It's hard for me to be critical of the measures that some will take in seeking a cure for their disease, since I have my own alternative medicine regimens and beliefs, but sometimes a post comes across my computer that just seems so over the top, I have to say something.
Recently a member of the mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) e-mail group I subscribe to, posted the following to the group about an alternative treatment plan he is undertaking.
[NOTE]I considered posting a response on this subject to the MCL group, but decided against it. Since my diagnosis, I have believed it was all the vitamins, supplements and other unnatural-natural things that my wife and I took for a long time, which caused, or at least contributed to our illnesses. So rather than post to the e-mail group, where emotions can run high sometimes, I decided to post only here. While my intent is not always to spark controversy, it is always meant to promote thought.[/note]
Maybe what they say is true, "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger". He goes on
The first part almost sounds like blood letting to me, and then intravenous injections of hydrogen peroxide, well if that doesn't sound like quackery, I don't know what would.
In my opinion, you either have to have tremendous faith in your doctor, or be extremely desperate to follow such a course of treatment. I doubt that I would ever have enough faith in any doctor to go to such extremes, and if I were that desperate, I'm not sure it would be worth it anywaze.
But the Naturopath did have one piece of redeeming advice, and that was concerning diet.
That is where I am happy to say I am in complete agreement with the Naturopath. A healthy diet lacking in refined sugars is the best way to fight off cancers. Not sure what is so bad about corn, or if there is any benefit in natural peanut or almond butter, but then I'm not a doctor or nutritionist. I just have strong opinions.
There was one last point that was made in the post which I do take particular exception to.
There I have to agree, with the oncologist that is. I think VooDoo medicine might just be a good term for what is being prescribed here. (NOTE: I'm not trying to disparage VooDoo here. While there are many who truly believe VooDoo is real, I do have my doubts, but I think it best if I cover my bases.) :)
The other accurate statement is, there have not been any significant advances in the past 30 years in the treatment of cancers, blood or otherwise. With the exception of the addition of some monoclonal antibodies, which have shown some encouraging results, the standard cancer treatment is the same as it was 30 years ago, that is to infuse deadly chemicals into the body in an attempt to destroy the cancer cells. Nothing has really changed, except maybe for the chemicals.
While there is current research into vaccines, it is still in its infancy, and there are no studies yet, indicating the efficacy of such vaccines. Advances have also been made in the area of stem cell transplants, but some might consider those extreme measures as well, considering the risks.
IMO, we would be a lot further along in changing the current state of medicine for treating cancer and all kinds of disease, if so many people in the US weren't hung up on the use of embryonic stem cells for medical research. Their steadfast position against the use of embryonic stem cells for the advancement of medical science, while at the same time permitting the wanton destruction of these same stem cells, without considering the potential benefit to society in curing many diseases, is beyond my comprehension.
Umh! I wonder if that comment will spark any controversy? :)
Recently a member of the mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) e-mail group I subscribe to, posted the following to the group about an alternative treatment plan he is undertaking.
[NOTE]I considered posting a response on this subject to the MCL group, but decided against it. Since my diagnosis, I have believed it was all the vitamins, supplements and other unnatural-natural things that my wife and I took for a long time, which caused, or at least contributed to our illnesses. So rather than post to the e-mail group, where emotions can run high sometimes, I decided to post only here. While my intent is not always to spark controversy, it is always meant to promote thought.[/note]
Presently my NMD [Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine] has me on a wide range of herbal drugs [all in pill form]: Recanostat (a liver cleanser), Red Clover (an immune builder), Seacure (dried white ocean fish in a capsule for weight gain), Gastinc (weight gain), Adrenal (swelling of throat) and Compound X out of Reno, NV. (immune builder) - [ap]parentally an old Indian formula of various type herbs & roots. Compound X is the main treatment now and is a nasty tasting paste that you put in gel cap just before taking. It will make you nauseated, and I have to eat some fruit shortly afterwards to keep it down. ....
Maybe what they say is true, "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger". He goes on
Also she [the NMD] does a blood/ozone/oxygen treatment every two weeks where she draws out 250cc [of] blood, run[s] it through a light machine, add[s] oxygen and then puts it back in. This is suppose[d] to clear the blood of impurities. The blood has changed color from a near purple/black condition to a red condition - so it must be working. Also during this same treatment I will either have a hydrogen peroxide treatment (150 cc) - for breathing, and there is another intravenous treatment of 250 cc for the immune system..
The first part almost sounds like blood letting to me, and then intravenous injections of hydrogen peroxide, well if that doesn't sound like quackery, I don't know what would.
She [the NMD] is going to start me on intravenous vit[amin] [C] treatment this coming Tuesday. .....[S]he is concerned about the fatigue and is having some blood test[s] run. She also wants me to start shots directly into the lymph nodes in the right groin area. It is a drug made in Germany and I can get it through a Canad[ian] dist[ributer]. The shots are twenty-one days in a row with two days off and then start all over. I would have to do a min. of three series. This is suppose to drain your lymph system. My NMD believes in building a strong immune system and it then will fight the cancer. ...
In my opinion, you either have to have tremendous faith in your doctor, or be extremely desperate to follow such a course of treatment. I doubt that I would ever have enough faith in any doctor to go to such extremes, and if I were that desperate, I'm not sure it would be worth it anywaze.
But the Naturopath did have one piece of redeeming advice, and that was concerning diet.
My part is following her diet. No sugar or products made from refined sugar, no sodas, no milk products whatsoever, no corn or corn products, and no pork products. This is a killer for me as I love my cheeses, Mexican food and sodas. Suppose to eat lots of green fresh leafy vegetables, fish, chicken and red meat, also beans, potatoes and eggs. Can only cook in olive oil. Also wants me eating a lot of fresh fruit, especially red fruit, lots of nuts - walnuts, unsalted peanuts, almonds and natural peanut butter or almond butter.
That is where I am happy to say I am in complete agreement with the Naturopath. A healthy diet lacking in refined sugars is the best way to fight off cancers. Not sure what is so bad about corn, or if there is any benefit in natural peanut or almond butter, but then I'm not a doctor or nutritionist. I just have strong opinions.
There was one last point that was made in the post which I do take particular exception to.
... My problem is I may have to find me a new onc[ologist] that is up to date and proactive. When I see my present onc[ologist] he will ask me if I am ready for chemo and then I ask him if there are any changes out. His answer is nope no changes, therefore my answer is always nope. Doing a lot of research on my own, I find there is a lot of changes, so don't know where he is coming from. He calls alternative medicine voodoo. So you see what I am up against.
There I have to agree, with the oncologist that is. I think VooDoo medicine might just be a good term for what is being prescribed here. (NOTE: I'm not trying to disparage VooDoo here. While there are many who truly believe VooDoo is real, I do have my doubts, but I think it best if I cover my bases.) :)
The other accurate statement is, there have not been any significant advances in the past 30 years in the treatment of cancers, blood or otherwise. With the exception of the addition of some monoclonal antibodies, which have shown some encouraging results, the standard cancer treatment is the same as it was 30 years ago, that is to infuse deadly chemicals into the body in an attempt to destroy the cancer cells. Nothing has really changed, except maybe for the chemicals.
While there is current research into vaccines, it is still in its infancy, and there are no studies yet, indicating the efficacy of such vaccines. Advances have also been made in the area of stem cell transplants, but some might consider those extreme measures as well, considering the risks.
IMO, we would be a lot further along in changing the current state of medicine for treating cancer and all kinds of disease, if so many people in the US weren't hung up on the use of embryonic stem cells for medical research. Their steadfast position against the use of embryonic stem cells for the advancement of medical science, while at the same time permitting the wanton destruction of these same stem cells, without considering the potential benefit to society in curing many diseases, is beyond my comprehension.
Umh! I wonder if that comment will spark any controversy? :)
Comments
8ozs Pomegranate Juice a day to try and activate the P53 gene. In the begining after diagnosis I did do massive Vitamin supps and a srict vegetarian diet but I stopped that after 14 months. So I dont feel I go overboard.
Jennifer