Podcast Summary: I AM HealingStrong | Episode 116: Confronting Stage Four Prostate Cancer Through Faith and Holistic Healing with David and Kathi Peters

Introduction

In Episode 116 of the I AM HealingStrong podcast, host Jim Mann engages in an inspiring conversation with David and Kathi Peters. As a stage four prostate cancer survivor and his supportive wife, the Peters share their journey of confronting a life-altering diagnosis through faith and holistic healing. This episode delves deep into their personal experiences, the challenges they faced, and the strategies they employed to navigate the complexities of cancer treatment outside the conventional medical framework.

David and Kathi's Cancer Journey

David Peters was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in November of the previous year. The diagnosis was a pivotal moment that reshaped their lives. David recounts the immediate emotional turmoil following the announcement from oncologists at the esteemed Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. “[00:35] David Peters: ...we really hope this is going to be successful, and we hope others will follow suit within our little sphere of influence,” David reflects, highlighting their commitment to a healing journey rooted in natural methods.

Choosing a Natural Healing Path

Faced with the grim prognosis, the Peters made a deliberate choice to pursue natural healing methods over traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Kathi, a seasoned health and wellness coach, had long advocated for holistic approaches to health. “[06:05] Kathy Peters: ...we truly believe that just as God wants us to experience unity on every level,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of community and faith in their healing process.

Their decision was influenced by personal history, as both had lost family members to cancer. This background fostered a deep-seated belief in the efficacy of natural healing. “[08:32] Unknown Host: What made you actually decide to go a different route?” Jim Mann inquires, to which David responds, “[09:25] David Peters: ...we've been around it. ...we were just going to hit this with all cylinders on the natural pathway.”

Community and Support Systems

A cornerstone of the Peters' healing journey has been the strong sense of community they cultivated. They connected with the Healing Strong network, attending the 10th-anniversary conference in Houston. “[05:30] Unknown Host: ...we came to enjoy the event. ...we can just totally focus on being part of the event here and meeting people,” David shares. This community provided emotional support and practical advice, reinforcing their belief in a united approach to healing.

Kathi emphasizes the transformative power of community: “[05:53] Kathy Peters: ...you need community in your life when you go through this. ...unity that you can experience with people who have a common journey.” Their WhatsApp group, formed during their three-week stay at Hope4Cancer in Mexico, became a daily source of encouragement and shared experiences.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Adopting a plant-based diet was a significant aspect of their holistic approach. Initially, David struggled with a raw vegan diet, experiencing severe weight loss and physical distress. “[14:17] David Peters: ...the raw vegan was just like hellish for me. ...I felt so bad.” However, this trial-and-error phase led them to incorporate cooked foods and wild-caught fish, striking a balance that supported David's health without compromising their nutritional needs.

Kathi humorously recounts her culinary experiments: “[15:27] Unknown Host: ...the mushroom soup literally looked like poop.” Despite the challenges, their commitment to a healthy diet remained unwavering. “[16:07] David Peters: ...we have a garden, so that's good. ...a crazy change.”

Documentary Work

Parallel to their healing journey, David and Kathi embarked on producing a documentary to chronicle their experiences. Encouraged by a distributor to honor his late father's unfinished project, David delves into documenting their holistic healing process. “[02:32] David Peters: ...someone came up to Kathy and said, you know, I've never met someone who didn't do what the doctor says.”

Their documentary aims to answer critical questions about natural healing: “can I do it? how do I do it? and will it help me?” “[34:06] Kathy Peters: ...Chris Wark said, I'll do it if your documentary answers three questions.”

The couple plans to feature interviews with key figures in the holistic health community and incorporate dynamic elements like ziplining adventures to illustrate fearlessness and resilience. “[33:22] David Peters: ...we're going to do that with her and her family as part of the film.”

Dealing with Challenges and Stress

The Peters acknowledge the inevitable stress that accompanies a cancer diagnosis. “[20:10] David Peters: ...after the diagnosis, people were giving us suggestion upon suggestion.” They emphasize the importance of managing stress through faith and community support. Kathi shares insights from a wellness coach friend: “[23:01] David Peters: ...love will heal you. ...let your food love you, let your exercise, let your friends love you.”

Their approach transcends mere physical treatment, focusing on emotional and spiritual well-being. “[26:30] David Peters: ...I don't want to talk about fighting cancer because it's this adversarial thing. I talk about healing it because there's beauty in healing.”

Progress and Current Status

Despite the ups and downs, David reports positive signs in his health. “[28:07] David Peters: I feel good. ...my PSA number had risen rapidly last year, but there was improvement in metastatic areas.” The RGCC test, which isolates cancer cells to identify effective natural substances, played a crucial role in refining their treatment regimen. “[29:06] Kathy Peters: ...they drip all types of natural substances on those cancer cells ... determine specifically which ones are going to be working for you.”

This strategic approach has allowed them to eliminate ineffective supplements and focus on those that offer real benefits. “[31:41] David Peters: ...spend a lot of money doing that. But now that we saw the number rising, we're going to be more strategic.”

Future Plans

Looking ahead, the Peters are committed to continuing their documentary work, aiming to inspire others through their story. “[32:08] Unknown Host: When is this documentary coming out? I want a certain date.” While specific release dates are tentative, they plan to premiere their films globally, coupled with discussions and interactive events to engage audiences. “[35:07] David Peters: ...a streaming event where we'll show the film and have it open globally.”

Their ongoing projects include additional documentaries and collaborations with holistic health organizations, ensuring their message reaches a broader audience.

Conclusion

David and Kathi Peters exemplify resilience and hope in the face of life-threatening illness. Their journey underscores the profound impact of faith, community, and a holistic approach to healing. By sharing their story through the I AM HealingStrong podcast and their documentary projects, they provide invaluable insights and inspiration to others navigating similar paths. Their unwavering belief in healing, coupled with strategic natural treatments, offers a beacon of hope for those seeking alternatives to traditional cancer therapies.

Notable Quotes

• “[00:35] David Peters: ...we really hope this is going to be successful, and we hope others will follow suit within our little sphere of influence.”
• “[06:05] Kathy Peters: ...we truly believe that just as God wants us to experience unity on every level.”
• “[09:25] David Peters: ...we were just going to hit this with all cylinders on the natural pathway.”
• “[14:17] David Peters: ...the raw vegan was just like hellish for me. ...I felt so bad.”
• “[15:27] Unknown Host: ...the mushroom soup literally looked like poop.”
• “[23:01] David Peters: ...love will heal you. ...let your food love you, let your exercise, let your friends love you.”
• “[26:30] David Peters: ...I don't want to talk about fighting cancer because it's this adversarial thing. I talk about healing it because there's beauty in healing.”

Final Thoughts

Episode 116 of I AM HealingStrong is a testament to the power of determination, love, and faith in overcoming the most daunting challenges. David and Kathi Peters' narrative serves as a guiding light for listeners seeking hope and practical strategies in their healing journeys. Their blend of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and unwavering optimism makes this episode a compelling listen for anyone grappling with health struggles or seeking inspiration to transform their lives.