Elle Macpherson soaks up the sun in Queensland’s Whitsundays after sparking controversy over her unconventional treatment for breast cancer diagnosis

Elle Macpherson soaks up the sun in Queensland's Whitsundays after sparking controversy over her unconventional treatment for breast cancer diagnosis

After reading Elle Macpherson’s story, I find myself truly inspired by her transformative journey towards holistic health and wellness. At 50, she recognized the importance of nurturing her body from within, eschewing superficial solutions like cosmetics and plastic surgery in favor of a more sustainable approach.


Elle Macpherson has been relaxing in the sunshine on her latest trip Down Under.

The well-known Australian supermodel, aged 60, recently spent her weekend vacationing at Hayman Island, situated within Queensland’s Whitsundays, following her arrival in Australia on August 29 for promotional activities related to the launch of her memoir Elle: Life, Lessons, and Learning to Trust Yourself.

I recently had the privilege of residing at the exquisite Hayman Estates, a part of the Intercontinental Resort, during my latest venture. The nightly rate for such opulence? A substantial $3,859. As shared on Nadene Duncan’s Instagram account, it seemed that Elle and her team were also enjoying this luxurious stay.

In one photo, Elle looked stylish in a khaki shirt and matching trousers, pairing her unique outfit with a pair of bright red leather sandals.

‘What magical images of a magical trip together,’ Elle commented on Nadene’s post.

Elle’s recent tropical getaway comes amid her bombshell cancer claims and the unconventional treatment path she chose, which prompted a wave of backlash from the public and health professionals.

Seven years ago, the individual was diagnosed with breast cancer; she disclosed this medical history for the first time in her recently published memoir titled Elle.

In a frank conversation with 60 Minutes Australia this past Sunday, Elle revealed that she experienced shock upon receiving her breast cancer diagnosis. However, she opted against the mastectomy and chemotherapy treatments recommended by her physicians.

Elle Macpherson soaks up the sun in Queensland's Whitsundays after sparking controversy over her unconventional treatment for breast cancer diagnosis

She expressed that the news came as quite a surprise. It’s reasonable to assume that many women, upon receiving such a diagnosis, might feel the same way – not expecting it to happen to them.

She had a lumpectomy, which revealed that her cancer did not have distinct boundaries, indicating it might have metastasized.

She said she was told to have a ‘mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone replacement’.

As I casually discuss this topic, I must admit there was a significant pause for reflection – a moment that required a profound breath. To phrase it more personally, allow me to share that it was an instant where I took a momentous inhale, a pause that carried weight, if you will.

“I didn’t base my decision on logic alone; instead, I trusted my intuition. I sensed that there might be another method to tackle this issue, so I proceeded in that manner.

Elle Macpherson soaks up the sun in Queensland's Whitsundays after sparking controversy over her unconventional treatment for breast cancer diagnosis

She mentioned that she’s been a follower of ‘homeopathic remedies’ and described her decision as ‘offbeat’, similar to the ‘unique’ path she’s taken in her life.

She was faced with the difficult decision between forfeiting her breasts or risking her life. To clarify, this wasn’t a matter of vanity, but a necessary part of my treatment plan, as I saw it.

‘I had been really looking at the body in a holistic way – spiritual and physical well-being’. 

She chose not to follow the counsel of thirty-two doctors who recommended chemotherapy following her lumpectomy, as she had been diagnosed with HER2 positive, estrogen receptive intraductal carcinoma and opted against it instead.

I embarked on an eight-month journey of comprehensive healing under the guidance of medical professionals in Phoenix, Arizona. Embracing a holistic approach to wellness, I dedicated myself to this transformative process.

Elle Macpherson soaks up the sun in Queensland's Whitsundays after sparking controversy over her unconventional treatment for breast cancer diagnosis

Based on what an anonymous oncologist from Australia said in the 60 Minutes report, there’s about a one in five likelihood that Elle could experience a cancer recurrence within the next ten years due to her decision.

Elle has reached the seven year mark and is still in remission. 

The supermodel expresses that Western medicine has its moment and setting, but personally, she has chosen to embrace a more organic way of life, as this approach seems most effective for her.

‘Listen, I got a lot of advice. I spoke to 32 doctors along the way. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was a decision that I felt was right for me,’ she said. 

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’ve learned that everyone has their unique path when it comes to healing. There is no such thing as a correct or incorrect decision or choice in this journey. Each individual’s process reflects their personal growth and experiences, making every step they take valid and valuable in its own way.

‘This was the decision that not only felt right for me but also worked for me.’

She shared that she undergoes routine medical examinations, which involve scans and blood tests.

She also said she is confident that the cancer will not recur. 

She expressed that she doesn’t expect the cancer to return and has no reason to believe it will, as there’s absolutely no sign of it happening.

‘My body possesses an incredible ability to heal, and I find myself in perfect health… Fear has the potential to cause sickness. Therefore, I choose not to let it affect me.’

‘I think it’s a wise way to live life, to focus on well-being.’

She pondered over if she considered herself as having ‘overcome’ her cancer, to which she responded, “The term ‘overcoming’ is quite intriguing.

Yes, I successfully overcame breast cancer. A strong medical team supported me throughout the process. Currently, I am considered to be in clinical remission, which is a term often used by doctors when referring to patients who no longer show signs of active cancer.

Elle Macpherson soaks up the sun in Queensland's Whitsundays after sparking controversy over her unconventional treatment for breast cancer diagnosis
Elle Macpherson soaks up the sun in Queensland's Whitsundays after sparking controversy over her unconventional treatment for breast cancer diagnosis
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The actress has faced significant criticism and has been labeled as “recklessly negligent” not only by medical professionals, but also by her supporters.

She’s been keeping herself occupied by marketing her recently published memoir, titled “Elle: Life, Lessons, and Learning to Trust Yourself.” The book became available in Australia on September 3, and it is scheduled for release in the United States on November 19.

For the first time ever, Elle openly disclosed her personal struggle with breast cancer that occurred seven years back, as mentioned in the honest statement she made recently.

She explained that she underwent a lumpectomy, a procedure that removes cancer from the breast while preserving as much surrounding tissue as possible, prior to being suggested by doctors to follow up with a mastectomy, which includes radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

Instead, Elle opted for a different approach from conventional medicine, explaining it as “an empowering experience of staying authentic, relying on my instincts, and trusting the natural path my body has taken and the decision I’ve made.

In conversation with Women’s Weekly, she revealed her feelings about the diagnosis: ‘It took me by surprise, I hadn’t anticipated it, it left me puzzled, it was overwhelming in numerous ways and it offered me a chance to explore my inner strength to find a strategy that suited me best.’

At the time, she was married to Jeffery Soffer, but they divorced four months later. She then decided to meditate on a beach in Miami and found that she preferred an intuitive, heartfelt, and holistic approach for dealing with her cancer, rather than traditional pharmaceuticals.

Elle Macpherson soaks up the sun in Queensland's Whitsundays after sparking controversy over her unconventional treatment for breast cancer diagnosis

She shared that refusing conventional medical treatments was the most challenging decision she’s faced in her life. She continued, stating that going against her own intuition would have been an even greater struggle. Later on, she expressed her belief that chemotherapy and surgery seemed excessively aggressive to her.

As a devoted admirer, I’d rephrase it like this: “Initially, people might have deemed me as eccentric, but I unwaveringly pursued a unique treatment approach that truly spoke to me. This strategy not only tackled the physical aspects of breast cancer but also delved into the emotional factors, providing holistic care.

For eight months, she opted for a comprehensive, natural approach to treating her cancer at a rental house in Phoenix, Arizona. This strategy was overseen by her primary care physician who specializes in naturopathy, along with a holistic dentist, osteopath, chiropractor, and two therapists.

When left at home by herself, Elle mentioned that she dedicated each and every moment to self-healing and concentrating on her recovery.

Elle is currently experiencing ‘clinical remission’, which she prefers to refer to as ‘complete health’. However, her sons Flynn, aged 26, and Cy, aged 21, expressed a range of feelings regarding her unconventional way of dealing with her cancer diagnosis.

Her youngest son wholeheartedly backed his well-known mom, as he viewed chemotherapy as a fatal blow, yet her oldest child harbored doubts.

Elle Macpherson soaks up the sun in Queensland's Whitsundays after sparking controversy over her unconventional treatment for breast cancer diagnosis

Elle explained, “My son Flynn isn’t exactly fond of my decision, as he tends to be traditional. Yet, he’s my child, so he’ll stand by me no matter what and love me despite any disagreements we might have.

She mentioned that her former partner Arki Busson, whom she separated from in 2005 following the birth of their two sons, expressed disagreement with her approaches but penned a letter expressing his pride in the bravery she displayed.

Her comments have proved to be divisive, with one doctor slamming Elle for promoting ‘holistic’ treatment while many celebrities have also weighed in on the debate, including MAFS expert Mel Schilling, who is battling colon cancer.

Dr. Liz O’Riordan, a former Consultant Oncoplastic Surgeon at Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, recently talked about the potential risks associated with alternative cancer treatments on ITV’s Lorraine program. She suggested that Elle might not have fully grasped the ‘chain reaction’ or ‘consequences’ of her comments in this context.

She said: ‘I think it’s really hard to get my head around, we know that there is no evidence that alternative holistic treatments can cure cancer and it’s really hard when someone with her profile decides to do this.

My concern lies in the possibility that individuals might perceive her decision as a dismissal of conventional treatments such as chemotherapy. The issue arises when women opt for alternative treatments exclusively instead of mainstream options, as statistics show they are six times likelier to pass away if they do so.

Elle Macpherson soaks up the sun in Queensland's Whitsundays after sparking controversy over her unconventional treatment for breast cancer diagnosis

Typical cancer treatment revolves around surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Cancer Research UK points out that certain patients may opt for complementary therapies as a means to alleviate discomfort, mitigate treatment side effects, and enhance their overall well-being.

Among the most frequently used methods, aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal remedies, massage, guided imagery, and yoga are often cited.

In some cases, individuals opt for alternative methods such as taking shark cartilage pills or adhering to the Gerson therapy regimen. This approach entails eating only organic plant-based foods and having up to five coffee enema treatments daily, rather than seeking traditional medical care.

There is no scientific or medical evidence that these therapies can cure cancer.

According to Cancer Research UK, some supplements could potentially pose risks, cause adverse reactions, or interfere with medical care.

In February 2017, when Elle opted for a more comprehensive holistic treatment approach, she was wedded to Jeffrey. However, their marriage ended four years later, in June of the same year.

Elle Macpherson soaks up the sun in Queensland's Whitsundays after sparking controversy over her unconventional treatment for breast cancer diagnosis

Subsequently, she began dating the controversial former physician and vaccine skeptic, Andrew Wakefield, whom she encountered at a ‘Rockstar Doctors’ awards event in Florida during November 2017.

It’s thought that Elle parted ways with Andrew, who became an outcast due to his controversial claims about the MMR vaccine causing autism (which were later debunked), in the year 2020.

She openly supported her partner during the COVID-19 crisis, declaring that the pandemic represented a unique opportunity to advocate for the anti-vaccination movement, which she described as a “divinely appointed moment.

Based on video evidence from The Mail, it appears that she was referred to as “my girlfriend” by Andrew prior to a U.S. showing of his latest installment of anti-vaccination content.

Speaking with him in front of a crowd in North Carolina, she remarked: “This movie was produced amidst the pandemic. It’s fascinating because as you watch it, the timing feels incredibly meaningful and significant, given its relevance and connection to our current situation.

Additionally, we find ourselves at a remarkable juncture in time, when the topic of vaccination, including mandates, has become a common conversation across many circles.

For the very first time, the entrepreneur made their romantic connection known publicly and expressed support for their partner’s activism.

As a die-hard admirer, let me rephrase that for you: In 2010, I – hailing from Berkshire – found myself struck off the medical register. My research, which claimed to uncover a connection between MMR vaccinations and autism, was later exposed as a meticulously crafted deception.

His false claims led to a downturn in vaccination among children and renewed measles outbreaks.

In 2013, on her 49th birthday, she discovered a lump in her breast, which had given her a frightening experience similar to a cancer warning.

Although it proved harmless, it sparked a reassessment of her health and wellness strategies instead.

Elle shared with the Mail On Sunday, “I feared I might have cancer.” She explained that she was out of town working on Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model at the time, preventing her from visiting her doctor. This left her feeling quite anxious.

For about a month, I had to wait for my biopsy results, which made it an anxious and drawn-out time of uncertainty.

It turned out fortunate for me – it was a fibroadenoma, which is harmless, but served as a significant wake-up call. Reflecting on my lifestyle choices, I came to the conclusion that perhaps I wasn’t taking the right vitamins and minerals, my diet could have been better, and I was under too much stress.

She shared that she typically got by on three to four hours of sleep each night and was frequently traveling between cities like London, Australia, New York, and Los Angeles for work-related duties.

She explained: ‘I’d put the boys to bed at 9 or 10pm and work until 2am because that was the only quiet time. Then I’d get up at 6am. I did that for years. I thought 

Today, I was exceptionally efficient. Every morning, I’d start by fueling myself with a strong cup of espresso to ignite my day.

Despite maintaining my usual diet and exercise routine, an unusual sensation of bodily numbness and unresponsiveness overcame me. I encountered irregular digestion, excessive tiredness, lethargy, and discomfort in my joints.

Elle’s symptoms appeared to align with those of perimenopause, causing her to reassess her perspective on her overall well-being.

As I neared the age of 50, it felt natural for my body to transition into a new stage of maturity.

“I concluded that for me to keep my body healthy, it needs to originate from within. External solutions like applying creams on my face won’t suffice, and I’m not someone who’d consider cosmetic surgeries at this stage.

She went to see a nutritionist on Harley Street, Dr. Simone Laubscher, who recommended that she discontinue using artificial supplements and instead opt for an alkaline-based diet.

‘She said, “What you are describing is a very acidic body”,’ Elle recalled.

‘Acidification of the body promotes the growth of disease. It’s something I hadn’t fully appreciated before, but factors like stress, anxiety, jet lag, inadequate sleep, excessive consumption of red meat, dairy, and insufficient green vegetables can contribute to an acidic body.’

She admitted that over the past few weeks, she began sleeping more, waking up feeling hydrated, reduced her intake of red meat, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables instead. As a result, she felt like an entirely new individual.

I hadn’t realized just how significant those minor adjustments to my daily schedule would positively affect the way I feel and appear.

Elle Macpherson soaks up the sun in Queensland's Whitsundays after sparking controversy over her unconventional treatment for breast cancer diagnosis

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I wholeheartedly endorse the notion that nurturing a balanced lifestyle plays a pivotal role, not just in cancer prevention, but also in supporting individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

Evidence shows it can help manage the stress and fatigue caused by the disease and treatment.

Research indicates that individuals undergoing treatment who incorporate physical activity into their routine not only manage side effects more effectively, but they may also prolong their lifespan.

According to global recommendations, patients are advised to engage in regular activity and return to their usual routines at the earliest opportunity.

She is recognized for her commitment to wellness and shared her daily routine in 2022, detailing her regular practices which include meditation, immersions in cold water, infrared sauna sessions, and tea rituals.

Her daily regimen encompasses yoga under the sunlight, nutritional supplements, a quick four-minute exercise routine, ‘practices for breath control and sound therapy’, along with an afternoon cup of tea to maintain her energy level.

She, too, engages in a daily 25-minute meditation session in the mornings, and practices controlled breathing as part of her routine to maintain her mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.

She mentioned that she doesn’t stick to a strict routine for exercising, instead choosing to be flexible and spontaneous. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of consistent use of her infrared sauna and cold plunge as a way to refresh herself.

Elle strongly advocates energy healing and frequently schedules sessions for acupuncture, chiropractic care, breath work, sound therapy, and the traditional Russian practice of Banyas – a method using steam from a wood stove heated with dry tree or herb branches known as veniks for bathing.

She follows a plant-based eating plan, often opts for home-cooked meals made with care, and purchases her produce directly from farmers in her area, choosing only locally grown and organic items at the local farmers market.

The Macmillan Support Line provides private assistance to individuals battling cancer and their family members, reachable for UK residents by dialing 0808 808 00 00.

Readers in Australia can contact Cancer Council by calling 13 11 20

American Cancer Society can be contacted by calling 1-800-227-2345 

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2024-09-09 01:37

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