided it was worth a shot. She started an alternative treatment for liver cancer at the clinic on May 1st and was blown away by the amazing staff and their dedication to helping people with seemingly hopeless diagnoses. After only just 6 weeks of treatment, Debbie’s liver cancer was completely gone! Because of this, her oncologist in California was then able to put together a treatment plan to remove the ampullary cancer so she could get on with her life completely cancer-free. “I’m here to tell you if you have cancer and have been given a diagnosis that makes you feel like there is no hope, there is hope!”

The post Debbie H.’s Story of Recovery from Ampullary and Liver Cancer Using Alternative Treatment first appeared on Journey to Wellness.