Elle Macpherson reveals ‘shocking’ breast cancer diagnosis after refusing chemotherapy from 32 doctors

Elle Macpherson has revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago and is now finally in remission.

The supermodel, 60, said she refused to undergo chemotherapy treatment – despite it being strongly recommended by 32 doctors.

In her upcoming memoir Elle: Life, Lessons, and Learning to Trust Yourself, the Australian catwalk star said she took a completely holistic approach to her diagnosis, a decision that was not well received by her loved ones.

After her lumpectomy seven years ago, the WelleCo founder was diagnosed with HER2-positive estrogen-responsive intraductal carcinoma — a type of breast cancer characterized by higher levels of a protein that can help breast cells to multiply quickly.

“It was a shock, it was unexpected, it was confusing, it was scary in a lot of ways, and it really gave me an opportunity to dig deep into my inner sense to find a solution that worked for me,” Macpherson told Women’s Weekly. her diagnosis.

Her doctor recommended she undergo a mastectomy with radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and reconstruction of her breasts.

But Macpherson was not interested in undergoing chemotherapy. Instead, she wanted to try “an intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach.”

The model explained that defying doctors’ advice was a “wonderful exercise in being true to myself, trusting myself and trusting the nature of my body and the course of action I had chosen.”

“Saying no to standard medical solutions was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. But saying no to my gut would be even harder,” she said, adding that chemotherapy and surgery seemed “too extreme.”

Admitting that “people thought I was crazy,” Macpherson said her chosen treatment plan “resonated” with her and allowed her to “address the emotional and physical factors associated with breast cancer.”

The model — who appeared on “Friends” in 1999 — said she rented a house in Phoenix, Ariz., where she was “holistically treating” her cancer.

She said the experience allowed her to “focus and dedicate every minute to healing myself.”

Dr. Martin Scurr, a retired UK doctor, has doubts about Macpherson’s holistic approach. He said alternative therapies — such as exercise, getting enough sleep, reducing stress and a diet that boosts good bacteria in the gut — are meant to complement orthodox cancer treatments.

“What worries me is that Elle will be seen as an example of the way forward for cancer treatment,” Scurr wrote Tuesday in the Daily Mail. “And yet – while it’s been seven years since she was diagnosed – we’d be remiss not to be cautious: the story isn’t over yet.”

Dr. Francisco J. Esteva, chief of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Lenox Hill Hospital, said Macpherson’s decision to forgo chemotherapy highlights “the critical disruption of medical advice and personal belief systems” and “the importance of individualized care.” .

“While chemotherapy is a cornerstone of breast cancer treatment, particularly for certain subtypes and stages where it has proven benefits in reducing recurrence and improving survival rates, it is not always the path of choice for every patient,” said I wrote for The Post.

While Macpherson says she is in “clinical remission”, her sons Flynn, 26, and Cy, 21, had mixed reactions about her decision to go against the advice of medical professionals.

“Cy just thought chemotherapy kills you. And so he never wanted me to do it because he thought it was the kiss of death,” she shared, adding that her eldest son had a different view.

“Flynn, being more conventional, was not at all happy with my choice. He is my son, though, and would support me through anything and love me through my choices, even if he didn’t agree with them,” she added.