November 24th 2024.
In a recent interview, Elle Macpherson opened up about the struggles she faced during her battle with breast cancer and how it ultimately led to the end of her marriage. The Australian supermodel, now 60 years old, was diagnosed with HER2-positive oestrogen-receptive intraductal carcinoma in 2017, a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer. At the time, she had been married to billionaire Jeffrey Soffer for four years, having tied the knot in 2013.
Elle's cancer diagnosis not only affected her physically, but it also took a toll on her personal life. In her new memoir, "Elle: Life, Lessons and Learning to Trust Yourself," she revealed that her decision to reject traditional treatment and pursue a holistic approach caused a major strain in her marriage. She received backlash from 32 doctors who advised her to undergo chemotherapy, mastectomy, radiation, hormone therapy, and breast reconstruction. However, Elle chose to work with Dr. C in Dallas, who specializes in alternative remedies.
The supermodel's decision sparked controversy and criticism from the medical community, causing a rift in her relationship with her husband. "My diagnosis of breast cancer, followed by my final choice of Dr. C's holistic approach to recovery...was not one that Jeff could trust or feel at ease about," she writes in her memoir. "And really, this process was the straw that broke the camel's back. It opened up the floodgates, and everything changed. Our marriage was over, and we both knew it."
Not only did her cancer impact her marriage, but it also affected her other relationships. Elle chose not to tell her family in Australia about her diagnosis, fearing their judgment and criticism of her treatment choice. "I didn't want to put them in a situation where they were worrying from afar, and I knew that my choices were different from what they may have imagined was good for me," she explains.
The decision-making process for her treatment was a difficult one, and Elle faced a lot of judgement and lack of understanding from those close to her. Eventually, she decided to go to Phoenix, Arizona, for a seven-month wellness-based treatment plan, which included juice cleanses, herbal and homoeopathic medicine, and herbs. This unconventional approach was met with criticism and was labeled as "reckless" by medical professionals.
Despite the backlash, Elle stood by her decision and believed that she had to make a choice that resonated with her and addressed not only the physical but also the emotional aspects of breast cancer. "People thought I was crazy, but I knew I had to make a choice that truly resonated with me," she says. "To me, that meant addressing emotional as well as physical factors associated with breast cancer. It was time for deep inner reflection, and that took courage."
In the end, Elle's decision paid off, and she is now in remission from cancer. She hopes to inspire other women to be brave and make choices that truly resonate with them. She also wants to spread awareness about alternative remedies and their benefits. "I want to tell women that they can be brave just like me," she says.
If you or someone you know is going through cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support offers support and information. You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 or use their webchat service for guidance and resources. Remember, you are not alone, and there is always support available.
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