Dr Phil: Repair a Parent-Child Relationship & #Illness4Attention

Dr Phil: Why Is My Mom Faking Cancer?

Dr Phil’s guest Jessica accused her mother Patricia of telling lies for sympathy. Patricia has claimed she became an accomplished weight lifter while undergoing treatment for Stage 3 Brain Cancer. But according to Jessica, this is the latest in a string of medical tall tales that her mother uses to get attention. Why would someone lie about this? Plus, how can you repair a parent-child relationship?

According to Patricia, Jessica is out to get her and cannot be trusted. Patricia was quick to share her health history to get everyone up to speed. “I have 12 titles in weight lifting and I have cancer,” Patricia began. “I have had 17 strokes, brain surgery, plates in my head, pneumonia, collapsed lungs, and two near-death experiences.”

Dr Phil: Living Dead Girl Brain Surgery

Patricia said that she woke up from brain surgery without her memory, having to relearn how to do daily tasks. She also complained about side effects from her operations. But weight lifting started out as therapy for her, even though she was told it was not good for her given her health situation.

She showed off photographs of herself lifting weights and some of the medals she has received in competition. She also boasted about the nickname Living Dead Girl. As for Jessica, Patricia thinks her daughter is out for revenge and will do anything to make her mother look bad. “The story that you’re telling is absolutely inspirational,” Dr Phil said. “So why is your daughter not believing you?”

Dr Phil: Mini Strokes + Quitting Chemotherapy

According to Patricia, her mini strokes began around 2002. After a 2010 brain surgery, she had to relearn how to go to the bathroom. She also claimed that she lost significant weight when she was unable to eat following her operation. Her daughter quietly made faces and rolled her eyes during this questioning.

When Dr Phil wondered why she declined chemotherapy treatments at one point, she explained that it was making her too sick to work out at the gym. Thoughtfully, someone provided Dr Phil with Patricia’s medical records to give him some details.

Dr Phil: Lying About Brain Surgery & Cancer?

Patricia was steadfast in denying that she would make any of this up or that she might be lying even to herself. According to her medical records, Patricia did have brain surgery, but it was an outpatient procedure and she walked out of the hospital on her own.

This contradicts her claims that surgeons removed her face, ear and jaw, and that she lost up to 105 pounds in less than one week. “I’m confused,” Patricia said. “You’re a liar,” Jessica said. “You know what Jessica? You go have your head cut open and see how you feel,” her mother responded.

Dr Phil: Craniotomy & Home Inspection

Dr Phil offered to have a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon examine Patricia. She declined, but the physician in the audience said that her medical reports did not match up with her story or what would typically be required to perform a Craniotomy, which is the surgery she had according to her records.

Daughter Jessica is also worried about living conditions for her mother, her brothers, and the pets kept in the family home. Dr Phil sent someone to inspect the home, and Patricia claimed she hadn’t had time to clean up before the visit. Jessica insisted that the unsanitary conditions at home are responsible for at least three cases of pneumonia in the family.

Dr Phil: Dangerous Living Conditions + Sick Pets

Mold, cobwebs, and water damage were a few of the findings. Jessica also complained about how the pets are being neglected and do not get proper veterinary care. Dr Phil’s investigator did find dog waste in the home. “She shouldn’t be taking care of children and she shouldn’t be taking care of animals,” Jessica said.

Back onstage, Patricia insisted that she pays vet bills. Jessica was sad seeing the dog’s sorry condition. Dr Phil stepped in to insist that the animals in her home would receive proper care, regardless of the outcome of the family situation.

Dr Phil: Toxic Black Mold & #Illness4Attention

What were the results of the home inspection? Dr Phil got the results via phone from Triterra scientist Don McNabb. Toxic Black Mold was found in the home, which was infested and would be considered a health hazard.

Dr Phil offered to help Patricia move forward from her situation. The thing about cases like this is that when someone is in denial, they may not be ready or willing to make changes to something they will not acknowledge. Do you have a story about someone manipulating the truth or lying to gain sympathy? Share them on social media with #Illness4Attention.

Dr Phil: Repair a Parent-Child Relationship

What can Jessica and Patricia do if they want to repair their parent-child relationship? The best move is probably to attempt to start fresh with a clean slate. Set your judgment aside and focus on honesty.

Don’t expect miracles overnight, and be sure to go at your own pace when building or rebuilding a familial connection. Forgiveness can be a powerful tool, and that might mean forgiving yourself in addition to the other person.

Keep the lines of communication open and visualize what you want the relationship to be like. That might help you from reverting into old habits at the first sign of discord. Share your own suggestions or stories in the comments.