Breast cancer surgeon runs a farm that produces only healthy food

Breast cancer surgeon Monique Gary is a self-described “Philadelphia girl,” having been born at Jefferson Einstein Hospital and graduated from Philadelphia Girls’ High School.

Four years ago, she left city life behind and bought a 40-acre farm in Upper Bucks County, where she runs free, all-day retreats for cancer patients, offering nature walks, aromatherapy, juicing and cooking demonstrations, gardening and yoga by a pond.

The farm’s only crop is health. “I’m a busy surgeon and didn’t have any crops when I moved here, but I knew the one seed I wanted to plant was health,” says Gary, who serves as medical director of the cancer program at Grand View Health/Penn Cancer Network.

Gary, who his patients call “Dr. Mo,” spoke to the Inquirer about how he incorporates a “holistic wellness” approach to cancer treatment — caring for both the body and mind. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

What inspired you to become a breast cancer surgeon?

My mother was a nurse. My grandmother was a nurse. I grew up watching nurses take care of others. When I was 7 years old, I watched my mother get very sick. She had ovarian cancer and passed away before she turned 30. It was a difficult time.

My grandmother took care of us. She made it her priority to provide for our well-being. And then when I was about 12 years old, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember watching her so scared. She was in the hospital for about a week and came home without a breast. I grew up wanting to take care of people who were sick with cancer and help them with their illness.

Are you worried that you may develop cancer because of your family’s health history?

If I have some anxiety and I feel weak, I exercise. I try to practice what I preach, but it’s really hard. That’s why I’m so open with my patients. I’m a real accountability person. I say to my patients, “I promise to exercise or move for 30 minutes a day. Can you promise me that too? Let’s pinky-pinch and swear.” I treat my vulnerability as an opportunity to connect with people who are also scared. I try to focus on what I can control. I try to focus on living life with grace.

You practice “whole person wellness.” What does that mean?

I have the opportunity to be a guide to help, remove and hopefully give back to that cancer. [women] It leads to longevity and a better outlook on life. I tell my patients that this is their chance to rid themselves of all the cancers in their lives, whether that be adult children living in their basement, an unfaithful husband, or a pretty toxic job.

Think about all the cancers and how they shape your life. I love the relationships that patients make as they go through that transition.

What advice would you give to breast cancer survivors regarding intimacy with their partners?

This is a process. It’s not a one-and-done thing. It means you have to give yourself the space to experiment. It also means that some of the work is internal because we’ve internalized the fear and shame. We don’t have the fact that pleasure is our right. I say, “If cancer has taught you nothing else, it’s that you are entitled to put yourself first, and that includes pleasure.”

You explore every angle of your health and the next question is, “So, how’s intimacy?” And then the tears flow because there are so many obstacles: “I feel ashamed of my body,” “I feel bad about my scars,” “I’m tired all the time,” “I don’t think my husband is attracted to me,” etc. There are so many contributing factors, it’s going to be a long journey, but the journey is worth it.

I tell couples, “Look, you can’t expect fireworks to happen after surgery and chemo and radiation. You have to start with really small goals. Just kiss and touch for five minutes without pain, shame, blame or worry. Just be in that space for five minutes.”

You’re a big believer in the idea of ​​”food as medicine.” What are some cancer-fighting foods?

Cancer-fighting foods are anti-inflammatory foods. Anti-inflammatory foods thin the blood and should be avoided before surgery. Talk to your doctor to make sure they are safe for you. However, some anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory foods include turmeric, ginger, garlic, and green onions. Foods high in antioxidants include blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, and citrus fruits.

Using food as medicine can help with diarrhea and nausea, like ginger and bananas. Foods that settle the stomach are those high in omega fatty acids, like lean fish.