On 25 May 2007, I received an e-mail. The writer wanted me to help her sister-in-law, Jane (not real name), a thirty-nine-year old female who was diagnosed with colon cancer. She had undergone a surgery to remove a tumor, about the size of an orange, from her bowels. The cancer was probably at Stage 3 or 4. After the surgery, Jane underwent twelve cycles of chemotherapy over a six-month period. The writer wrote: we did try to convince her to take your herbs by showing her some of your testimonials and documentation while she was undergoing chemotherapy. However, she was not convinced about herbs.
Six months after completion of her treatment, a CT scan revealed multiple lesions in her liver, indicating that the cancer had spread to her vital organ. The oncologist suggested Jane undergo another twelve cycles of chemotherapy.
Knowing the seriousness of her situation, the writer brought Jane to meet one of my helpers. After a brief explanation, Jane was skeptical about our herbs! Jane proceeded with her next round of chemotherapy. After completing two cycles of her second-round of chemotherapy, she suffered discomforts such as: water retention, tiredness, etc. The writer wrote: The oncologist even suggested she eat a lot of organ meat such as liver from animals. How ridiculous it sounds from a person in the medical fraternity? At this moment on, she felt a bit uneasy with the oncologist and also with her treatment.
The writer ended with a plea: Would it be possible for her to meet up with you if you ever come here? Maybe you can be more convincing in your explanation about your herbs. Please help.
Comments
It has been twelve years since my wife and I started CA Care in 1995. We have seen and helped thousands of terminally ill cancer patients. The problem faced by Jane is very common indeed. Over the years we have learnt many lessons about helping people. There is a saying: There is no incurable disease, only incurable people. Our statistics tell us only thirty-percent of patients who came to see us benefit from our herbs and counseling, the remaining seventy-percent did not. Many of those who came were only seeking for a magic bullet and an easy way out. In this case, Jane did not believe in our work in the first place. She worked in a pharmaceutical company. As such, perhaps she has the idea that only scientifically manufactured pharmaceutical drugs can cure diseases -- herbs and non-conventional therapies are all hocus-pocus. Such an attitude is understandable. Each of us has our own beliefs and opinions.
On our part, we learnt early that we can only help people who want our help. We would not go as far as to brain wash or go out of our way to influence people to follow our therapy. Patients need to believe and be comfortable with what we do -- only then can they be committed in their healing. We cannot change people.
To make the situation worse, our help is provided free-of-charge. There seems to be a perception that something given for free is cheap or has no value. For the past twelve years we devoted much time and efforts doing just that. A Canadian friend of mine once asked: Chris, what is your trap, while an Australian friend commented: What you are doing is against the norm of the Western capitalist cultures. Perhaps to help fellow human beings without asking for a fee is alien to democratic, capitalist cultures, but for the Oriental cultures service to help mankind or kiu-lang (translated as save people), do happen and is nothing unusual. As for the trap? Well, there is no trap -- that is if you understand Oriental cultures.
Let me pose a few questions for you to reflect on.
One, Jane had Stage 3 or 4 colon cancer and underwent chemotherapy. Was chemotherapy done with curative or palliative intent? If it was to cure, surely it has failed. In my search of medical literature, I learnt that for Stage 1 or 2 colon cancer, the contribution of chemotherapy is only 8 to 15 percent, in term of five-year survival. In my earlier writings, I even suggested that such perceived benefits could be substituted by taking of herbs or a change of diet.
Two, after twelve cycles of chemotherapy, the cancer metastatised to the liver. Why? To what extent had chemotherapy contributed to this spread? Do patients ever pose such a question? It is acknowledged that chemo-drugs are toxic to the liver.
Three, more chemotherapy was recommended for Janes metastasis. Again ask: Is this to cure or to palliate? If the intent was to cure -- what do you think would be the chance of success this time? Remember, the first round of chemotherapy had failed. After the first two cycles of chemotherapy, Jane suffered adverse side effects -- is this not telling Jane that something is not right?
Four, the oncologist advised Jane to eat more organ meat. To alternative practitioners, animal proteins are bad for cancer. Jane should read more about this subject instead of relying on just one-view-opinion of an oncologist.
Five, there is a saying: To know is science, to assume one knows is ignorance. In cancer, ignorance often kills. By virtue of her being on the staff of a pharmaceutical drug company does not make Jane all knowing. To assume that she knows all about drugs for cancer is indeed nave of her. While it is good to be skeptical, it is surely presumptuous to totally accept the notion that herbs are ineffective and pharmaceutical drugs are better. There is no greater tragedy for those who have eyes but refuse to see, have ears but refuse to hear.
Six, whilst Janes sister-in-law showed concern for her, it is up to Jane to realize that: Her health is entirely her own responsibility. She is the author of her own life story. Others can only help. Jane has to make her own decision and be ready to live with the consequences of that decision. It is sufficient for Janes sister-in-law to play the role of a little angel by alerting her to a different possibility. The rest is for Jane to act accordingly following her heart.
Seven, after having received their treatments, patients should take a pause at some point in time, before it is too late and evaluate their outcomes. Ask these questions: Do I benefit from the treatment? Do I get any better? If things do not work out as expected, do I still want to persist on the same path? When do I say enough is enough? Am I brave enough to say enough is enough?
For more information about complementary cancer therapy visit: http://www.cacare.com, http://www.NaturalHealingForYou.com, http://www.BookOnCancer.com
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