Reflections on “Apple Cider Vinegar” and My Cancer Journey

As a cancer survivor, I found Netflix’s show “Apple Cider Vinegar” to be quite unsettling. It portrays the profound weariness and despair felt by many cancer patients, as well as the tempting idea of turning away from conventional medicine in search of a “natural” cure. It also shines a light on the troubling alternative health industry, where dubious practitioners and influencers exploit those who are most vulnerable, confidently making claims without solid scientific backing.

It’s something I can relate to because I nearly fell into that trap myself.

I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in December 2022. Almost immediately, I started scheduling consultations with surgeons, but many appointments were delayed due to the holidays, pushing them to mid or late January. With a few weeks stretching ahead of me, I thought it would be a good idea to proactively explore my options, so I met with Dr. T, an integrative doctor, to consider whether supplements could help while I awaited treatment.

Dr. T supported my choice to go for surgery but mentioned another holistic practitioner, Dr. D, who specialized in thermography, a technique that uses thermal imaging to potentially identify abnormal heat spots on the breast’s surface, which can indicate inflammation or tumors.

What really piqued my interest was her casual remark that Dr. D had “healed” a breast cancer patient without any surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. As a science writer curious about holistic methods, I had to know more. Could thermography help me as well?

Upon arriving at Dr. D’s office, I couldn’t help but notice it felt more like a spa than a medical facility. This was such a refreshing change from the stark, fluorescent-lit rooms where I’d undergone my prior screenings.

The thermogram procedure involved taking nine thermal images with a special camera, followed by a “cold challenge” where I submerged my hands in ice water to see how my body responded. I learned that healthy tissue cools down in sync with brain signals, while cancerous or inflamed areas would show up as hot spots.

Although I found the process intriguing, I couldn’t overlook some significant red flags: thermograms aren’t FDA-approved for breast cancer detection, and oddly enough, the technician operating the machine was Dr. D’s wife.

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity—30 minutes—for my results, Dr. D finally called me in. The situation took a strange turn right from the get-go.

First, he showed me the colorful thermogram report, admitting that it hadn’t captured my cancer at all. In fact, he appeared genuinely flustered by the results. Instead, he said there was “extra heat” in the area, which placed me in a “high-risk” category.

Then he claimed that my cancer was due to “too many COVID vaccines” and advised me not to get another. I was taken aback and struggled to respond. There’s no evidence linking COVID vaccines to breast cancer, and this directly contradicted my family history.

“And what about my mom, who had the same type of cancer at the same age?” I asked, to which he dismissed my concerns, stating, “No, it’s definitely the vaccines.” He promptly switched to selling his product, Super Mineral Water, claiming it could “detox” my body and perhaps help cure my cancer.

By that point, I felt a mix of horror and embarrassment—not just from his quackery, but from realizing how easily I had been drawn into this situation. I quickly gathered my belongings and left.

After my experience, I searched online for discussions about thermograms. One story led me to Morganne Delian, who chose a thermogram instead of a mammogram when she noticed a lump. The practitioner told her he couldn’t see a lump but warned her of potential risks. Months later, after finally undergoing a mammogram and biopsy, she found out she had Stage 3 breast cancer.

Stories like Morganne’s serve as chilling examples of the potential risks associated with unverified screening methods and alternative therapies. From coffee enemas to Gerson therapy, practices that lack rigorous scientific validation are often marketed aggressively by various practitioners.

So, why are people still drawn to these alternatives? Perhaps it’s the illusion of control during a time that feels overwhelmingly terrifying. A cancer diagnosis can leave you feeling powerless, and the treatment options can seem daunting. Alternative medicine offers a sense of empowerment and a simpler path. Quacks prey on this vulnerability by providing hope and ease, often ignoring the scary realities statistically backed by medical research.

After my diagnosis, I made the crucial decision to trust my medical team and the science guiding them. I let go of wishful thinking and embraced the realities of hospital life. My surgeon successfully removed my tumor, leaving me cancer-free.

Now, I adhere to a rigorous screening routine, including annual mammograms and breast MRIs. I also take tamoxifen daily as a preventive measure. Why? Because my oncologist is the expert—far more than I am.

Science, in essence, saved my life. Yet we find ourselves in precarious times where individuals often distrust established medical guidelines while placing blind faith in those who profit from that vulnerability. “Apple Cider Vinegar” highlights this troubling aspect, showcasing figures who manipulate the truth with ease. It reminds us of the need to trust in scientific evidence more than ever.

Will we heed this warning?