One of the world's most famous supermodels is revealing a very private breast cancer battle. As shared with The Australian's Women's Weekly, Elle Macpherson, 60, was diagnosed seven years ago and chose to keep it a secret from the public.
“It was a shock, it was unexpected, it was confusing, it was daunting in so many ways,” Macpherson shared with The Weekly. “And it really gave me an opportunity to dig deep in my inner sense to find a solution that worked for me…I realized I was going to need my own truth, my belief system to support me through it. And that’s what I did. 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.”
Macpherson also revealed that she decided to treat the cancer holistically. After seeking advice from 32 doctors and experts, she opted not to undergo chemotherapy. Instead, going for "an intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach."
Under the care of several specialists—including her primary doctor, a doctor of naturopathy, a holistic dentist, an osteopath, a chiropractor and two therapists—Macpherson rented a house in Phoenix, AZ for eight months. She spent the time "focusing and devoting every single minute to healing myself."
The interview coincides with the release of her eponymously titled book, out today.
With a tagline of "real life gems from the Aussie icon," the book promises "hard-earned, well-earned" wisdom from Macpherson. "I have learned that love is what really matters. My life experiences brought about that discovery. I deeply wish that you learn unconditional love, firstly of yourself, then of others, then of life itself. It’s your true nature."
The book also includes a chapter focused on the diagnosis, where she readily admits her treatment decision is not for everyone.
“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...I chose an holistic approach. Saying no to standard medical solutions was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. But saying no to my own inner sense would have been even harder,” she writes.
“Sometimes, an authentic choice from the heart makes no sense to others...but it doesn’t have to. 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. It was time for deep, inner reflection. And that took courage.”
As for her status today, Macpherson shared that she is in clinical remission. "But I would say I’m in utter wellness. And I am! Truly, from every perspective, every blood test, every scan, every imaging test…but also emotionally, spiritually and mentally—not only physically. It’s not only what your blood tests say, it’s how and why you are living your life on all levels.”
