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Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

With: Dr. Patrick Hanaway

About the Episode

Inspire yourself to change before any serious diagnosis!

Join board-certified family physician, Dr. Patrick Hanaway, through his journey with stage four cancer and how a holistic and modern treatment plan helped him beat cancer. Learn the life-changing impact an often-terminal illness had on his outlook and practice in this emotional episode.

What We Discuss

Dr. Patrick was diagnosed with stage four lymphatic cancer three years ago and melded holistic approaches with modern medicine to treat it. The odds of treating his specific cancer has a 50% survival rate over 5 years.

Because it was stage four, it was severe enough for Dr. Patrick to take his situation seriously. There were times when his treatment was so demanding that he wondered if living was genuinely worth it. But the relationships he had with people and finding out there was more help and support than he ever imagined got him through the process.

Finding the Motivation to Change

When treating illness, there is a journey for everyone involved, caretaker and patient alike. Caregivers need to understand how to give themselves care in the process so that they can better take care of others out of a place of giving. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. Where practitioners go wrong is their ego getting in the way, and their care becoming all about themselves.

Dr. Patrick is approaching three years with no signs of the disease, but he will always have that new perspective. Cancer is about transformation: something in Patrick’s life grew uncontrollably, and this was a physical manifestation. As a result, his priorities, attitude, and more have changed. He’s now a better, more compassionate person because of it.

Choosing healing often comes from an experience that requires change. We all have different levels of motivation, and for Patrick, cancer was the wake-up call he needed. Caregivers instinctively want to fix people. But some people don’t want to be fixed, and it sometimes takes something very serious or life-threatening to get them to a point where they want or accept help.

Taking Care of Yourself

The right caregiver is often hard to find. Look for someone you can resonate with and who is not arrogant. If a doctor thinks they know it all, they can’t actually learn from you, and they won’t have the level of curiosity to treat you as the individual you are. So look for a doctor with the training and interest to give you the care and connection you need. A good start is to look for someone practicing functional medicine full time for at least a few years.

To de-stress and get back in touch with yourself, Dr. Patrick recommends powering your cell phone down and going for a walk in nature for 15 minutes daily. If you can’t get outside, try sitting with a lit candle for a few minutes. Of course, those are non-denominational practices, but you can also reach out to a spiritual teacher if you find a practice that resonates with you.

Listen to this emotional episode and start choosing change!

Guest Bio

PATRICK HANAWAY, MD, is a board-certified family physician trained at Washington University. Dr. Hanaway served on the Executive Committee for the American Board of Integrative Medicine and is the Past President of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine. For more than 20 years, he has worked with his wife, Dr. Lisa Lichtig, in clinical practice at Family to Family: Your Home for Whole Health Care in Asheville, NC, and Weaverville, NC.

After 10 years as Chief Medical Officer at Genova Diagnostics, Dr. Hanaway became the Chief Medical Education Officer for the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), overseeing the development and implementation of IFM’s programs worldwide. He has taught with IFM since 2005 and has filled numerous roles: leader of the GI Advanced Practice Module, Co-Chair of IFM’s Expert Advisory Board, guiding the COVID-19 Task Force, and serving as a Senior Advisor to the CEO.

Links

https://www.familytofamily.org/
IFM.org
BlueDeer.org

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

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Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity
Use Difficult Challenges as an Opportunity

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted