Mindy Elwell has a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology and previously worked with troubled and disadvantaged teens and their families, as well as those facing drug addiction and abuse. Everything changed March 2012, with a diagnosis of terminal brain cancer. Mindy has now outlived her terminal diagnosis and is enjoying life once again with her husband and three children in Arizona.
In this book, Mindy Elwell has chronicled her journey from brain
tumor diagnosis, through her decision to use a ketogenic diet as an
adjuvant therapy and its integration into her lifestyle...She
includes detailed information, including hints and recipes [she
has] discovered and created.
Defy & Conquer is an excellent resource for brain tumor
patients...written from the point of view of a brain tumor patient
and, therefore, providing information in a manner more suited to
individuals dealing with the unique issues presented by this
diagnosis.
Mindy not only provides insights from her own point of view but she
also provides information about resources available to help empower
brain tumor patients to pursue the use of this metabolic therapy in
addition to the standard of care. We highly recommend this book for
cancer patients interested in exploring the use of this diet as
part of their treatment regimen.
Adrienne C. Scheck, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Neuro-Oncology Research, Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center
Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ
Leonora Renda, RDN
University of Arizona Cancer Center
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ
As a patient liaison at Barrow Neurological Institute, I often see
patients that feel powerless when it comes to playing a part in
both their treatment plan and the decision-making process. Mindy
refused to give in to fear. Instead, she put together a team of
incredible doctors, engaged whatever resources she could find and
educated herself, her team, and her family.
Through her faith, her positive attitude, and her willingness to
expose the tender moments, she has shown us all that we can
overcome the seemingly impossible. This book, and the life lessons
it teaches, is a gift from a woman I admire greatly and am blessed
to call a friend. I am thankful that she has shared her heart and
her powerful story with us all.
Lisa Soeby, Patient Liaison
Barrow Neurological Institute
Mindy shares her powerful story with dignity and humor. Not even
the insidious 'C-Club' can stop her from soaking up every fierce,
faithful, frightening moment of her beautiful life. Her story of
strength and endurance serves as a reminder that life's fleeting
moments are valuable treasures to be cherished.
She shares her struggle with candor and wit. Although cancer
patients and their caregivers will find valuable support and
guidance in this book, readers from all walks of life will be
impressed by Mindy's strength and humility.
Shelly Hornback Arizona philanthropist and community leader
Publisher's Editorial:
What started out as a book of survival became a testament to hope.
Defy & Conquer began as a book of promise: for state-of-the-art
surgery that successfully removed a once-inoperable brain tumor;
for the Ketogenic Diet, an adjuvant therapy used to help stem the
growth of cancer cells. But cancer is a formidable foe and Defy &
Conquer, in the end, defines a state of mind against terminal brain
cancer---the refusal of surrendering the soul to disease.
Why publish yet another cancer book? Because cancer is experienced
differently with every iteration of medical advances. And because
some stories offer so much educational value to the hundreds of
thousands of Americans living with cancer, they deserve to be
published.
Defy & Conquer offers first-hand candor, numerous tips, excerpts of
medical records rarely seen, inspiration that is both endearing and
spot-on, and a whole section of diet, nutrition and personal food
choices, menus and recipes, from a cancer patient who discovered
them, tried them all, and chooses to share their benefits with
others. What Mindy Elwell offers in Defy & Conquer is validation to
offset the overwhelming gravity of a malignant brain cancer
diagnosis---for patient, family and caregiver.
Ms. Elwell's belief in God is also inspiring, and flies in the face
of the recently lauded alternative, assisted suicide. With three
children and a loving husband supporting her and willing her to
live, this was not an option. As she so eloquently states in her
book, "Just as a first impression is important for strangers, I
believe the last impression is important for the children you leave
behind."
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