My name is Sabrina Gauer.
First and foremost, my life belongs to Jesus.
I started this blog in 2014 without a clear direction, but it has become a place of conversation, reflection, and spiritual insight. We were meant to do this together – and hope my words continue to inspire and encourage others in their faith, life, and journey.
I am a stage IV cancer survivor/thriver, health coach-in-training, co-founder of Going Rogue Collective (launching soon!), singer/songwriter/worship leader, traveler, creative freelancer…among many other things. Check out my music on Spotify! Peruse through my writing, and connect on social media. https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sabrinagauer3
You can also find my writings at Tirzah Magazine, Tirzah in the Word devotionals, First Descents blog, 13thirty Cancer Connect blog, Elite Daily, Cottage Hill Magazine, and the upcoming first edition of Elsie Road Magazine.
IF YOU WANT THE TRUTH, I’LL TELL YOU THE TRUTH LISTEN TO THE SECRET SOUND, THE REAL SOUND WHICH IS INSIDE OF YOU. – Kabir 🙂
Oral Cancer: Awareness is the first step. Preventative measures are the key. https://sabrinagauer.com/2017/04/12/april-oral-cancer-awareness-month/
Same Story, Different Ending
“Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.” Hosea 14:9
There is this strange concept in life- experiencing the same lesson over and over again, and the opportunity we have each time to make a different decision or to choose the familiar, well-worn path that produces the same results as the last time.
You know your path.
Maybe it’s allowing others to repeatedly use you as a doormat.
Or perhaps it’s the fear, so you never take a step outside of your comfort zone.
Maybe it’s refusing to take responsibility for the repeated wrong turns, blame- shifting instead of owning your part, or being drawn to the same dysfunction.
Every few months, I find myself looking backward to think forward.
Time makes us older, but not necessarily wiser – unless we allow ourselves to dig deep and evaluate our attitudes, choices, and behaviors. Why do you stay in that toxic relationship? Why do you keep overextending yourself? Why are you stuck in a draining work environment? Why don’t you stand up for yourself in moments when others assert manipulative authority over you?
And once we’ve cleaned ourselves up and decided we’re ready to be stronger, why do the same situations and types of people keep appearing on our journey?
I think it’s because we’re given chances. I believe it’s a way for us to realize that we aren’t dictated by our past, and our future is still unwritten. But when we allow our past decisions to cripple us, we miss out on that surprising strength and satisfaction that comes from doing things differently this time around.
Rejecting toxicity.
Setting boundaries.
Making and reaching realistic goals.
Graciously carrying yourself as someone to be respected.
And there is nothing more satisfying …than to see the same story…. conclude with a different outcome. To know that you alone have the power to make or break your journey. Victims blame and carry the weight of their past. But victors rise up from adversity and walk in freedom. True strength comes from quitting the cycle and receiving the consequential reward.
As Albert Einstein supposedly said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” And personally, I’m choosing to forget what’s behind and press on toward what’s ahead- because that’s where the blessings are. Not in expecting a different ending to the story by choosing the same path.
I’ve wasted too much of my past in the cycle, and I believe there is honestly only one way to change: we choose wisdom and discernment, or we choose to be blown around by the wind.
So, here we are. Sixteen months of cancer freedom and healthy living– what a crazy, eye-opening path I’ve been led down. From total lifestyle change, to a new mindset, to an entirely new passion and calling (although I believe I’ve just been preparing for this, not suddenly coming to this conclusion). Every twist, turn, curveball, setback, and victory has propelled me forward in truth and hope.
Many people have been reaching out to me, either for themselves or loved ones, online or in person, on an almost daily basis. I am so humbled by the fact that I can share my story of hope, faith, and staying healthy- but I also wanted to write this post to put everything into one awesome, condensed version to answer as many questions as I can, in one place. I’ve tried to compile the most commonly asked questions, and offer some resources and places of encouragement that helped me in my journey. WE DON’T DO THIS ALONE. We all need support in getting healthy and STAYING healthy. http://painreliefsciences.com/articles/singther-aprarc-side.php
What kind of cancer did you have?
I was diagnosed in 2015 with stage IV oral squamous cell carcinoma. Carcinoma is a skin cancer, and it presented itself as a canker sore in the back of my tongue that never healed. After extreme pain in my ear and neck, unable to eat or speak properly, I visited a few dentists who brushed it off because I was 27, female, and a non-smoker, before a head & neck surgeon finally biopsied the area and discovered it was a fast-growing tumor.
Was it genetic? And what testing did you do before the surgery?
I have no idea if my cancer was a genetic thing. Most likely, it was simply a mutation of my cells. I had testing done to the lymph nodes before the surgery, as well as an MRI, which showed the tumor to be larger than originally presumed.
What did the surgeons do?
Surgery was six hours long, and I had half of my tongue removed and reconstructed with muscle and blood vessels from my left forearm, as well as 41 lymph nodes removed from the right side of my neck, which showed to contain the cancer as well, and a graft from my left thigh to cover my left wrist. I spent ten days in the hospital, then several months recovering physically and relearned to speak, chew, and swallow properly again.
So, you had therapy?
Yes. I did speech therapy for a few months with the awesome team at the Wilmot Cancer Center at the University of Rochester, and also physical therapy to try to regain mobility and strength in my left arm and my right shoulder.
Did you do chemo or radiation?
No. I chose to treat my cancer naturally, despite extreme opposition I also faced from my oncologist and other medical professionals. I was told that because my cancer was a stage IV cancer, I needed further treatment, or else the cancer would be in my lungs and I would be dead in six months. I refused to go that route, however, with the support of friends who had treated their late-stage cancers through natural and holistic means as well, and were thriving years later. I also had a peace about my decision, which can only be explained as the Holy Spirit and the guarding of my heart and mind in Christ (Philippians 4:7).
What did you do to treat your cancer?
This is the exciting question that I love to answer! Again, please be aware and understand that I DID NOT do any conventional, western medicine besides the initial testing and surgery. So, I can offer the same resources, but I cannot speak from any experience with the after effects of chemotherapy or radiation. As Everything I did to heal my body was 100% holistic and working WITH my body to heal itself. When we give our bodies even HALF a chance, we can see the most incredible results of an amazing organism made to heal and thrive.
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- First and foremost- prayer. Lots and lots of prayer and meditation, as well as others praying for me.
- Total diet change. You are LITERALLY what you eat. I cut out ALL preservatives, meat, dairy, and refined sugars. The goal was to fill my body with whole food (think, anything in its natural state!), juicing, and completely eliminating all junk and sweets.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. I did six weeks, every day, of hyperbaric oxygen sessions through a clinic here in Rochester, and it was affordable, comfortable, and completely amazing! Click on the link for more information. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is great for cancer, wound-healing, fibromyalgia, autism, Alzheimer’s, and so much more! Our bodies thrive in oxygen-rich environments! I continue to do sessions every few weeks for prevention and inflammation reduction, as well as increased energy.
- Essential Oils. I began using essential oils first in supporting my wound-healing and pain management, and now use them on an everyday basis to keep my immune system boosted and healthy, detoxing and emotional support, as well as have a side-business as a distributor and instructor. I personally have replaced all conventional, over-the-counter pills, creams, lotions, and cleaning supplies in my home with essential oils. The amount of chemicals we come in contact with on a daily basis is INSANE. And removing them from your home should be priority!
- Exercise and stress reduction. I cannot say it enough: YOU HAVE TO MOVE YOUR BODY. The lymph nodes need us to be continually moving and staying active in order to properly function in their detoxing capabilities. Find something you love doing- walking daily, going for a run, taking a cycling class with a friend, yoga, etc. And being intentional about removing stress from your life means saying “no” when tempted to take on another project. Removing toxic relationships from your life. Career change. Whatever is causing you to lose sleep at night and making you sick is called STRESS.
- Massage and acupuncture. Incorporating these holistic and stress-reducing treatments has helped to increase my healing responses, pain management, mobility, and reduce inflammation, especially after surgery.
- Talk to a trusted, professional psychologist. It was so helpful for me to process emotionally and spiritually through a counselor as I navigated PTSD and other mental stressors from the diagnosis, surgery, and dealing with a “new normal”.That seems like a lot of work! Did you see results right away?Do you get tested often?How do you feel these days?
- I feel great. I’m stronger, healthier, and happier than I used to be. I will be a certified health coach in September 2017, continuing to others in their health and wellness journeys. I am help getting my business up and running, working almost full-time at a juice bar, coaching young adult cancer patients and survivors through 13Thirty Cancer Connect, writing and sharing my story, and so much more. I continue to write songs and play out when I can, as well as leading worship occasionally.
- I see my oncologist for a brief check-up every three months, and am scheduled for yearly PET scans at this point, until I hit the five-year remission point.
- It is a LOT of work. It’s a whole change of lifestyle- and it becomes a way of life instead of a list of “do’s” and “dont’s”. After six months, my PET scan showed ZERO cancer. After a year, still ZERO! The change almost immediately is how GOOD you feel, even with weakened immune system. And over time, as you get stronger and healthier, it just makes sense!
What resources can you recommend?
Kris Carr– living and thriving WITH cancer
Chris Beat Cancer– free seminars and information!
The Truth About Cancer– statistics, resources, and eye-opening documentaries
Dr. Axe- great info on essential oils, cancer-fighting recipes and diets, as well as supplements
Dr. Leslie James– Rochester-based naturopathic doctor
“The China Study”– written by a local, Rochester-based doctor, best-seller on the New York Times’ list, and main source of statistics and research for the popular Netflix documentary, “Forks Over Knives”.
Young Living Essential Oils– the company I work with and trust to purchase my oils from!
**COMING SOON!** Going Rogue Collective– my personal wellness site, dedicated to sharing the stories of changing the health and wellness status quo, health coaching, training, and community.
My dream? That you take the information. I am giving you as a young adult who has had to face the unimaginable, and discover that in many cases, we don’t treat the body the way we are supposed to. We’ve lost the ability to be in tune with how we actually feel, or how
things affect our health. My dream is that my story doesn’t fall on deaf ears. That you realize YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH. Not the doctors, not the healthcare system, and not the government. You alone can make or break your immune system, run yourself down or build yourself up. Don’t wait until you’re sick to take control of your health! Make the changes TODAY that will set you up for a happy, healthy, and whole lifestyle.
You alone have the power to choose LIFE.
**Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician.**
