Meet Prudence (Prue) Sinclair
Six months to live. Thirty-plus years later, I’m still here, and I’d love to share what I’ve learned along the way.
The day everything changed
I was in my early twenties when doctors in Australia told me I had stage 4 malignant nodular melanoma and about six months to live. They told me to get my affairs in order. That was more than three decades ago.
Until then, I’d been living a fun, carefree life, mostly spent laughing and partying with my friends. Suddenly I was facing surgery after surgery that didn’t work, with chemotherapy as the next option. I was scared out of my friggin’ mind. I needed to understand every possibility in front of me, so I started travelling the world looking for a more integrated approach to healing. Oh, and looking for a way not to die.
Before the diagnosis
My life hadn’t been all fun and games. My father was an engineering surveyor in New Zealand, a nature lover who was ahead of his time, and he called me “Prudie.” He was killed by a teenage drunk driver. It was a devastation I had never known before and haven’t known since. I didn’t know how to grieve, so the grief stayed locked inside me, and I became an angry, stressed young woman. I’ve come to believe that unresolved grief and stress take a real toll on the body.
More loss followed. During my first marriage, the “good” one, I became happily pregnant and was told I had to end the pregnancy or I would die even sooner. Over the years I lost my savings and investments, went through two divorces, and found myself in and out of toxic relationships. How toxic? Calling-the-police, getting-a-restraining-order toxic. In that old life, my heart and mind were as unwell as my body.
Tragic moments, magic moments
Somewhere along the way, the tragic moments of that life became the magic moments of this one. I let go of the relationships that weren’t good for me. I learned to forgive others, and, harder still, to forgive myself. I truly believe we have to release the people who’ve hurt us before we can heal, find our purpose, and move forward with grace.
What I learned on the road
My search took me to gurus, spiritual and religious leaders, shamans, PhDs, scientists, and doctors willing to test their own ideas on themselves. I studied the customs and philosophies of Hawaiian, Māori and Polynesian, Aboriginal Australian, Mexican, Brazilian, Hungarian, Indian, and Southeast Asian traditions, along with ancient European wisdom. I practised many forms of meditation and creative imagery, explored the connection between our emotions and our health, and earned certifications in nutritional and metabolic therapies.
I learned how powerfully our thoughts shape how we live, and how the right foods helped me keep my blood sugar steady and care for my body. Most of all, my cancer taught me to love myself through real, daily self-care. It was a tough road, and I thank God for it. I wouldn’t be who I am without it.
Then I heard four magic words: “You are in remission.”
Why I do this
From that moment, all I wanted was to help others. Three decades ago I founded a metabolic, nutritional, mind-body clinic in Perth, Australia. I was a guest on Australian television and radio and ran seminars across Australia, New Zealand, and America.
Today I live in America, where I share what I’ve learned with people navigating cancer who want to complement the care they’ve chosen with integrative, whole-person practices. I’m living proof that a frightening diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end of the story, and that caring for our minds, hearts, and bodies matters.
Come sit with me at Prue’s Place
Every weekend I write Prue’s Place Blog with love, inspiration, and resources from thirty+ years of learning. Join the community, sign up for the blog, and find inspiration and mindfulness on my Facebook page.
I’m here for you.
With love, gratitude and wellbeing,
Prue
Prue’s Place shares personal experience and general wellbeing information. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for care from your doctor or oncology team. Please talk with your healthcare providers before making changes to your treatment, diet, or supplements.
