DuluthCommunityNews

“I knew I did not want chemotherapy, I watched what it did to my sister and I knew it wasn’t right for me,� said Montgomery. “It just didn’t make sense to put toxic chemicals into a body already infected with cancer.�

Montgomery’s sister died of intestinal cancer at age 33 after being misdiagnosed, because of no prior family history.

“After, it didn’t occur to me that I should get a colonoscopy, nor did it to any of my doctors,� said Montgomery.

It wasn’t until a doctor’s visit, in which she came in with specific symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pains, that it was suggested that she get the procedure.

“It was one of those slap to the forehead moments,� said Montgomery. “When I saw the tumor on the screen, I knew this was serious.�

Montgomery was diagnosed in August of 2001 with Stage 3 colon cancer, meaning it had gone from her intestinal wall and spread to her lymph nodes.

While doctors pushed for chemotherapy, Montgomery committed herself to a traditional Chinese practitioner once a week for six months who used massage, acupuncture, aroma therapy and Chinese herbs to aid in healing; in addition to making juicing and a vegan macrobiotic diet her foundation.

Montgomery’s oldest son, Ian, describes his mother as being of very strong character.

“She was really gutsy to not do chemo,� said Ian. “She was willing to go against what every single person was telling her to do.�

Montgomery feels that it’s a shame that the only therapy cancer patients are offered is chemotherapy.

“They don’t give holistic information on other forms of treatment, you have to be your own advocate,� said Montgomery. “While I really liked my doctors, you have to realize they are still a business, they have to push what they are selling.�

For Montgomery, she knew that nutrition was going to be key to survival. While one may think her nutritional changes are drastic, for Montgomery it was a no brainer.

“I’ve been a crunchy granola since I was 20,� said Montgomery. “But, it was shocking to discover cancer. I thought I was healthy.�

Montgomery has since cut out sugar completely, and sustains herself with a diet of mostly raw organic vegetables, heavy on greens.

Montgomery’s son Ian, affected by his mother’s cancer, is also conscious of what he eats and his lifestyle.

“I’m really aware of what I put into my body,� said Ian. “I’m conscious of how important health is. I’ve already had a colonoscopy, and I’m only 21.�

“No one wants to talk poop,� said Montgomery. “I drive my kids nuts because we have to talk poop in our family.�

After cancer, Montgomery now reaches out to other cancer patients offering her alternative treatment by teaching a class at the Whole Foods Coop, appropriately titled Juicing for Life.

Anni Friesen, who coordinates classes taught at the Coop, feels that Montgomery’s alternative method of healing is incredible.

“Emily, herself, is really inspiring,� said Friesen. “After listening to her story, you just want to start living better and take advantage of life.�

“Life definitely is sweeter,� said Montgomery. “Optimism was a big part in my survival.�