I Used to Have Cancer: How I Found My Own Way Back to Health

by James Templeton

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 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.”

Genres: Health

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2019

Reviews

[Nicole Brockwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grabbed this for a family member, but last week instead of turning it back into the library - I read a page. Then a chapter. Eventually I realized it was time to renew the book. I’ve spent the past week soaking in all of Templeton’s story and how he came back from stage 4 melanoma. His story isn’t preach. He just very simply tells his story. There is a even a chapter towards the end explaining what he would do different knowing what he knows now.

While I don’t necessarily agree with all of Templeton’s actions, no one can deny his results. He had stage 4 melanoma in the mid 80’s and chemo was not working and ruining his quality of life. Because of major changes in his lifestyle, James Templeton continues to live cancer free today. There are several areas of my life where I have begun to implement in my own life to be as healthy as possibly. The vitamin c info is pure gold. The info on acidity vs alkalinity = also gold. He has a treasure trove in the appendix section of recommendations from books to water filters to air purifiers to parasite testing.

I’m not attempting to live forever, but 4 different types of cancer exist in my recent family history not to mention autoimmune diseases galore. I have kids to raise. I want to be as healthy as possible during my time on earth before I go meet Jesus face to face. So thank you James Templeton for using your story to inspire others. Thank you for turning lemons into lemonade.

Highly recommend!

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘It’s your road…and yours alone…no one can walk it for you’ – Rumi

If you are in need of courage, read this book! James Templeton has shared his life as a fit and successful man who has survived metastatic melanoma. In one of the most literate and ‘healthy’ books about cancer’s effects on the body and the spirit James takes us on his journey back to health, and in doing so serves as an inspiration for not only coping with disease but also with all of life’s apparent obstacles.

In addition to covering the details of his response to the spectre of cancer, delivered when inquiring about a new ‘mole’ that proved to be melanoma, and the many stages of proposed treatment for the lesion, James shares his awakening to determination to fight back and combat his prognosis of terminal illness with a series of encounters that led him to the facts that this book contains.

The details are plentiful – alternative approaches to treatment that include a comprehensive list of healthy foods, supplements, lifestyle aids for the home that discourage contamination, macrobiotics, compatible medical professionals and clinics, and even restaurants friendly to good health! As James states, ‘When I began my personal journey of battling cancer, fate stepped in and I was unexpectedly handed the very keys to my healing, which changed the course of my life. Over the years, I have learned so much about what we can do to increase our odds of beating this beast. I truly hope that some of these ideas will prove helpful to you, too.’

This is an excellent resource for healthy choices as well as a book that provides a light of inspiration for everyone – no matter the conflict. Highly recommended.

[ANNEstories · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deep breaths, deep breaths 🥲
It almost put me to cry as it reminds of another memoir in When Breath Becomes Air.

Until it took a turn to Macrobiotic Duet Academy. (Pun intended) It has become a bit of health-OCD this book. The dedication to eradicate toxins from our body through good sleep, healthy air, stress management, organic non-gmo and strict macrobiotic diet were thoroughly discussed. So it has more likely become a Nutrition book.

But macrobiotics the author said, is only appropriate for healling C. After C- this diet won’t be sustainable. Long story short- you can eat everything’s that’s healthy- grains, veggies and meats, the question is more about the Portion.

Epilogue: Make peace with your past. Cancer is not a death sentence but a wake-up call. There’s more to Life than cancer.



„“
I was only 32, and I’ve hit a wall and it looked as though I’m down for the count.

I fight for my health every day in ways that most people don’t understand.

The mind is one of the biggest game changers when it comes to health and beating a fatal diagnosis.

No one is gonna care about you the way you care about yourself.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the rise in incidence of cancer in society today, I think you can never get enough stories of people who have overcome it, especially of those who have overcome stage 4.

This is a good resource book because the author covers a lot of ground and offers a lot of insight as to how to possibly avoid cancer as well as how to proceed if you are told you have it.

[Jaime]

I bought this thinking I would give it to my mom for Mother's Day because she loves to read about people who overcame cancer, but I don't think she'll like it after all. I heard him on a podcast and his story is quite compelling.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very glad that the author found better options; very thankful for those three knocks at the door.

Thank you to my local library for providing access to the Hoopla app and the availability to listen to the audio.

[Mk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

Inspiring story with very informative with great information for people who are sick and those who aren’t sick as well.

[Roxy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting read about how this man healed from Stage 4 Melanoma, using different modalities.