Cancer is Tough, but YOU are TOUGHER!

Dr. Onik talks with Rachel and Jamison Dye, founders of The Cancer Box, a resource designed by cancer survivors to empower others on their journey from victim to victor. But before The Cancer Box was born, there was the cancer.  In 2018 Rachel and Jamison were living an idyllic life in Washington state with their growing family. An avid runner, Rachel went for her usual five-mile run around the lake, a route she'd been running since she was a teenager. Two days later, in sudden and tremendous pain, she was rushed to the ER and admitted for emergency surgery. Rachel had a golf-ball sized tumor removed from her colon, woke up with a colostomy, and for several days awaited test results. The verdict? Metastatic Stage IV Colon Cancer. The 27-year-old mother of three was told she may only have six months to live.  Not only did Rachel and Jamison not fully understand the diagnosis, but they also knew little about cancer. “The first thing we did was just breath,” recalls Jamison. Next, they called Rachel's parents and their pastors.  The couple intuitively knew they had to take some time to decide how to move ahead, but the pressure to act quickly given a death-sentence-diagnosis is tremendous. They didn't just want a physical treatment plan; they wanted a spiritual and emotional plan too. The hope they lacked came from a nurse who told them of someone she knew who beat the same cancer and Rachel leaned into her belief that she would live.  Dr. Onik and the Dyes discuss some KEY COMPONENTS of their strategy:  ++ Determining who'll be on your “team”  ++ The importance of “soul-care”?  ++ How to choose an oncologist  ++ Diving into the research  ++ Becoming your own advocate  ++ Building a nutrition plan specific to your body's physiology  ++ Learning to navigate emotional trauma  Jamison, a project manager by trade, began doing the research and building the support team while Rachel recovered from surgery. The couple continued to follow their own path, emphasizing the importance of prayer, trusting themselves and God. One day at a time, Rachel made progress, healing in many areas of her life. After Rachel entered remission, the couple began processing all they'd been through. They had amassed loads of information and began wondering, “What does life look like now?”  The Cancer Box was born.  The couple decided to lean further into their experience and create the resource they wished they'd had on their journey. Already being peppered with questions from others battling cancer they knew they had developed a knack for coming up with meaningful solutions. The Cancer Box is a monthly subscription of tools and resources for the body (e.g., vitamins, snacks), mind (how to handle side effects) and soul (uplifting reading material) to empower people to take charge of own their care or aid someone they love.  The Dyes experience has brought them something unexpected that they deeply cherish—an even closer relationship to God. Dr. Onik too has no doubt that he was given cancer to prove a point (although he says he didn't like it at the time) and that is, prayer combined with his unique treatment DO WORK! Remarkably, Rachel says she wouldn't change it. “Even if I could undo my cancer, I wouldn't because I can see how God was using it in our lives and our marriage and our family to refine and change my heart.”   Rachel has been cancer-free for over a year.  Dr. Onik wraps up by answering your questions. To submit a question to the Mailbag, use the contact page on Dr. Onik's website.  ***  To learn more visit https://www.thecancerbox.com/   Facebook | YouTube | Instagram @the_cancer_box   ​***  For over 40 years Dr. Gary Onik has been pioneering advances in cancer treatment that have rocked the field of oncology, inventing an entirely new branch of cancer treatment now known as “Interventional Oncology” based on his innovative minimally invasive techniques. Both doctor and patient, he created a cancer vaccine and successfully treated his own terminal prostate cancer using his invention. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Onik is an Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, working closely with his colleagues to develop the next generation of cancer fighting technologies. His latest work, using immunotherapy to treat metastatic cancer, offers hope to those patients with literally no other options.  GARY ONIK https://garyonikmd.com/ CHECK OUT all our inspiring podcasts at https://www.lifestough.com/ 

Dr. Onik talks candidly with internationally celebrated recording artist, composer, concert pianist and radio/television personality, John Tesh. His Intelligence for Your Life radio show currently airs on 350 stations and reaches 14 million people each week and his memoir, Relentless: Unleashing a Life of Purpose, Grit, and Faith is now available wherever books are sold.  These two men have more in common than you might think. Both had incurable cancer. Both turned to their faith for healing. Both are composers—Tesh of music and Onik of cancer treatments. They are both saving lives in different ways, allowing the Divine to work through them.  Like many cancer patients, Tesh's journey with the disease began with receiving the gut blow prostate cancer diagnosis, which completely blindsided him and his wife of thirty years, Connie Sellecca. After a series of tests and biopsies, a doctor told him he'd better “get his affairs in order.” But with a background in research, it seemed like the best approach was to absorb themselves in learning as much as they could about surviving prostate cancer. As a result, he tracked down an expert, Dr. Ted Shaeffer, and was on his way to Johns Hopkins with some much-needed hope.   As a Christian, Tesh's faith was a deep well for him to draw from, but it wasn't until he was given the devastating news that his cancer had returned that he discovered the Bible's teaching on Diving Healing. At the beginning of his journey his focus was on getting the cancer out of his body as fast as possible, understandably. When the cancer returned, this time in other areas of his body, the allopathic recommended course of action was a form of radiation treatment that would have impaired several of his bodily functions. The Teshs said, “No thanks,” and began to stand on God's promises.  But the journey has not been without struggle. At one point Tesh took up drinking and using drugs to deal with his terminal diagnosis, until his wife said if he was giving up, then so was she. It was a sobering wakeup call. Several scriptures took on new meaning for him including Mark 11:23 and Proverbs 18:21 which says, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Thanks to what Tesh had learned from quantum physics he knew the power of words. He credits Connie for speaking life over him and helping his faith to grow.  On the other hand, once he discovered the Word's healing power, his pride in standing on his faith alone almost killed him after he refused other treatments. Eventually he realized that all healing modalities can be used together for good.    Dr. Onik was at one time an empiricist—and atheistic scientist. But he continued to see miracles, patients opting for no treatment only prayer and being healed, for example. His eyes were opened and thankfully so. After having scans to find out what was going on in his own body, Dr. Onik diagnosed his own terminal metastatic prostate cancer. He was dealt the same blow. But he knew he was in God's hands and within just hours he'd planned out his own treatment. Prayer was an integral part of his plan. “Every cancer type is really specific…But the one thing you can add to any cancer regiment is prayer.”   Dr. Onik believes the best course of treatment often encompasses multiple modalities. There are now excellent and extremely reliable ways of using new treatments such as focal therapy and cryo-ablation. Dr. Onik's complete recovery included a surgical treatment of his own invention, along with prayer. Tesh's experience was similar, using conventional cancer protocols along with prayer and lifestyle changes. Tesh's journey took him to a new level of understanding of suffering, and its role in life.  The two men also agree on the importance of humor, and both have learned to view life's circumstances through a more light-hearted lens.  Dr. Onik gives his advice to those who have received a cancer diagnosis about what to do in the next 24 hours.  Tesh shares what he does to remain positive. His latest venture, TeshTV, draws on his extensive archive of motivational, inspirational and healing music, videos and messages to help others. The ‘pay what you feel' subscription provides daily, live programming available on all devices.  Dr. Onik wraps up by answering your questions. To submit a question to the Mailbag, use the contact page on Dr. Onik's website.  ***  For over 40 years Dr. Gary Onik has been pioneering advances in cancer treatment that have rocked the field of oncology, inventing an entirely new branch of cancer treatment now known as “Interventional Oncology” based on his innovative minimally invasive techniques. Both doctor and patient, he created a cancer vaccine and successfully treated his own terminal prostate cancer using his invention. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Onik is an Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, working closely with his colleagues to develop the next generation of cancer fighting technologies. His latest work, using immunotherapy to treat metastatic cancer, offers hope to those patients with literally no other options.  GARY ONIK https://garyonikmd.com/ CHECK OUT all our inspiring podcasts at https://www.lifestough.com/ 

In this episode Dr. Gary Onik reveals the five things he believes everyone needs to know to survive cancer. An integrated oncologist and a pioneer in the field of cancer treatment for over 40 years, you could say Dr. Onik knows his subject front to back. But he's also a cancer survivor, ironically of the very cancer he specializes in, advanced metastatic prostate cancer. He's alive and well with no evidence of disease and wants to help others every day he lives.  “This is NOT about getting ready to die, it's about lessening your anxiety…because your anxiety and your mental processes have a direct effect on your immunology.” Dr. Gary Onik  Get Dr. Onik's advice on…  1—Finding the RIGHT oncologist for YOU, what to look for and how to conduct the research.  2—Taking responsibility for your own care, advocating for yourself, and researching outside the usual protocols including clinical trials.  3—Why YOU need the support of your loved ones and why THEY NEED to provide it.  4—The power of mobilizing as many people to pray for you as possible. Prayer works.  5—Finding comfort in faith and a higher power and accepting that some things are beyond understanding.  Dr. Onik closes with two things that help us successfully overcome when life's tough: Purpose and Faith.    ***  For over 40 years Dr. Gary Onik has been pioneering advances in cancer treatment that have rocked the field of oncology, inventing an entirely new branch of cancer treatment now known as “Interventional Oncology” based on his innovative minimally invasive techniques. Both doctor and patient, he created a cancer vaccine and successfully treated his own terminal prostate cancer using his invention. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Onik is an Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, working closely with his colleagues to develop the next generation of cancer fighting technologies. His latest work, using immunotherapy to treat metastatic cancer, offers hope to those patients with literally no other options.  GARY ONIK https://www.garyonik.com/ CHECK OUT all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/ 

“I felt helpless, but I just prayed and prayed and prayed.” Lisa   Dr. Onik talks to Senior Executive Producer of the Emmy®-winning newsmagazine “Extra,” now in its 28th season, Lisa Gregorisch-Dempsey, who experienced an incredible spiritual transformation during her husband's health crisis. Lisa had a typical Jewish upbringing in New Jersey, but her media career took her all over the country, having spent most of her career in California. One night, taking a call in her office at Extra, dressed in a gown about to attend the Emmys, she abruptly did an about face toward home. Her husband Gary had been told he had cancer on the back of his tongue.  From Gary's unexpected heart surgery to radiation to chemo, Lisa began praying in her car, and reading Christian author Max Lucado for the peace it brought her. Then she started reading the New Testament. Gary fully recovered and didn't seem to mind when Lisa read him passages from the Bible, having grown up Methodist, but converted to Judaism when they married. But it wasn't until Gary got a call years later learning that the cancer had metastasized to his lung that he also got on the prayer wagon.  Today, alive and well, the couple remarkably have dedicated their lives to Jesus. They never miss a day of their early morning ritual together, spending time with God.  Dr. Onik asks Lisa, also known as the Doctor Whisperer, has your Christianity ever made you uncomfortable or affected your career? Lisa is quick to respond, “Not even for one second. I have a big forum to help other people,” and she uses it to spread hope.  ***  For over 40 years Dr. Gary Onik has been pioneering advances in cancer treatment that have rocked the field of oncology, inventing an entirely new branch of cancer treatment now known as “Interventional Oncology” based on his innovative minimally invasive techniques. Both doctor and patient, he created a cancer vaccine and successfully treated his own terminal prostate cancer using his invention. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Onik is an Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, working closely with his colleagues to develop the next generation of cancer fighting technologies. His latest work, using immunotherapy to treat metastatic cancer, offers hope to those patients with literally no other options.  GARY ONIK https://www.garyonik.com/ CHECK OUT all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/ 

“Mother Nature doesn't really care about our patent system. Things work or they don't work.” Dr. Ralph Moss  Dr. Moss continues telling his story of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Laetrile coverup, his early experience with challenging the medical establishment and the personal and professional costs of telling (and not telling) the truth. Dr. Moss reveals the way drugs come to market and why so many treatments that can help patients aren't prescribed, let alone make the headlines.  So, when the day came that Dr. Moss was MISTAKENLY told that he had advanced metastatic prostate cancer and there was nothing that could be done for him, how did he respond?   Listen for the happy ending!  ***  DR. RALPH MOSS & MOSS REPORTS https://www.mossreports.com/  IMMUNOTHERAPHY: THE BATTLE WITHIN | 2020 DOCUMENTARY https://immunotherapyfilm.com/   SECOND OPINION | 2014 DOCUMENTARY https://www.secondopinionfilm.com/   ***  For over 40 years Dr. Gary Onik has been pioneering advances in cancer treatment that have rocked the field of oncology, inventing an entirely new branch of cancer treatment now known as “Interventional Oncology” based on his innovative minimally invasive techniques. Both doctor and patient, he created a cancer vaccine and successfully treated his own terminal prostate cancer using his invention. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Onik is an Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, working closely with his colleagues to develop the next generation of cancer fighting technologies. His latest work, using immunotherapy to treat metastatic cancer, offers hope to those patients with literally no other options.   DR. GARY ONIK https://www.garyonik.com/  CHECK OUT all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/ 

“I'm coming up on my 50th year anniversary of my time as a science writer, writing almost exclusively about cancer...And I'll tell you, it gets more and more interesting.” Dr. Ralph Moss  A graduate of NYU and Stanford University, medical writer Dr. Ralph Moss has been independently evaluating the claims of conventional and non-conventional cancer treatment for the past 35 years. But before he began writing books, he helped to leak the truth about an esteemed scientist's research on a drug that could block cancer metastasis—when his bosses wanted him to lie. [More on that in Part 2!]  In Part 1 of this gripping conversation Dr. Moss talks about getting his start in medical research and writing, landing a job at the prestigious Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He sheds light on why oncologists treat patients with “cookbook methods,” the tremendous pressure on doctors not to deviate from medical guidelines and the connection between a doctor's treatment plan and your insurance company.  His passion for helping people overcome cancer is clear. As a cancer survivor himself, he knows well the importance of his work.   LISTEN TO PART 2 of the conversation to learn THE SHOCKING TRUTH and WHAT IT COST.  ***  DR. RALPH MOSS https://www.mossreports.com/  ***  For over 40 years Dr. Gary Onik has been pioneering advances in cancer treatment that have rocked the field of oncology, inventing an entirely new branch of cancer treatment now known as “Interventional Oncology” based on his innovative minimally invasive techniques. Both doctor and patient, he created a cancer vaccine and successfully treated his own terminal prostate cancer using his invention. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Onik is an Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, working closely with his colleagues to develop the next generation of cancer fighting technologies. His latest work, using immunotherapy to treat metastatic cancer, offers hope to those patients with literally no other options.   DR. GARY ONIK https://www.garyonik.com/  CHECK OUT all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/ 

SURVIVING CANCER—Is the mind-body connection real?  “Every cell in your body is listening to your brain…I think a big part of cancer survival is believing there is a better path.” Jeff Olson  According to Dr. Onik, Jeff Olson is a modern Renaissance man—entrepreneur, author, publisher, and member of the Happiness Hall of Fame. He's also a prostate cancer survivor who knows when life is going great, how it feels to be told you have cancer. “I felt betrayed because I'm very healthy in my diet and lifestyle,” Jeff says of his diagnosis. He knew that his solution would need to allow him to live without obliterating his life.  For Jeff, the spiritual aspect of healing was just as important as having the support of family and friends.  Dr. Onik reveals the one aspect of prostate cancer that he finds heinous is the lack of information patients get about radical prostatectomy and the positive margin.  It's so important for patients to do their own research and find treatment options that work for them. Going against mainstream medical advice is difficult. Anxieties and fears affect the immune system and spiritual grounding can help you remain calmer and heal better.  You'll be challenged to consider these critical life questions:  What do you allow your conscious brain to think?  How do your BELIEFS influence your HEALTH?  Who do you associate with?  How do miracles happen?  What's the power of prayer, scientifically?  After a cancer diagnosis it might be time to reconsider why it's said, “There are no atheists in the foxholes.”   ***  For over 40 years Dr. Gary Onik has been pioneering advances in cancer treatment that have rocked the field of oncology, inventing an entirely new branch of cancer treatment now known as “Interventional Oncology” based on his innovative minimally invasive techniques. Both doctor and patient, he created a cancer vaccine and successfully treated his own terminal prostate cancer using his invention. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Onik is an Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, working closely with his colleagues to develop the next generation of cancer fighting technologies. His latest work, using immunotherapy to treat metastatic cancer, offers hope to those patients with literally no other options.   TO CONTACT DR. ONIK visit https://www.garyonik.com/.   CHECK OUT all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/.    

NUTRACEUTICALS VS. PHARMACEUTICALS—This podcast could save your life.  Dr. Russell Blaylock, retired neurosurgeon and author of Natural Strategies for Cancer Patients and his monthly newsletter, The Blaylock Wellness Report, with over 100,000 subscribers shares his lifesaving knowledge and expertise on the use of nutraceuticals and why they aren't more common in treatment, particularly cancer treatment. For Dr. Onik and Dr. Blaylock, the medical establishment isn't accepting these new treatments as rapidly as they would like for the good of their patients.  Listen to find out why.  Dr. Blaylock's own interest in alternative treatments arose because he was disappointed in results using chemotherapy, which oftentimes makes the outcome for the patient worse by doing damage to healthy cells, thereby increasing the likelihood of secondary cancers. However, you see the opposite with natural substances and immunotherapy.  The science behind these treatments is so sophisticated now that the orthodox medical community cannot ignore it. In fact, combining low dose chemo with nutraceuticals yields better results than higher dose chemo—and patients feel better while undergoing treatment.  The best weapon against cancer that we have is immunotherapy. Immune cells can destroy virtually every cancer and every cancer cell in every case if we learn how to properly harness it. We're just now rediscovering what was known a hundred years ago.  Listen as Dr. Blaylock Reveals…  What He Thinks of Supplements  The POWER of Observational Medicine  Fraudulent Behavior in the Pharmaceutical Industry  The “MAGIC” and SCIENCE Behind Natural Treatments  How to Find and Oncologist with Views Compatible with Your Own  The Role of God, Prayer and Faith in Healing  Dr. Blaylock's book is available where most books are sold. To learn more or subscribe to his newsletter visit https://www.blaylockreport.com/.  ***  For over 40 years Dr. Gary Onik has been pioneering advances in cancer treatment that have rocked the field of oncology, inventing an entirely new branch of cancer treatment now known as “Interventional Oncology” based on his innovative minimally invasive techniques. Both doctor and patient, he created a cancer vaccine and successfully treated his own terminal prostate cancer using his invention. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Onik is an Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, working closely with his colleagues to develop the next generation of cancer fighting technologies. His latest work, using immunotherapy to treat metastatic cancer, offers hope to those patients with literally no other options.   TO CONTACT DR. ONIK visit https://www.garyonik.com/.   CHECK OUT all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/.  

The Challenges and Benefits of Doing Things Differently  “I haven't had a sick day since I was diagnosed.” Dr. Howard Freedman  Dr. Howard Freedman is a retired pediatric ophthalmologist renowned for inventing a way to screen children as young as 6 months for amblyopia, lazy eye, one of the most prevalent—yet preventable—causes of blindness in children.   He's also been diagnosed with cancer, twice.  In this episode he talks about the obstacles he faced while trying to make inroads within the medical community to help kids who would otherwise unnecessarily lose their vision, a true healthcare tragedy. And he shares his cancer story. Two journeys, one professional and the other personal, have surprising parallels.  These two physicians share important REVELATIONS in:  The forces that try to stop therapeutics that really help people  The basic problem with medicine when trying to change the status quo  Seeking multiple opinions and exploring those with a doctor you trust  Choosing treatments that allow for a normal lifestyle  Dr. Onik shares his Medical Golden Rule perhaps the single greatest factor owing to his incredible success.  ***  For over 40 years Dr. Gary Onik has been pioneering advances in cancer treatment that have rocked the field of oncology, inventing an entirely new branch of cancer treatment now known as “Interventional Oncology” based on his innovative minimally invasive techniques. Both doctor and patient, he created a cancer vaccine and successfully treated his own terminal prostate cancer using his invention. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Onik is an Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, working closely with his colleagues to develop the next generation of cancer fighting technologies. His latest work, using immunotherapy to treat metastatic cancer, offers hope to those patients with literally no other options.   TO CONTACT DR. ONIK visit https://www.garyonik.com/.   CHECK OUT all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/.  

CAREGIVING—How do I do this as well as I can?  There are 53 million caregivers in the United States, probably a lot more. If you know one or should you suddenly find yourself as one, you need to hear Dr. Onik's conversation with Karen Warner Schueler, author of the transformative book “The Sudden Caregiver: A Roadmap for Resilient Caregiving.”  This is also a conversation for medical professionals, especially in the oncology field. Her book is filled with ideas, encouragement, and resources so you can also take care of yourself. After all, the better the caregiver, the better the care receiver.  After raising a family and reaching a comfortable stage of life, looking forward to their future together, Karen's husband went to his doctor for a ‘bad back' and came out with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Thrust into the role of caregiver, depleted and vulnerable, she found resources lacking. So, she wrote the book she wanted to read—to help caregivers write their own story.  Learn from Karen…  The Paradox of Caregiving  Where to find REAL hope  The Pathways to Wellbeing  Who needs to work at empathy  FIND links to organizations that provide local, national, and international caregiver support under the “Resources” tab on her website http://thesuddencaregiver.com.  ***  For over 40 years Dr. Gary Onik has been pioneering advances in cancer treatment that have rocked the field of oncology, inventing an entirely new branch of cancer treatment now known as “Interventional Oncology” based on his innovative minimally invasive techniques. Both doctor and patient, he created a cancer vaccine and successfully treated his own terminal prostate cancer using his invention. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Onik is an Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, working closely with his colleagues to develop the next generation of cancer fighting technologies. His latest work, using immunotherapy to treat metastatic cancer, offers hope to those patients with literally no other options.   TO CONTACT DR. ONIK visit https://www.garyonik.com/.   CHECK OUT all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/.      

Cancer is Tough, but YOU are TOUGHER! is hosted by Dr. Gary Onik, adjunct professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University and former professor of Neurosurgery at the Medical College of Pennsylvania. Dr. Onik pioneered image guided tumor ablation, an invention that has saved the lives of 10's of thousands of patients and initiated a 4th branch of cancer treatment called “Interventional Oncology.” He introduced with Prof. Boris Rubinsky the “Nanoknife,” an electrical method for treating pancreatic cancer that can't be surgically removed, which has been shown to double the life expectancy in this patient population and created a simple way of making a cancer vaccine out of a patient's own tumor and successfully treated his own terminal prostate cancer using this invention.   Join Dr. Onik as he explores the intersection of the mind, body and the spiritual and its relationship to sickness and healing, specifically cancer. Coping with it, pursuing the best treatment for you and helping your partner/family/friend moving forward. Dr. Onik's podcast is uniquely personal. Rather than focusing on advances in technology and clinical therapies, he explores the heart of a patient's and family's cancer journey. He delves into the inner emotional and spiritual resources patients and loved ones need to address, deep concerns such as:     Choosing a treatment strategy that harmonizes with their worldview and life's goal Grappling with traditional state-of-the-art vs. outside-the-box options Finding the meaning of cure vs. healing   This podcast is for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer.