There’s something I’ve been keeping to myself the past few months, but I feel it’s finally time to let everyone in on it. I’m sure it’ll come as a surprise, as dozens of close friends don’t even know about it yet. Some may be offended or hurt that I didn’t choose to share it with them before, but the situation called for immediate action and intense concentration; it’s pretty much been the center of my life for the last six months.
Fact is, I have cancer.
On August 6th of 2012, a literal lump in my throat was diagnosed as thyroid cancer, a papillary carcinoma that, while likely not life-threatening, seemed to call for removal of my thyroid; despite an excellent prognosis, surgery would still leave me taking medication for the rest of my life. And so, even though all my doctors expected me to make a full recovery, I was nevertheless left with a choice: surgery or no surgery?
My first few thoughts, immediately after diagnosis:
First, my thyroid was working perfectly, so I’d rather not cut out a perfectly good organ. Second, I speak for a living, so I was loathe to have someone take a knife to my throat, thankyouverymuch.
My partner Tess Masters immediately contacted a dear friend who organized a clinical trial for a new cancer treatment being tested for FDA approval. Within minutes, we were told that I was accepted into the study. While having remarkable success rates, it nevertheless had its disadvantages: it was eighteen weeks long, and had to be done in New York City.
But we had another promising option for treatment: dietary and lifestyle changes. Last year I was treated at Dr. Robert O. Young’s pH Miracle Center for diabetes, where I met people who walked in with Stage IV cancer, yet walked out healthy. It was remarkable, but daunting: the diet and lifestyle changes it called for were enormously challenging.
So we essentially had three options: have surgery to remove my thyroid, follow Dr. Young’s protocol and make lifestyle changes that would cure the cancer, or travel to New York for the FDA trial.
When Tess asked which of these I wanted to do, I said, “Why choose only one? I’m all about redundancy. Let’s kill it from two sides at once.”
Surgery was out; I wanted it to be my last option, not first. But the other two weren’t mutually exclusive–so I followed Dr. Young’s diet while undergoing treatment in New York. I was diagnosed on a Monday, and by Thursday I had packed up and moved, temporarily, to New York. By Friday, I was in treatment. (Many of you who follow me on Facebook and Twitter were curious why I moved; now you know.)
The publishers I work for were wonderful during this time. With only a few days’ notice, Random House, Hachette and Audible.com went to great lengths to arrange alternative studios where I could record the books I was working on for them at the time–Justin Cronin’s The Twelve, Nelson DeMille’s The Panther and Stephen R. Donaldson’s This Day All Gods Die. Despite the dire circumstances, each book will maintain a very special place in my memory in years to come. It was while working on them that I began to get well.
Still, recording one book in particular was hugely satisfying while I was in New York, and it’s the reason I’m talking about all this today. To help lay the scene, you should know that my diet used to be, in a word, awful. My background is that of, shall we say, a toxic omnivore: meals weren’t complete unless they contained meat, potatoes, grains and sugar, and all of it packaged and processed. And, as with many Americans, my diet had its consequences: by my early 40s I was carrying an extra fifty pounds, was constantly tired, and overall, felt like crap. It wasn’t the wisest lifestyle choice for someone diagnosed with Type I diabetes when I was nineteen, but again, when it came to junk food, I was dedicated.
Me, after working too hard, exercising too little, and eating the worst food imaginable.
I began mending my ways soon after recording The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan, as well as his other books, The Botany Of Desire and In Defense Of Food. Michael’s writing about food is passionate and persuasive, and for the first time, after working on an audiobook, I found myself eating better. I passed along my thanks for the healthier eating habits and better health via email and Michael was so gracious; I imagine it was hardly the first time he’s heard such a thing, he must hear similar stories every day. It was a heady feeling, and I could scarcely imagine that another such experience was in my future–reading a book about food and health that would profoundly impact my life.
Enter my partner, Tess Masters: an actress and voiceover artist, as well as a longtime vegetarian and now Vegan who, on her website, healthyblenderrecipes.com, helps people maintain a healthy lifestyle with an awesome array of recipes, food allergy information, and advice. In addition, having read Dr. Young’s book, The pH Miracle, when it was first released in 2002, Tess had been living a high-alkaline lifestyle for ten years.
Tess met Dr. Young at a presentation at the Beverly Hills Library and learned of the success he’s had with Type I diabetics: an extraordinary number of them have been able to stop taking insulin after adopting this diet. Impresario that she is, Tess asked Dr. Young if they had an audiobook edition of The pH Miracle. When he said no, she suggested the possibility of him treating my diabetes, after which I would record his book. God bless him, Dr. Young handed over his business card and said, “Call me tomorrow.”
Finally a bit less of me, after adopting a high-alkaline diet. This is Tess and I at audiobook narrator Katy Kellgren’s wedding.
I ultimately spent a week at Dr. Young’s pH Miracle Center, and despite some initial doubts, my nightly insulin dosage dropped from nearly twenty units to just one after only three days. Amazingly, however, it just didn’t seem the right decision for me; at the time, it just didn’t feel right. And so, although I stayed vegetarian, I stopped adhering to the stricter guidelines Dr. Young suggests.
People kept asking me, “Why quit after such great results?” Well, there were a variety of reasons. One is that it was extremely difficult. As a dedicated meat-, wheat-, starches- and sugar-eater, I thought the diet was too much for me. Another, better reason is that I just hadn’t accepted the reality or the potential of the diet, despite the success I had seen in my own life. But I actually think there was a third, more vital reason why I didn’t stay on the program: the pain wasn’t bad enough.
Diabetes was horrible, yet it was the devil I knew: it was manageable. It also let me eat anything I wanted with little thought of consequence. After all, I could always take a little more insulin if I wanted something I shouldn’t have, right? I wasn’t happy with it, but diabetes wasn’t painful.
Then along came cancer.
Dr. Young began my treatment by performing a live blood analysis at the pH Miracle Center. Here he told me I had an extraordinarily strong immune system, then showed it to me with his microscope: I got to watch my white blood cells kicking the crap out of my cancer.
Other than environmental causes like exposure to radiation or living next to power lines, cancer seemed to be a result of things we do that we shouldn’t be doing, or not doing that we should. It is definitely a systemic disease, and while emergencies often call for operating on targeted areas of the body, a topical approach to a systemic illness has always seemed too risky for my money. For me, I would rather make lifestyle changes that would get rid of cancer instead of invasive surgery.
Which means the pain had finally become strong enough, I suppose. And despite the fact I hadn’t exactly embraced his program before, the moment he heard of my diagnosis, Dr. Young was as kind and supportive as a human being can be. When Tess called him in tears to tell him of my diagnosis, Dr. Young immediately invited us down to the Center; in fact, he told us the Center was full, but we could stay in his guest room. As someone who’s spent my entire adult life under the close supervision of health care practitioners, this is easily the kindest gesture I’ve ever received.
Extraordinary coincidences immediately started happening, yet I’ve never believed in that word; I’ve always thought coincidences were merely God trying to stay anonymous. Soon after I moved to New York, I heard from Hachette Audio: after discussing recording the title several times, it was finally time to do so–I would record The pH Miracle while Dr. Young was treating me for cancer.
A high-alkaline diet means cooking TONS of greens, a skill I never learned, but here I am taking a crash-course in the pH Miracle Center’s kitchen, on my way to becoming an expert. Thankfully no-one was harmed before or after the taking of this photo.
Dr. Young has been enthusiastic in helping me battle cancer, and several months later, I’m even more enthusiastic in my excitement to recommend his diet. I can tell you from personal experience: what you will hear in this audiobook works. How do I know?
Because after only thirty days on this program, my tumors were already shrinking.
It’s a source of great pride for me that I was asked to write an introduction to the audio edition of The pH Miracle, sharing my experiences and its effect on my cancer. Tess, who voices the portions of the book written from Shelley Redford-Young’s point of view, as well as the sidebars and success stories, is as thrilled as I am. Dr. Young’s program has had a profound impact on our lives, and we’re hopeful that the same can be said of any one of you who listen to the audiobook. Now five months into the program, my tumors continue to wither, and we foresee a cancer-free life in our very near future. I eagerly await the day when I’m labeled the latest pH Miracle.
For me, hearing of some far-distant person who had success with a cancer treatment was never quite so powerful as knowing someone for whom it worked. So for you who listen to this book, remember that what you hear isn’t merely optimism. The Youngs’ high-alkaline diet and lifestyle works.
You can hear a preview and purchase the audiobook here, on Audible.com. I hope you will. It’s an extraordinary story, and I want to share it with as many people as possible.
The pH Miracle is Robert and Shelley Young’s story, yes, but it is also my story. And most importantly, if you choose to put it into practice, it can be your story, as well.
Thanks for listening, and thanks as well for your prayers. God bless you all.
Scott Brick
I applaud your courage in writing and sharing this personal and private battle with us. We are your “loving public” and dedicated personal fans, so I believe it will bring you the needed support and heartfelt caring that you need to know exists for you. God Bless you and your journey, and I will gladly add you in my prayers, Scott. I will be one of many who pledge support and <3 to you. Continued success with your progress!!
Scott, I have always admired you and now I think even more highly of you.
Courageous and inspiring. You have touched me deep in my soul, more than you can possibly imagine. Thank you for sharing your story (I know how frightening it can be from my own experience) You have given a beautiful gift of yourself that will inspire others and give hope. Please always remember that. Blessings, Love, and Light to you and Tess for continued perfect health and happiness.
Amazing Scott! Your honesty and courage speak volumes and there is nothing else for it but for you to now fully recover. Good living and the power of positivity will ultimately prove the victor. You are awesome! Thank you for giving us a window to your life that may in fact be a catalyst for many of us to start doing something to change our own lives, especially those of us in our mid 40s who are starting to see and feel the results of the bad lifestyles most of us have lived our whole lives. Thank you, thank you! Big hug to you and best wishes for a full recovery!
Scott, your description of the last six months is cathartic. It takes courage to do what you have done. I am definitely going to get the book. I heard about the alkaline diet a couple of years ago from Denise Chamberlain at one of Pat Fraley’s workshops. The one thing that everyone can do is to drink alkaline water. My husband and I have been doing that for about 4 years now and he is almost 4 years in remission from lymphoma. But I know we can do more. Remarkable that you have someone as gifted as Tess to guide you at this time in your life, although to paraphrase what you say that is not just coincidence. Wishing you continued well being.
Scott..I am so glad you made the choices you did and are a survivor! I have much respect for the man who, to me, will always be John Corey and Dirk Pitt!
Thanks for sharing your story and journey. It is an inspiration for all.
You may not realize this, but you are a hero to many. Thank you for sharing your story.
with love and respect.
Gene
Amazing! You are an inspiration. Good on you for making the right choices for your own life.
I’m not currently wearing a hat, which is a shame, because, if I were, I’d be taking it off right now. A beautiful sentiment, beautifully written, by, dare I say it, a beautiful guy.
xoxo—R
I’m sorry, Scott, I may have missed a detail here. At what point did you drop out of the FDA trial? You don’t mention this again after describing your move to New York to enrol in it.
You explicitly say that the dietary changes you made directly affected the cancer—and that choosing to act on the information in this book can do the same for other people. I guess I’d just like to be clear that being part of a clinical trial wasn’t relevant in any way.
So glad this is working for you and I hope the tumours continue to disappear, never to return!
The healthy glow in the photo with Tess, compared to the “before” shot (in which you look a lot like Churchill there behind you) says it all. And, as a former cabinetmaker and user of sharp tools, let me encourage you to keep all body parts BEHIND the pointy part of the knife when you are cutting veggies! Seriously, a wonderful and inspiring story. May the blessings continue for you both, and thank you for sharing this.
I just loved listening to this, Scott. I’m so happy for you that things have worked out so well—congratulations on finding that sweet spot where lifestyle, diet and good health intersect! Best of luck on your continued journey away from cancer. And can’t imagine a better pair than you and Tess to narrate this book! :)
Very inspiring Scott. Thank you for sharing this deeply personal and hopeful story. I’m sure it will lead others toward a path of healing and greater health, if not outright save a life. Bravo.
Scott,
I respect you so for keeping this to yourself, and I respect you more for telling the story when you were ready. Both serve as personal inspiration.
“In the midst of Winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible Summer” —albert camus
‘Thought of this when I read your story!
Dave Courvoisier
Scott, we have fun memories of you and Tess blending and chopping and making almond milk in the kitchen in NY! It was wonderful to listen to this recording and hear that things are going so well. Congratulations and keep up the good work!
What an inspiring story. Know exactly what you mean when you say “the pain wasn’t bad enough”. Ain’t that the truth when we need to make changes?! Can’t wait to listen to the audio version of the pH Miracle, will be more poignant knowing the full story going on behind the scenes.
Keeping good thoughts for you, Scott. I am glad to hear you are taking care of yourself. You have always been an inspiration to me and look forward to years and years of further inspirations.
Many of the most prevalent diseases are lifestyle related and can be cured by changes in lifestyle. I am absolutely convinced that we can eat ourselves into sickness as well as into health.
I’ve always been a vegetarian, and a few months ago I started juicing after watching “Fat, sick and nearly dead”). During my first juice fast, my weight went down, my energy level went up and I felt better than ever before.
Since then, my wife (who has MS) and I have become frequent juicers.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Scott. I’m so glad you’re doing well. Enjoy your new diet and lifestyle. It’s a lifesaver!
I look up to you Scott - you’re a leader, and you’ve helped me with your courage. You really speak to us!!
Scott, This is a glorious story. I will be praying for you (and Tess) that you be cancer free in the near future. God be with you both.
This is unbelievably inspiring and speaks to me personally. My mother was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer back in the 90s and back then surgery was the only option. As an aspiring voice-over artist I appreciate the your tenacity and courage to share your struggles and journey in a way that literally speaks to so many. Thank you for your artistry!
Scott Brick, your soul has touched mine ... and so many others. Thank you for honesty, your courage and your shining light of truth. The miracle of you is a gift to all.
All the best to your recovery Scott, I’m one of your hugest fans!
Love
Reg of Calgary and Arizona
Hi Scott,
Congratulations on being cancer free! I have recently been diagnosed with stage IV Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and have been looking for a lifestyle /diet books that can help me beat this cancer. However, I am not clear did you combine the diet with conventional treatment/ drugs or was it ALL based on your new alkaline diet. I know a few people claim that they beat cancer through alternative methods but then add that they also have done conventional therapy. It is a matter of life and death for people like myself who are putting our hope and faith into an alternative healing and want to forgo conventional methods completely. So would really need that confrmation from you. Thanks!
Did you drop out of the FDA trial in NY? If not, do you think those treatments had anything to do with the tumors shrinking? Hitting your cancer from two sides approaches is smart, it’s cancer after all and needs to be both out-witted and out-run. However, from the perspective of the scientific method there are now uncontrolled for variables that make the reason the tumors went away much less clear to discern for sure. How have others in the trial done?
Thanks for sharing. Am a thyroid cancer survivor myself. Mine was pretty aggressive so had to have the entire thyroid removed in 2010 - glad you are able to treat in other ways. I look forward to checking out blenderrecipes and await your next Thomas Covenant audiobook ;)
Wow. I haven’t been to the site in a while - I had no idea. I’m so happy to hear that my favorite audio book narrator is on the mend. I will be looking into this book and diet. It sounds like just what I need to lose the tire that’s grown around my stomach. I also wanted to say thank you Scott, for being an inspiration. I just landed my very first gig as an audio book narrator. People like you and Frank Muller are part of the reason I dreamed of narrating books myself. My prayers are with you Scott. You’ve always come off as a class act, and like I said - your my favorite audio book narrator so I want you healthy for selfish reasons too ;) Get well Scott, as you already are - and you’ll be in my prayers. Thanks for turning my long commutes into a time I look forward to.
I have listened to you for several months as I moved through the Foundation and Dune Series, and really was just curious to “google” you to see who you were. Wow your story is amazing and I wish you all the best and just want to thank you for the great work you bring to audio books. I have recently re-committed to a healthy lifestyle and audio books are a part of it. Thank you and all the best!
Most people select books based on the author. For the past 8 years, I have been selecting my books based on the reader named Scott Brick. You have a magical voice that can make an otherwise mundane description of something like paint drying sound exciting. Keep up the good work and I’ll be praying for you.
Yes, I am also an avid fan of your reading! I am sorry you only narrate a couple of the Douglas Preston/Lincoln Child books. I’ll have to try the other authors just to hear your narration, which could make the difference to the story.
I only have two favorite narrators, you and Jim Dale. You both make reading come alive, use characterizations in your readings, and allow those of us with poor eyesight or bad sleeping habits to listen to you bring alive the written word.
I hope you are still cancer-free and doing well. I am going to look into your diet as well since I have my own issues with gluten intolerance and fibromyalgia and migraines.
Thank you for posting your story for us fans!
To me you are John Galt! You can do anything! Stat strong! Thanks for sharing your story.
Ironically, today I just started listening to the Botany of Desire and am already hooked! Like countless others, I am a huge fan of yours. I recently finished listening to Salt and The Great Influenza, both of which captivated me. As a diabetic who stuggles with the disease, I wish you the best of luck with your diabtes and cancer. Obviously I am going to have to see what the pH Miracle can do for me! For the past eight years I have lived in Thailand with my family teaching English. Your voice whether reading fiction or non-fiction has given me incaluable pleasure over the years. I hope you will have many years of good health and happiness ahead of you.
Thanks for sharing your story and being candid about your struggles. It helps others who engage in their own battles. I enjoy listening to Audiobooks, but have only found two narrators that I absolutely love to listen to and you are one of them. I find myself actually listening to books that I normally wouldn’t be drawn to, because of you. Thanks for broadening my horizons and being an inspiration.