Flying Against the Odds: One Man's Journey to New Ways of Healing by Jean-Jacques Trochon and Heather Whitehall-Trochon
Synopsis -
JJ had a devastating problem. At age fifty-one, he was diagnosed with stage four cancer and given three years to live. Rather than accept that outcome, JJ did what he always does: he set out to find a solution. Desiring to look beyond traditional treatments and their often harmful side effects, he put his unconventionally wired mind to work. JJ was relentless as he investigated alternative therapies and pursued global trailblazers in cancer research. Moving from the role of patient to patient-researcher, he became a trailblazer in his own right, being sought after for his latest findings. Ultimately, JJ brought together the most innovative international minds at the Rethinking Cancer 2017 conference in Paris. Together, they found common ground, and they continue to create integrative, synergistic approaches to treatment. Today, almost a decade after his diagnosis, JJ has defied the odds and is cancer-free. Recently retired from his career as a commercial airline captain on the Airbus A380, he now devotes himself to sharing his ongoing research with scientists and patients. JJ’s story illustrates how looking at things differently often enables us to see them in a whole new light.
JJ had a devastating problem. At age fifty-one, he was diagnosed with stage four cancer and given three years to live. Rather than accept that outcome, JJ did what he always does: he set out to find a solution. Desiring to look beyond traditional treatments and their often harmful side effects, he put his unconventionally wired mind to work. JJ was relentless as he investigated alternative therapies and pursued global trailblazers in cancer research. Moving from the role of patient to patient-researcher, he became a trailblazer in his own right, being sought after for his latest findings. Ultimately, JJ brought together the most innovative international minds at the Rethinking Cancer 2017 conference in Paris. Together, they found common ground, and they continue to create integrative, synergistic approaches to treatment. Today, almost a decade after his diagnosis, JJ has defied the odds and is cancer-free. Recently retired from his career as a commercial airline captain on the Airbus A380, he now devotes himself to sharing his ongoing research with scientists and patients. JJ’s story illustrates how looking at things differently often enables us to see them in a whole new light.
Review -
I ended up reading two cancer memoirs back to back. The first offered a very personal look into what to expect in terms of physical, emotional, and family dynamics during traditional cancer treatment. Flying Against the Odds, while also a personal memoir, covers the author's journey working with traditional doctors as well as incorporating the most cutting edge alternative research - angiogenesic (Can We Eat to Starve Cancer - Dr. William Li at TedX) and ketogenic diet, regular bouts of water only fasting and daily doses of spirulina/phycocyanin to guide his treatment. He also chose to completely avoid "...toxic radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy that can contribute to rapid tumor recurrence."
In Flying Against the Odds, the author does a great job of laying out step by step how his journey unfolded from initial diagnosis of kidney cancer in 2003, through several recurrences where they found tumors of the cancer in his lungs. A pilot who loved his job, from day 1 he chose to avoid any treatments that might keep him from returning to the cockpit. Instead he embraced surgery and dove into finding research offering new approaches.
Each step along the way - each recurrence - Trochon honestly shares the emotional impact on himself, his wife and his children. From highs of being escorted from the hospital to watch a coveted rugby team play, to the lows of facing a new diagnosis, we walk with him through this journey.
While I can't write on is the validity of the science or whether it will work for everyone, what this story offers is hope to those facing a cancer diagnosis and a chance to exert some control over treatment. The fact he continued to work as a pilot until his retirement and continues to help others struggling with cancer 18 years later speaks for itself.
Heather Whitehall-Trochon is a lover of languages and translator of French and German into English. A British national, she completed studies in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion before moving to Munich, Germany, where she worked in public relations for fashion and film. After relocating to Vienna, Austria, she had a brief stint as an editor at the Associated Press, prior to becoming a freelance translator and seasoned backpacker. Heather met JJ in Paris in 2007, marrying him the following year. The couple, together with their cat, Zulu, have now settled in Biarritz, France.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodread
Thank you so much for taking the time to review FLYING AGAINST THE ODDS. I hope that my story will be a source of inspiration and hope to anyone faced with a cancer diagnosis, either their own or that of their loved ones. There is much that each individual can do to boost their immune system. Through my personal memoir, I wish to share my experience and knowledge with as many people as possible. There is a CAN in cancer!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. It was a truly interesting read.
DeleteThank you so much for taking the time to review FLYING AGAINST THE ODDS. We hope it will provide inspiration to anyone battling this horrific disease, and indeed to anyone looking to adopt a healthy eating plan. - Heather Whitehall-Trochon
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. And interesting read.
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