Crazy Sexy Cancer
Encyclopedia
Crazy Sexy Cancer is a documentary film
created by actress/photographer Kris Carr
. The film premiered on March 11, 2007, at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival
, and had its US television premiere on August 29, 2007, on TLC
. The film was edited by Pagan Harleman and Brian Fassett. The music was composed by Matthew Puckett.
The film tells the story of Carr's battle with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma
(EHE), a vascular cancer
in the lining of the blood vessels in her liver and lungs so rare that only 0.01 percent of the cancer population has it. Around 200 to 300 cases are diagnosed in America
every year - the cause is unknown.
Kris Carr has also written two books, Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips, based upon the film, and Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor.
class. Initially thinking it was a yoga-related injury, Carr is devastated to learn she has a rare form of cancer, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma
(EHE). Despite its rarity, Carr is told that her tumors are not behaving aggressively, and so her doctor advises that she "watch and wait" for two months before having more tests to determine whether the tumors change, grow, or remain the same. Despite the grim prognosis
, Carr refuses to accept her sickness as an end to her life, and sets out to explore alternative methods with which to fight her cancer. After her doctor recommends she start taking care of her body with diet and exercise, Carr is determined to "take that crumb and turn it into a cake." Her first stop out of the doctor's office is a shopping trip to the organic grocer Whole Foods
. Her careful and precise monitoring of her food intake allows her a sense of control which she finds comforting.
(EHE). In Kris Carr's case, she has tumors affecting the blood vessels in her liver and lungs. From the doctor's explanation, her liver has so many tumors it looks like Swiss cheese
. EHE is so rare, it is only diagnosed 200 to 300 times a year, or to about .1 percent of the population. Characteristics of the cancer include a tumor that rarely metastasizes and is very difficult to diagnose. As is the case with Kris Carr, it is "most often an incidental finding in young asymptomatic
women."
(both her lungs and her liver), an idea that Carr does not take a liking to, particularly because it is so invasive and not necessary. She eventually finds Dr. George Demetri, director of the Center for Sarcoma
and Bone Oncology
at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
in Boston
, and his optimism about Carr's situation allows for a great relationship between doctor and patient.
by changing her diet and lifestyle, Carr clings to this hope with as much fervor as possible. She starts by ditching her old habits of turning to convenient "low-fat" diet foods and trades it in for a new vegan diet. She enrolls in a healing program by Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida
and immediately her refrigerator
is filled with such foods as "leafy greens, vegetables, sprouted grains, nuts, seeds, and every kind of juice possible, including tons of wheatgrass
."
. She subjects herself to enemas as well as treats herself to massages and new-wave therapies such as infrared saunas. She sees a chiropracter and an acupuncturist, all in pursuit of finding an alternative way to battle her illness. While it is yoga
that initially brings Carr to her diagnosis, it also helps Carr in her healing process. Yoga becomes a part of her daily activities, and she soon begins to discover the healing power that yoga brings to mind, body, and spirit. In addition to improving her physical well-being, Carr approaches her cancer with a certain amount of spirituality
. She visits a Zen Monastery, and even develops her own "special space" where she spends at least 10 minutes every day praying, meditating, and giving thanks for her family, friends, and the life she lives. As she describes in both her film and her books, Cancer is her guru
. As Carr describes it, "Cancer creates pandemonium
." Instead of succumbing to the cancer, Carr says, you should use it for your spiritual growth, an idea that Carr adopted well in her healing journey.
." In addition to documenting her own personal illness narrative, Carr also interviews other young women who suffer from cancer, and how they have chosen to live with it as though it were a blessing rather than a curse. Crazy Sexy Cancer is Carr's first piece of work. Her other publications include two books titled, Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips and Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor: More Rebellion and Fire for Your Healing Journey. These books include articles and introductions by other famous female cancer survivors, including Sheryl Crow
, Marisa Acocella Marchetto
, Diem Brown, Jackie Farry, and many more. In addition to the film and books, Carr has essentially pioneered an entire online community
intended to support other strong-willed women in their fight against cancer. When Carr was originally diagnosed, she felt alone and confused in her struggle.
itself. Kris Carr is healed not through any medical treatments, but through the people she meets and through the experiences she has. This film is more than a story of a woman with cancer. As the film progresses, so does Carr herself, and we see how in the end it is the cancer that heals Carr. Some ideas and themes that are seen throughout Crazy Sexy Cancer include:
Optimism – The tone of the entire film is upbeat. Carr chooses to approach her illness with optimism almost immediately. Despite her fear surrounding her initial diagnosis, her first step toward healing is finding a doctor that doesn’t resort to negative thoughts. This theme of optimism surrounds Carr for the majority of the film. In one scene, Carr looks directly at the camera and proclaims “I am NOT sick!” over and over again. She describes one doctor’s diagnosis of a 100% fatality rate as “nonsense”, and she jokes with the cameramen as she proclaims that her personal “pharmacy” is Whole Foods
. There are moments of vulnerability for Carr just as there are ups and downs for anyone dealing with an illness, but for the most part these moments are forgotten when compared to her moments of empowerment and strength. At one point in the movie, Carr discusses with her oncologist the topic of spontaneous remission, the idea that cancer can basically improve or disappear on its own, despite what the diagnosis might be. Dr. Demetri tells her that sometimes doctors tend to search for the negative. It is more likely that Carr will die of this cancer, but instead of choosing to focus on this, the patient and doctor work together to focus on how Carr can live her life to its fullest.
Control- The idea of empowerment over illness is a theme that radiates throughout the film. As soon as her doctor tells her that one part of her body she can control is what she eats and how she lives her life, Carr immediately transforms her diet and lifestyle. While she cannot control the tumors themselves, she can control the body that harbors these tumors.
New Self- On the outside, there is no difference between Kris Carr’s pre-diagnosis body and post-diagnosis body. She is still a young, beautiful, and talented woman; the only difference is she has cancer. While most people generally associate disease and illness with older people, Kris Carr discovers her cancer at a relatively young age – in her late 20s. Not only this, but Carr made a living off of her looks. She was a model and actress and had recently been shown a glimmer of fame when she appeared in two Budweiser commercials that aired during the Super Bowl. Now, she faces cancer and all the questions that inevitably accompany such a disease. Throughout the film, we see a transformation in Carr. Saying goodbye to her old life of partying and unhealthy lifestyle choices, Carr embraces her new self as a “health junkie.” As Kris describes in an article, “Even though I have cancer, I have never felt healthier.” Kris also must adjust her life to the idea that she is living with cancer. Carr’s case is not like a normal cancer case. She was not given a certain number of months to live, and all she can do about her cancer is wait and see what happens. Her doctor tells her she could live her entire life with cancer. As Carr films her experience, she has a creative outlet with which she can make sense of it. This documentary is a form of therapy for Carr, and therefore is a healing narrative in itself. As Rita Charon states in her book, Narrative Medicine, "as it takes away, illness also gives searing clarity about the life being lived around it." When Carr calls cancer her "guru", she means that while her cancer makes her physically ill, it is through this illness that she becomes spiritually and mentally strong.
Documentary film
Documentary films constitute a broad category of nonfictional motion pictures intended to document some aspect of reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction or maintaining a historical record...
created by actress/photographer Kris Carr
Kris Carr
Kris Carr is an American actress and filmmaker as well as the New York Times best-selling author of "Crazy Sexy Diet," a motivational speaker and wellness coach...
. The film premiered on March 11, 2007, at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival
South by Southwest
South by Southwest is an Austin, Texas based company dedicated to planning conferences, trade shows, festivals and other events. Their current roster of annual events include: SXSW Music, SXSW Film, SXSW Interactive, SXSWedu, and SXSWeco and take place every spring in Austin, Texas, United States...
, and had its US television premiere on August 29, 2007, on TLC
TLC (TV channel)
TLC is an American cable TV specialty channel which initially focused on educational content. Since 1991 TLC has been owned by Discovery Communications, the same company that operates the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and The Science Channel, as well as other learning-themed networks...
. The film was edited by Pagan Harleman and Brian Fassett. The music was composed by Matthew Puckett.
The film tells the story of Carr's battle with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma
Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma
Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare tumor, first characterized by Sharon Weiss, M.D., that both clinically and histologically is intermediate between angiosarcoma and hemangioma. It is a vascular cancer in the lining of the blood vessels in the liver and lungs so rare that only 0.01 percent...
(EHE), a vascular cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
in the lining of the blood vessels in her liver and lungs so rare that only 0.01 percent of the cancer population has it. Around 200 to 300 cases are diagnosed in America
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
every year - the cause is unknown.
Kris Carr has also written two books, Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips, based upon the film, and Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor.
Plot summary
Crazy Sexy Cancer is the personal video diary of Kris Carr, a young actress, photographer, and filmmaker. Carr's struggle with cancer begins after a visit to the doctor, following a particularly difficult yogaYoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
class. Initially thinking it was a yoga-related injury, Carr is devastated to learn she has a rare form of cancer, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma
Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma
Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare tumor, first characterized by Sharon Weiss, M.D., that both clinically and histologically is intermediate between angiosarcoma and hemangioma. It is a vascular cancer in the lining of the blood vessels in the liver and lungs so rare that only 0.01 percent...
(EHE). Despite its rarity, Carr is told that her tumors are not behaving aggressively, and so her doctor advises that she "watch and wait" for two months before having more tests to determine whether the tumors change, grow, or remain the same. Despite the grim prognosis
Prognosis
Prognosis is a medical term to describe the likely outcome of an illness.When applied to large statistical populations, prognostic estimates can be very accurate: for example the statement "45% of patients with severe septic shock will die within 28 days" can be made with some confidence, because...
, Carr refuses to accept her sickness as an end to her life, and sets out to explore alternative methods with which to fight her cancer. After her doctor recommends she start taking care of her body with diet and exercise, Carr is determined to "take that crumb and turn it into a cake." Her first stop out of the doctor's office is a shopping trip to the organic grocer Whole Foods
Whole foods
Whole foods are foods that are unprocessed and unrefined, or processed and refined as little as possible, before being consumed. Whole foods typically do not contain added ingredients, such as salt, carbohydrates, or fat. Examples of whole foods include unpolished grains, beans, fruits, vegetables...
. Her careful and precise monitoring of her food intake allows her a sense of control which she finds comforting.
Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma
As Carr discovers at the beginning of the film, she has a rare form of cancer called epithelioid hemangioendotheliomaEpithelioid hemangioendothelioma
Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare tumor, first characterized by Sharon Weiss, M.D., that both clinically and histologically is intermediate between angiosarcoma and hemangioma. It is a vascular cancer in the lining of the blood vessels in the liver and lungs so rare that only 0.01 percent...
(EHE). In Kris Carr's case, she has tumors affecting the blood vessels in her liver and lungs. From the doctor's explanation, her liver has so many tumors it looks like Swiss cheese
Swiss cheese
Swiss cheese is a generic name in North America for several related varieties of cheese which resemble the Swiss Emmental. Some types of Swiss cheese have a distinctive appearance, as the blocks of the cheese are riddled with holes known as "eyes". Swiss cheese has a piquant, but not very sharp,...
. EHE is so rare, it is only diagnosed 200 to 300 times a year, or to about .1 percent of the population. Characteristics of the cancer include a tumor that rarely metastasizes and is very difficult to diagnose. As is the case with Kris Carr, it is "most often an incidental finding in young asymptomatic
Asymptomatic
In medicine, a disease is considered asymptomatic if a patient is a carrier for a disease or infection but experiences no symptoms. A condition might be asymptomatic if it fails to show the noticeable symptoms with which it is usually associated. Asymptomatic infections are also called subclinical...
women."
Finding a doctor
Kris Carr conducts her search for an oncologist almost as if she were conducting a job interview. She makes it clear that what she does not want is a doctor that will focus on the negative aspect of her illness, and instead searches for a doctor that will support her in her plan to live her life to the fullest. One doctor suggests she undergo a triple organ transplantOrgan transplant
Organ transplantation is the moving of an organ from one body to another or from a donor site on the patient's own body, for the purpose of replacing the recipient's damaged or absent organ. The emerging field of regenerative medicine is allowing scientists and engineers to create organs to be...
(both her lungs and her liver), an idea that Carr does not take a liking to, particularly because it is so invasive and not necessary. She eventually finds Dr. George Demetri, director of the Center for Sarcoma
Sarcoma
A sarcoma is a cancer that arises from transformed cells in one of a number of tissues that develop from embryonic mesoderm. Thus, sarcomas include tumors of bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, vascular, and hematopoietic tissues...
and Bone Oncology
Oncology
Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with cancer...
at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana–Farber Cancer Institute is part of a Comprehensive Cancer Center designated by the National Cancer Institute. It is a major affiliate of Harvard Medical School and is located in the Longwood Medical Area in Boston, Massachusetts.-Overview:...
in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, and his optimism about Carr's situation allows for a great relationship between doctor and patient.
"Healing Junkie"
Carr refuses to simply sit back and wait for her body to be ravaged by her cancer. When her doctor tells her to try to boost her immune systemImmune system
An immune system is a system of biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against disease by identifying and killing pathogens and tumor cells. It detects a wide variety of agents, from viruses to parasitic worms, and needs to distinguish them from the organism's own...
by changing her diet and lifestyle, Carr clings to this hope with as much fervor as possible. She starts by ditching her old habits of turning to convenient "low-fat" diet foods and trades it in for a new vegan diet. She enrolls in a healing program by Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida
West Palm Beach, Florida
West Palm Beach, is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and is the most populous city in and county seat of Palm Beach County, the third most populous county in Florida with a 2010 population of 1,320,134. The city is also the oldest incorporated municipality in South Florida...
and immediately her refrigerator
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is a common household appliance that consists of a thermally insulated compartment and a heat pump that transfers heat from the inside of the fridge to its external environment so that the inside of the fridge is cooled to a temperature below the ambient temperature of the room...
is filled with such foods as "leafy greens, vegetables, sprouted grains, nuts, seeds, and every kind of juice possible, including tons of wheatgrass
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a food prepared from the cotyledons of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It is sold either as a juice or powder concentrate. Wheatgrass differs from wheat malt in that it is served freeze-dried or fresh, while wheat malt is convectively dried. Wheatgrass is also allowed to...
."
Alternative medicine
In addition to her new diet, Carr also adopts a new, healthier way of life that includes detoxing her body through exercise and alternative medicineAlternative medicine
Alternative medicine is any healing practice, "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine." It is based on historical or cultural traditions, rather than on scientific evidence....
. She subjects herself to enemas as well as treats herself to massages and new-wave therapies such as infrared saunas. She sees a chiropracter and an acupuncturist, all in pursuit of finding an alternative way to battle her illness. While it is yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
that initially brings Carr to her diagnosis, it also helps Carr in her healing process. Yoga becomes a part of her daily activities, and she soon begins to discover the healing power that yoga brings to mind, body, and spirit. In addition to improving her physical well-being, Carr approaches her cancer with a certain amount of spirituality
Spirituality
Spirituality can refer to an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality; an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of his/her being; or the “deepest values and meanings by which people live.” Spiritual practices, including meditation, prayer and contemplation, are intended to develop...
. She visits a Zen Monastery, and even develops her own "special space" where she spends at least 10 minutes every day praying, meditating, and giving thanks for her family, friends, and the life she lives. As she describes in both her film and her books, Cancer is her guru
Guru
A guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others . Other forms of manifestation of this principle can include parents, school teachers, non-human objects and even one's own intellectual discipline, if the...
. As Carr describes it, "Cancer creates pandemonium
Pandemonium
Pandæmonium or Pandemonium may refer to:* Pandæmonium , the capital of Hell in the epic poem Paradise Lost by John Milton-Film and television:* Pandemonium , a 1982 comedy* Pandaemonium , a 2000 drama...
." Instead of succumbing to the cancer, Carr says, you should use it for your spiritual growth, an idea that Carr adopted well in her healing journey.
Crazy sexy life
In the movie, Carr emphasizes the importance of having a "cancer possePosse
Posse may refer to:* Posse comitatus , a group of men assembled to assist in law enforcement* Posse , starring Kirk Douglas* Posse , starring Mario van Peebles...
." In addition to documenting her own personal illness narrative, Carr also interviews other young women who suffer from cancer, and how they have chosen to live with it as though it were a blessing rather than a curse. Crazy Sexy Cancer is Carr's first piece of work. Her other publications include two books titled, Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips and Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor: More Rebellion and Fire for Your Healing Journey. These books include articles and introductions by other famous female cancer survivors, including Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Suzanne Crow is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, musician, and actress. Her music incorporates elements of rock, folk, hip hop, country and pop...
, Marisa Acocella Marchetto
Marisa Acocella Marchetto
Marisa Acocella Marchetto is a cartoonist for The New Yorker and Glamour magazines. Her work has appeared in the New York Times and Modern Bride, among other publications. She is the author of Just Who the Hell Is She, Anyway? and Cancer Vixen: A True Story, both published by Random House...
, Diem Brown, Jackie Farry, and many more. In addition to the film and books, Carr has essentially pioneered an entire online community
Online community
An online community is a virtual community that exists online and whose members enable its existence through taking part in membership ritual. An online community can take the form of an information system where anyone can post content, such as a Bulletin board system or one where only a restricted...
intended to support other strong-willed women in their fight against cancer. When Carr was originally diagnosed, she felt alone and confused in her struggle.
Healing narrative
Crazy Sexy Cancer is a film that focuses on healing rather than the illnessIllness
Illness is a state of poor health. Illness is sometimes considered another word for disease. Others maintain that fine distinctions exist...
itself. Kris Carr is healed not through any medical treatments, but through the people she meets and through the experiences she has. This film is more than a story of a woman with cancer. As the film progresses, so does Carr herself, and we see how in the end it is the cancer that heals Carr. Some ideas and themes that are seen throughout Crazy Sexy Cancer include:
Optimism – The tone of the entire film is upbeat. Carr chooses to approach her illness with optimism almost immediately. Despite her fear surrounding her initial diagnosis, her first step toward healing is finding a doctor that doesn’t resort to negative thoughts. This theme of optimism surrounds Carr for the majority of the film. In one scene, Carr looks directly at the camera and proclaims “I am NOT sick!” over and over again. She describes one doctor’s diagnosis of a 100% fatality rate as “nonsense”, and she jokes with the cameramen as she proclaims that her personal “pharmacy” is Whole Foods
Whole foods
Whole foods are foods that are unprocessed and unrefined, or processed and refined as little as possible, before being consumed. Whole foods typically do not contain added ingredients, such as salt, carbohydrates, or fat. Examples of whole foods include unpolished grains, beans, fruits, vegetables...
. There are moments of vulnerability for Carr just as there are ups and downs for anyone dealing with an illness, but for the most part these moments are forgotten when compared to her moments of empowerment and strength. At one point in the movie, Carr discusses with her oncologist the topic of spontaneous remission, the idea that cancer can basically improve or disappear on its own, despite what the diagnosis might be. Dr. Demetri tells her that sometimes doctors tend to search for the negative. It is more likely that Carr will die of this cancer, but instead of choosing to focus on this, the patient and doctor work together to focus on how Carr can live her life to its fullest.
Control- The idea of empowerment over illness is a theme that radiates throughout the film. As soon as her doctor tells her that one part of her body she can control is what she eats and how she lives her life, Carr immediately transforms her diet and lifestyle. While she cannot control the tumors themselves, she can control the body that harbors these tumors.
New Self- On the outside, there is no difference between Kris Carr’s pre-diagnosis body and post-diagnosis body. She is still a young, beautiful, and talented woman; the only difference is she has cancer. While most people generally associate disease and illness with older people, Kris Carr discovers her cancer at a relatively young age – in her late 20s. Not only this, but Carr made a living off of her looks. She was a model and actress and had recently been shown a glimmer of fame when she appeared in two Budweiser commercials that aired during the Super Bowl. Now, she faces cancer and all the questions that inevitably accompany such a disease. Throughout the film, we see a transformation in Carr. Saying goodbye to her old life of partying and unhealthy lifestyle choices, Carr embraces her new self as a “health junkie.” As Kris describes in an article, “Even though I have cancer, I have never felt healthier.” Kris also must adjust her life to the idea that she is living with cancer. Carr’s case is not like a normal cancer case. She was not given a certain number of months to live, and all she can do about her cancer is wait and see what happens. Her doctor tells her she could live her entire life with cancer. As Carr films her experience, she has a creative outlet with which she can make sense of it. This documentary is a form of therapy for Carr, and therefore is a healing narrative in itself. As Rita Charon states in her book, Narrative Medicine, "as it takes away, illness also gives searing clarity about the life being lived around it." When Carr calls cancer her "guru", she means that while her cancer makes her physically ill, it is through this illness that she becomes spiritually and mentally strong.