Marian
1985 · Breast cancer
A survivor of incest, abandoned by her family of alcoholics. Joined a 12-step program, completed A Course in Miracles, and did deep personal work. Fully recovered.
Chapter 05 · Foundation
Who Survives Cancer — and Why
Patients willing to dialogue about their truth — and find balance among cognition, emotion, and behavior — are most likely to outlive their prognosis with quality longevity.
Four traits of long-term survivors
01
Accept the diagnosis, reject the prognosis
Self-affirmation rooted in being the most authentic version of oneself.
02
Participation, initiative, commitment
Choosing intuitively which path of treatment feels right — even when it disagrees with others.
03
Introspection
Using illness for personal learning, resolving losses, and self-actualizing potential.
04
Transformed relationships
Learning to receive, prioritizing oneself, reconciling conflicts, and releasing toxic ties.
Stories of transformation
Six who turned their cancer around
From Susan Silberstein's caseload — the basic changes that preceded their recovery.
Gary
1995 · Metastatic prostate cancer
Counseled extensively and left an abusive marriage. Refused all conventional treatment. Fully recovered.
Catherine
1985 · Inoperable kidney cancer
Given three months. Had been made to feel inadequate her entire life. Did intensive psychotherapy. Fully recovered.
David
1985 · Metastatic colon cancer
Repressed anger toward his father and his wife. Personal therapy and A Course in Miracles. Fully recovered.
George, MD
Colon cancer w/ lung metastasis
Hospital president — furious about industry pressures. When asked when he felt most alive, he described his Oregon land. He moved. Fully recovered, living differently and happier.
Ellen
1987 · Breast cancer
Trapped in an abusive marriage. “When I get better I'll leave,” she said. Susan replied, “No — that's how you get well.” She left. She rebuilt. Fully recovered without treatment.
A closing thought
“Quality of life, to me, is what life is about.”
— Lilla S., client