Ellie or High Water Supermodel Ellie McPherson reveals ‘shock’ cancer diagnosis and how she refused 32 doctors’ chemo

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

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

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

Following her lumpectomy seven years ago, the WelleCo founder was diagnosed with HER2-positive estrogen receptive intraductal carcinoma — a type of breast cancer characterized by a high level of a protein that can help breast cells grow faster.

“It was a shock, it was unexpected, it was confusing, it was terrifying in many ways, and it really gave me the opportunity to dig deep into my inner meaning to find a solution that worked for me,” McPherson told Women’s Weekly of her diagnosis. .

Her doctor recommended a mastectomy followed by radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and reconstructing her breasts.

But McPherson was not interested in undergoing chemo. Instead, he wanted to try “an intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach.”

The model explained that going against doctors’ advice was a “great exercise in being true to myself, trusting myself and trusting the nature of my body and the course of action I chose.”

“Saying no to standard medical solutions was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. But it would have been harder to say no to my own gut,” he said, adding that the chemo and surgery seemed “too extreme”.

Admitting that “people thought I was crazy,” McPherson said the treatment plan she chose “resonated” with her and allowed her to “address the emotional and physical factors a*sociated with breast cancer.”

The model — who appeared on “Friends” in 1999 — said she rented a house in Phoenix, Ariz., where she underwent “full treatment” for her cancer.

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

Dr. Martin Scarr, a retired UK physician, is skeptical of McPherson’s holistic approach. He says alternative therapies — such as exercise, adequate sleep, stress reduction and a diet that increases good bacteria in the gut — complement orthodox cancer treatment.

“What worries me is that Ellie will be seen as an example of the way forward for cancer treatment,” Scarr wrote Tuesday in the Daily Mail. “And yet – when it’s been seven years since his diagnosis – we’d be wrong not to be cautious: the story isn’t over yet.”

Head of Hematology and Medical Oncology Department of Lennox Hill Hospital. Francisco J. Esteva said McPherson’s decision to forego chemotherapy highlights “the critical connection between medical advice and personal belief systems” and “the importance of personal care.”

“While chemotherapy is a mainstay of breast cancer treatment, particularly in certain subtypes and stages where it has proven beneficial in reducing recurrence and improving survival rates, it is not always the path of choice for every patient,” Esteva told the Post.

Although McPherson says he is in “clinical remission,” his sons Flynn, 26, and Cy, 21, have had mixed reactions to his decision to go against the advice of medical professionals.

“Say just thought that chemo would k**l 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 comfortable with my choice. He is my son though, and will support me through anything and love me through my choices, even if he doesn’t agree with them,” she added.