One of the most inspiring books I recently read was James Templeton’s I Used to Have Cancer: How I Found My Own Way Back to Health. What makes it more special is that James is a personal friend of mine and until reading the book I only knew parts of his story, not the entirety. It offers his experiences and thoughts but also recognizes all cases are different. It does not make false promises, it offers suggestions from his experience – what he did while he was fighting cancer and what he would consider now with what he has learned since.

I strongly encourage you to read it and share it.

Here’s the summary from the publisher:

By all standards of success, James Templeton seemed to have it all. He was a highly
successful businessman, had a beautiful wife and daughter, and, only in his early
thirties, had his whole life in front of him. To avoid the same fate as his father and
grandfather, who both died of heart attacks at a young age, James became an avid
runner—a passion that he believed helped him stay fit and healthy. Imagine his shock
when, during a routine physical, his doctor noticed a mole on his body that turned
out to be a melanoma—a dangerous form of skin cancer. The mole was removed
immediately and James, who was diligent in his follow-up exams, appeared to be
cancer-free—but only for a short while. When the cancer reappeared and had spread,
on the advice of his doctor, James followed the conventional medical protocol, which
included surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. He was also involved in a clinical trial.
When he learned that the treatments weren’t working, James was obviously devastated.
He had reached a new low point in his life, and as he lay in the hospital bed, he
prayed fervently for help. As if by some miracle, help came to James in the form
of three different visitors who would change the course of his life—and help direct
him on a path back to health.

I Used to Have Cancer is James Templeton’s memoir—an inspiring look back at his
unique journey in overcoming stage 4 melanoma. James takes you with him on a
trip crisscrossing America, during which he shares the various natural approaches he
followed to battle his cancer—from diet and supplements to meditation and lifestyle
adjustments. As his journey continued, you will see first-hand how James’ definition
of success changed from making money to seeing the next sunrise. And how he
continues finding success by reaching out to others to share the lessons he has learned.
While this book largely focuses on the various methods James used to overcome
his own cancer, it is also an inspiring story of not giving up when all other avenues of
conventional medicine fail. It is about taking control of your life and finding a way back
from the brink of death. It is about being able to tell your friends, “I used to have cancer.”

I Used to Have Cancer