By Kristen Nadel @amywinemouse
With a familiar namesake and a plethora of accomplishments, there is little James Dean Spradley has not done. Hailing from Oregon, he has relocated to Oklahoma and is a powerful advocate for plant medicine by way of medicinal marijuana. His diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma, a relatively rare bile duct cancer, does not set him back because he firmly believes in the use of cannabis for cancer treatment. A former rapper and professional wrestler, James makes it apparent that nothing will stop him. An impressive exterior reveals a kind soul with lots to say about his treatment plan and future goals in mind. He expresses his opinions on this treatment through diligent product reviews and maintaining a vigilant online presence. Truly an inspiration, James hopes that others will realize how beneficial cannabis can be.
The Cannabis Connection
Before being diagnosed, James had already smoked cannabis regularly. Like many others, the medicine helped relieve ailments relating to having no appetite and experiencing body pains. He did not realize at the time that many of these circumstances were caused by his cancer. With the help of cannabis, he was able to feel like he had an appetite again. His aches and pains dulled after smoking.
James had a life-changing moment after visiting the ER and discovering he had a lesion in his stomach. This happened one night when he felt that his stomach had ripped in half. Many doctor visits followed, and the result was a realization that the tumor in his stomach had grown four times its size. Initially diagnosed with liver cancer, the tumor growth resulted in spreading and eventually turned into bile duct cancer.
Because James was already very familiar with medicinal marijuana and its wide range of benefits, not much changed in terms of smoking and consuming cannabis products. He continued using cannabis while being treated by doctors for his cancer. Even with the knowledge of how easily this type of cancer spreads and how deadly the outlook may be, James continued using cannabis because it was one of the only things that helped.
Cannabis Products That Help
Diligent research led James to RSO (Rick Simpson Oil), one form of cannabis that helps him tremendously. Since he was already an advocate, he understood the benefits of CBD. This encouraged him to learn more about other forms, such as CBG and CBN. When it comes to strains, he speaks highly of Grease Monkey but is always open to trying other strains high in caryophyllene. This terpene helps alleviate his symptoms effectively. Always suffering from stomach-related issues, this is one of the reasons James chose to use cannabis before ever being diagnosed. It helps him feel less nauseous, allowing him to eat when he needs to. The treatment also helps with his headaches, cramps, and other body pains.
One small hit allows James to regulate his body and continue pushing forward.
Speaking with others who have cancer and were nearly cured by cannabis alone gives James hope. This fuels him to continue using the products and create a routine that not only makes him feel better but also places him in front of a network of people who understand him. Without any help from pharmaceuticals, James is able to effectively manage his pain and many symptoms with cannabis.
Challenges of Cannabis Cancer Treatment
There are many ups and downs that come with his diagnosis, but James remains positive through them all. He expressed that smoking can sometimes cause his nausea to spike at first. When this happens, it is very difficult for James to eat because of his lack of appetite. This makes it especially hard to consume edibles, which also help settle his stomach. After he is able to get the medicine in his body, he begins to feel relief.
While bad days happen, James remains focused on his cannabis treatment for his cancer. Above all, he firmly believes that medicinal marijuana has helped immensely and his doctors agree. Paired with chemotherapy, James works hard to live life to the fullest. His tumor has not grown and is actually smaller than it once was. The mortality rate for his specific type of cancer is severe, most often dying within the first year. Going on year 3 after being diagnosed, James is holding up & maintains his cannabis regimen strongly.
Cannabis for Quality of Life
Like many fathers and husbands, James wants to be there for his family. He wants to share happy memories and create memorable moments in the future. James hopes to travel more when he is well enough to do so, and he looks forward to seeing his children grow up. Through this, he also hopes to educate people whenever possible. Because of his success with using cannabis for cancer treatment, he devotes time and energy to creating videos and educational posts on social media to engage those who also might be struggling with cancer or other ailments.
He highly recommends looking into cancer research in relation to the cannabis industry. James talks fondly about Youtube and how many other cancer warriors are posting about their experiences. James believes that hearing these first-hand accounts of just how life-altering cannabis is for cancer treatment can change many perspectives and also shine a light on the various products out there that are helpful.
Coming up for James, he is taking a break from his chemotherapy treatment. During this period, his doctors will continue to monitor him to see how his body responds. Recently, James started an amino therapy. It is easier on the body than chemo and helps his antibodies learn how to fight the cancer. This is also known to be effective in helping to prevent the further spreading of the cells. His dreams of traveling are still in sight, and his love for his family radiates as he continually talks about his story.
James is not only an inspiration to those fighting cancer but also to those wanting to live enriching lives.
For more about James and his ongoing journey, you can find him on Instagram @hazard503_the_cancer_warrior.
