A Chef Without a Stomach

A Chef Without a Stomach

 

We have always told our cancer patients that it is important to continue your hobbies or find something to do that you like to do. It is important to have something in your life to look forward to even when things seem so down. As the saying goes,” A man without a dream shall perish.” Well, maybe thats not always true but having something to look forward to definitely can help get you to look forward to waking up the next day.

This morning I heard an inspiring story which Dr Sanjay Gupta, M.D. reported on. He interviewed Hans Rueffert who authored the book, Eat Like There’s No Tomorrow.”

Hans Rueffert is a chef without a stomach. Six years ago he was diagnosed with gastric (stomach) cancer. Since then he has had eleven surgeries. He has had his entire stomach removed and part of his esophagus removed. Rueffert stated that not only did he have his surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, but worse than that, he had two major brain infections. No one felt he would survive any of it.

Through it all, he wrote his cook book while in the hospital. He remains working with his passion, which is food. He stated that for him the cliché, “You are what you eat,” is very true for him. He now teaches cancer survivors and patients how to eat correctly. He himself eats six meals a day. His food goes directly into his intestines since there is no stomach.

It was interesting how he mentioned that while he does his two hour classes, he can tell that his own pain and other symptoms seem to melt away. Maybe its true that when we help others, we also help ourselves.

Rueffert believes that fresh juice and vegetables are power and energy that our bodies need. He just had his six year check up and remains in remission. What a great story!

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