Henner Marilu - Changing normal : how I helped my husband beat cancer

Marilu

W henever people asked how Michael and I got together, theyd hear our story and say, This has to be a book! We knew we wanted to share our journey and the knowledge we gained in the process with the world, but it had to be with a team that would let us tell the story without holding back. We pitched the idea to Jen Bergstrom at Simon & Schuster who immediately said, I love it! Not many publishers would be so forthcoming, and thats what makes her the coolest publisher in the business (as well as the best dressed!). Thank you, Jenn! To her team at Simon & Schuster: A huge thank-you to Kate Dresser, editor extraordinaire, for her talent and vigilance, and for being the Couples Whisperer; to Becky Prager for assisting Kate in keeping this project on track; and to Jennifer Robinson with whom I had so much fun promoting Total Memory Makeover . I cant wait to do it again.

To Pete Sanders, publicist and friend, for always making sure I get the word out in the most effective way possible.

To Jeff Katz for his extraordinary book cover photos and patience while working with two very different subjects.

To Mel Berger from WME, the best literary agent anyone can have. Our tenth book together, and I love you more and more with each one.

To my long-standing team at Innovative Artists: Jonathan Howard, Nevin Dolcefino, Marcia Hurwitz, Steve LaManna, and Brian Davidson.

To my radio show gang, who shares with me one of my favorite experiences ever: Gina Yates, Denise McIntee, Steve Guzman, and Mondo Hernandez. I love you guys!

To the great tag team of assistants: the efficient Courtney Salmon, who started the research and handed it off to the effervescent Nicki Hirschorn, who passed it to the ever-steady Aliya Stuart, who was always on top of the bibliography and photos.

To my BFFs for their unwavering love and support: the irrepressible Cynthia Wilkerson for reading the drafts and speaking her mind; the outrageous Sharon Feldstein for her fashion, psychic, and doctor expertise; and the talented MaryAnn Hennings for her magic and makeovers throughout the years, including the fabulous photos for this and every book!

To Dr. Neal Barnard, Nelson Campbell, and Dr. T. Colin Campbell for their extraordinary knowledge and books that ride the highest wave in the tsunami of health; and to Fran Drescher, health advocate and founder of Cancer Schmancerthank you all for the cover quotes that lend credibility to our book. And to the incomparable Dr. Soram Khalsa for his inquisitive nature and continued diagnostic genius, and for his refreshingly honest foreword to this book. Michael would not be here with-out you.

To Lorin Henner for your overview, insights, and humor when we needed it most, which was always. Our tenth book together made even more special this time because of your adorable children, Joe and Katherine.

And to my remarkable guys Nick and Joey Lieberman, for being the best part of lifes journey, with an extra thanks to Nick for your talent as a writer, editor, and, especially, referee!

Michael

I would like to acknowledge the many people who helped me through this health journey. Many of them are mentioned in the book, especially Dr. Soram Khalsa, Dr. Sharron Mee, Dr. Joel Wachtel, Dr. Keith Block, Dr. Robert McKenna, and Dr. Donald Lamm (through his research). All of these fine doctors were aided by so many fine nurses and staff who became friends during the journey. Thanks to the staff at Clear Way to Health, especially Laura Weeks and Talya, who quickly became friends and mentors.

Marilus family welcomed me and put up with a lot that first year! Nicky and Joey Lieberman, of course, and the rest of the familyGreg Siegel and Liz Carney and their son, Jackson, born the day after that first reunion dinner with Marilu; Suzy Carney and Charlotte; Tom Alderman and Melody Henner; Tommy Henner; Christal Henner and her boys, Christopher and William; and JoAnn Carney and the man himself, William Drake. Being accepted by them so readily made my lifes transition much easier.

My colleagues at BrownTrout Publishers were very supportive. Thanks to Jack and Gail Straw, Michael Reif, Bob and Meg Johnson, Samanta Anguiano, David and Julie Taff, Andrew Anderson, Sharon Levine, and so many more. My partner and friend Marc Winkelman and his wife, Suzanne, and their children Ellie, Alex, and Jacob; I am so thankful to be a part of their life. Thanks to my buddy and mentor Joe Angard and his wife, Susan; Joes positive spirit has kept me going now for so many years. And a special acknowledgment to Tom Bove, with whom I have shared many challenges and who himself saw the power of changing normal a few years after my illness.

My mother and father, LaRae and Bill, were always there for me, even if I could not see it at times. As were my sister, Julie, and her husband, Jon Larsen; my twin brother, Marc, and his wife, Wendover, and their son, Marc; Rob Brown and his son Max and ex-wife Jeanine. My dear aunt Margaret, who passed away from cancer as I was recovering, a great loss to me and her dear family. So many kind cousins from Utah and Idaho who have stayed close to me through the years and keep me grounded and in touch with my roots. I would especially like to thank and acknowledge my children: Carine and Andy and their children Malia and Maya Santiago; Cassia and Joe Morris and her children Victoria and Lucas Robertson; and to my son, Michael. They have been with me through the bad times and the good, and I am thankful for them every day.

Finally I would like to acknowledge all those people who have fought the good fight against cancer. Those who have grown to love their bodies even more as they confront this awful disease. Those who refuse to accept easy answers and try to understand how they can help themselves to find a cure that works for them. Lonesome warriors who have led the way, and through their courage helped me to find my way back to health and a positive future.

A LSO BY M ARILU H ENNER

Total Memory Makeover

Wear Your Life Well

Healthy Holidays

Healthy Kids

Healthy Life Kitchen

I Refuse to Raise a Brat

The 30-Day Total Health Makeover

Marilu Henners Total Health Makeover

By All Means Keep On Moving

MARILU HENNER is a New York Times bestselling author and actor, as well as one of few people in the world known to have Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory. In addition to her roles on Taxi and Evening Shade, she also hosts a daily radio show, and her life-changing books include Total Memory Makeover, Wear Your Life Well, Marilu Henners Total Health Makeover, and Healthy Life Kitchen . She lives with Michael and their sons, Nick and Joey, in Los Angeles.

MICHAEL BROWN was raised in Utah and educated at the University of Chicago. After many years at sea, he has spent the past twenty-five years with BrownTrout Inc., the largest publisher of calendars in the world. He lives in Los Angeles and travels the world on business, both his and his wifes.

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Babin, Roni Caryn. Trial of Chelation Therapy Shows Benefits, but Doubts Persist. New York Times , April 15, 2013. Accessed August 2, 2015. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/15/trial-of-chelation-therapy-shows-benefits-but-doubts-persist/?_r=0.

Bauer, Brent A., MD. What Is an Infrared Sauna? Does It Have Health Benefits? Mayo Clinic, June 9, 2014. Accessed June 17, 2015. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/infrared-sauna/faq-20057954.