Why Elle Macpherson Refused Chemotherapy Amid Secret Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Supermodel Elle Macpherson reveals in her new book that she opted for a "holistic approach" to her cancer treatment.

By Stephen Andrew

Elle Macpherson has revealed details about her cancer journey, for the first time, and has shared why she chose not to undergo chemotherapy. In her new book, Elle, the Australian supermodel, 60, writes about receiving her breast cancer diagnosis seven years ago, which she told Australian Women's Weekly "was a shock" to learn, adding, "It was unexpected, it was confusing, it was daunting in so many ways."

Following a lumpectomy, Macpherson's doctor discovered that she had HER2 positive estrogen receptive intraductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer. Macpherson's doctor advised her to undergo cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and a mastectomy. She opted to seek another route, however, saying that the diagnosis "gave me an opportunity ... to find a solution that worked for me," which became a "holistic approach" not utilizing chemotherapy or pharmaceuticals.

"I realized I was going to need my own truth, my belief system to support me through it. And that's what I did," Macpherson told Australian Women's Weekly. "So, it was a wonderful exercise in being true to myself, trusting myself and trusting the nature of my body and the course of action that I had chosen."

In her book, which is now on bookstore shelves, Macpherson explains, "I came to the understanding that there was no sure thing and absolutely no guarantees. There was no 'right' way, just the right way for me." She then adds, "Saying no to standard medical solutions was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. People thought I was crazy. But I knew I had to make a choice that truly resonated with me. To me, that meant addressing emotional as well as physical factors associated with breast cancer ... and that took courage."

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Macpherson also writes candidly about how her sons Flynn, 26, and Cy, 21, had mixed reactions to her decision, though she clarifies that, overall, her family was "extremely supportive."

Now, the famed supermodel tells Australian Women's Weekly that she is in clinical remission. "I would say I'm in utter wellness. And I am!" Macpherson said. "Truly, from every perspective, every blood test, every scan, every imaging test ... but also emotionally, spiritually and mentally – not only physically."

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