Discover the path at Hestia's Hearth presents

A Survivor's Series

Stories of extraordinary events lived by ordinary women.

Miao Shan

Miao Shan – according to mythology, was a beautiful princess of a Chinese Dynasty. She was known from the time of her birth through her early years as a very special child with special gifts. Her Father cared little about those things or her wishes. He had a marriage arranged for her when she came of age but she refused to marry. It would mean sacrificing her religious beliefs.

There are many varied stories of the torture that she endured but regardless of what her Father did, she remained strong and steadfast in her wish to stay holy and enter religious service. Her story is one of the most inspiring in all of Chinese Mythology.

Since the 10th century, her story has been intermingled with that of the Avalokitesvara Kuan Yin, a Bodhisattva, know for his wisdom. Today, her compassionate love and his wisdom have been united in the Goddess Kuan Yin, a feminine version of both energies. She is widely recognized as the source of comfort for those in need of support during times of trouble and ill health.

Here is the story of a Modern Day Miao Shan who would not compromise her beliefs to follow an established path.

I live with cancer.

I was your typical single professional woman living in Toronto. I ate the typical North American diet, high in fat and toxic chemicals, I wore clothes made from toxic materials, my home was filled with toxic petrochemical based curtains, rugs, upholstery and toxic man made fiber wood furniture. I cleaned and washed with toxic cleaners, bathed in toxic perfumes, applied toxic make-up. I went to restaurants, clubs, and concerts filled with cigarette smoke. I worked in a library filled with chemically laden books. I breathed chemicals’ fumes, my skin absorbed chemicals, chemicals filled my stomach. I was a toxic bomb waiting to detonate cancer.

In 1990, the cancer bomb detonated. I was diagnosed with terminal cancer and because I refused to participate in clinical trials using many drugs never tried on humans, no oncologist would treat me. Having cancer and experiencing oncologists’ negative attitudes shook my faith in allopathic medicine. After much fear and confusion, I found my way into alternative medicine. Becoming open to change helped me to begin my journey towards wellness.

Cancer started its destructive path during my childhood. So an oncologist determined during an interview in the recovery room. The oncologist said DDT weakened my immune system and set me up for future cancer.

DDT was introduced shortly after WW II. The miraculous DDT promised to put an end to all those pesky bugs, insects, fungus, bacteria, and viruses plaguing plants and vegetables. The salesman claimed its safeness as he drank half a glass. We added DDT to our water hose’s attachment and we took turns watering the flowers in the greenhouses and gardens. When thirsty, we drank from the hose. DDT was tasteless. Did DDT cause cancer in my brothers and sisters? Four of my six siblings have cancer.

It was DDT and the subsequent exposures to many toxic chemicals that found their way into their new home, my body’s fatty tissues. From there the cancer cells slowly migrated into my breasts and lymphatic system where it multiplied.

I was cancer free for twelve years. Then tumors reappeared in my breast and auxilla. Cancer had been quietly going about its business spreading its mutant cells to the same site and elsewhere. Ten to twelve years is the normal time for most tumors to grow. With chemo and radiation it doesn’t take as long. The medical literature stated cancer damages cell formation. We are never free of cancer cells.

For seven months my naturopath and my alternative health care provider’s caring and empathic medical administrations assisted in destroying cancer cells. Life today consists of maintaining low stress, good nutrition, and the elimination of cancer-causing chemicals in my surroundings. My next move is to leave toxic Toronto. I have learned to live with cancer, like a diabetic lives with diabetes.

Questions

Do you think that your story has some extraordinary qualities?

No. I do not think my story was extraordinary. It was a lonely journey the first time cancer appeared. There wasn’t much help available but in this new millennium, there are many, many people healed by doing alternative medicine.

If no, why do you feel that what happened to you was an event that would expect to experience?

The more I live and experience, the more I am convinced we are on earth to learn lessons and I have and am learning many, many lessons. Cancer awakened me.

What is your most vivid memory of the event?

I was shocked and saddened by how cold and callous oncology had become. I still feel nauseous remembering my treatment by one particular oncologist. Cancer is an approx. 8 billion dollar Canadian industry. To preserve its interest, the cancer industry does not to want to prevent cancer.

At what point in your experience did you sense that you could survive?

Each morning I started the day with visualization macrophages destroying cancer cells. Four months after I started visualization, I was unable to see the images. Visualization the macrophages vacuuming cancer’s mutant cells was unavailable to my mind. I was alarmed thinking there were so many that I couldn’t see them. Once I calmed down I realized I couldn’t visualize the cancer cells because they were no more. I wanted to tell one and all but who would believe me? I celebrated with a cup of organic green tea.

At your lowest point, what thoughts were the most disturbing?

Most disturbing – that I had not found myself. I was to die not knowing who I really was and I hadn’t, as Joseph Campbell wrote – found my bliss

How did the change in your life affect you?

I am a more open person. Work isn’t my essence and no longer a measure of who I am. We all have talents given to us to develop. The mind, body and spirit are interdependent and make us whole and alive. Lastly we are part of a community and are interdependent upon each other

If you were told that you have a lot of courage, how would you feel?

I have been told this and find it amazing. I never thought I had courage. Sometimes I wonder about it and if I do, thank you God for giving it to me.

What are some of the ways in which you found meaning or support to carry on?

I found meaning by undergoing with the help of many caring people. I assumed responsibility for my health and myself. I became responsible for developing my potential. With new insights, perceptions were changed. I have unexplored paths I need to walk down and I look foreword to discovering what the walk will bring. I am finally learning to be.

How big a part did religion play in your decisions?

Organized religion? None. I learned from my near death episode, some twenty-five years ago, that there is a supreme being all nations call God. She/He is nondenominational and belongs to no one culture. It took cancer to finally come to terms with God. I do identify with the Chinese goddess, Kuan Yin. She was a princess who despite her many and terrible trails and tribulations transcended all negative emotions. The gods made Kuan Yin the goddess of compassion.

Do you have any practical tips for creating life again?

Live, learn, and above all be. Clear out all unwanted and unneeded garbage from your mind’s closet. Live in a clean environment, be part of community and give back by helping others.

Was a support network part of your healing?

At first it wasn’t. I thought I was self-sufficient. I learned from Judith and others that we are not an island unto ourselves.

Share some of your words of advice and wisdom that you might help someone else?

Read and learn both orthodox and alternative medicine. Knowledge is power and it helps in the decision making process. No one is brave when it comes to a life threatening disease. Do not be afraid to express your feelings. If you want to cry, shout your anger to God or family or friends, do so. Let them know first what you are doing. The immune system benefits from the freed-up energy. Above all, cancer can be contained. Life is beautiful when you allow yourself to be.

Post interview commentary

‘Miao Shan’ writes from the heart and works to apply her healing thoughts and actions to to every facet of her life. Like her Goddess choice she refused to compromise and when the chips were down she took her health and all that matters during the healing process into her own hands. She is generous and compassionate when sharing her experience. That same compassion extends to helping others with Cancer. As she continues her healing journey we wish that the light, of Kuan Yin, will continue to shine on her and never allow her to feel that she is alone.

To contact ‘Miao Shan’ or send her your wishes - e-mail: judith@hestiashearth.org

Contact us: info@discoverthepath.com

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