Many patients come to us with high expectations. They come looking for the magic bullet. They want a cure for their cancers. And they come most often after all medical treatments have failed them. Surely this is extremely unrealistic. Some even reached the point of being absurd — expecting miraculous results within one or two weeks!

A lady and her two daughters traveled for five hours by bus to see us. The lady had colon cancer that had spread to the liver. She was on oral 5-FU. As the three visitors sat down by my table, the daughters requested us not to tell their mother that she had cancer. That was a fair request. But, when I turned to the patient, she blurted out that she did not want to take herbs. Then, why come and see me?, I asked. I told her that I was not a magician. Healing needs genuine effort on her part and if she was not prepared to help herself, nobody else could.

From experience, NOT all who come and see us find their healing. If you are interested in statistics, only 30% of those who came to seek our help benefited or found healing in one way or another. Many came on a “fishing trip”, hoping to find a magic potion and some luck. Let me share with you some factors from my observations as to why people can or cannot find their healing.

1) Fear. Many who come are generally in panic and lost in fear. They get thrown off-course after being told of their cancer diagnosis. And things are made worse when they are pressured to go for immediate treatments: surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy — sometimes, by tomorrow or the day after, or else the “cancer will spread like wild fire”. Indeed, this is sad misinformation! Cancer patients should know that any decision made in a state of fear and panic is never a good decision. We often tell patients to take it easy. Calm down so as to have some “space” and peace. Decide what your priorities are — to live longer or a quality life? Take a bit of time to think things over, evaluate the strategy and seek a second or third opinion before you commit your life into someone else’s hands. Committing your life and believing in only one doctor is perhaps not the best option. It may even be the beginning of a wrong journey.

2) Ignorance. There is a Chinese saying: The road to health is the road of knowledge. Ignoring knowledge is to end up with sickness. Many people who come to us are basically ignorant of their own health and are caught off-guard when faced with cancer! Almost overnight they have to cope with a life-or-death problem for which they are not prepared for. There is another Chinese saying: You don’t sharpen your sword while in the battlefield! Or, start to dig a well when you are thirsty. But how many people actually practise this? In fact, many well-to-do, healthy people do not read or want to know about cancer when they are still healthy. To them it is a taboo, which will probably bring bad luck.

Many cancer patients have the impression that after surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy they are cured of their cancer. One cancer patient, Devi (not real name) told me: I have not read much about cancer and after I have had my radiotherapy I thought I was cured! I was sent for a scan and the doctor said there was no evidence of cancer. That was it. I thought that was the end of cancer. I never ever conceived that the cancer would ever come back again. I thought I was cured. Exactly a year later, I had a relapse of the lymphoma. And Devi is not a village housewife or any person on the street. She is a lawyer!

3) Quick fix and instant noodles mentality. As said earlier, a majority of patients who come to see us expect a quick fix. This is unfortunate and we tell them in no uncertain terms that we do not have a magic bullet to do such a thing. Healing takes time. But most people want things the easy way and fast.

4) Kiasu, translated means — afraid to lose. This is an expression to describe an attitude of only wanting to “win” and seeking healing on their own terms. Many patients have the impression that managing cancer is as simple as taking a pill for a headache. Unfortunately with cancer, it is very much more complex than that. We need to change our mental attitude, our lifestyle and our diet besides undergoing all the treatments and taking drugs. Even after they have suffered relapses from their cancers, many patients do not seem to realise or learn that there are more than just the medical treatments, if they want to regain their wellness. They insist on playing the game according to their own rules — seeking to be healed on their own terms. Another sore point we encounter is the change to a good and nutritious diet. They would insist on eating whatever they like. They are not happy when told to avoid unhealthy food.

5) Complacence. Those who are really sick very often come with open ears to our advice. They readily agree to practise what we advise them to do. I often tell them this: When you are dying you will listen and follow what I advise you, but when you are a bit better you curse me! As patients become more energetic and regain their appetite they start to be fussy and demand to go back to their old lifestyle. So, we always remind patients not to be complacent even after they feel well. The cancer may come back. If you think you are done with cancer, remember, cancer may not be done with you yet.

Our advice to cancer patients is to be positive always. Learn to take things easy. We also hope that their healing experience has changed their lifestyle and attitude to life positively, and permanently. Often people ask me this question: When can I go back to my old favorite food? Some people learn easily while some learn things the hard way. Many others do not seem to want to learn at all. Our answer to such a question is well known: Never go back to your old unhealthy habits. But later, if for some reasons, you decide that you are bored or tired with life — then indulge in whatever you want, and pray that you go quickly and peacefully.

The second question often asked of me is: When can I stop taking the herbs? There are many patients who have been on the herbs for the past three to ten years and they are still taking them. While on this, my mind goes back to a pretty lady — our friend Su, a matron in a hospital. She had thyroid cancer and was one of our earliest patients. The doctor told her that she would not be able to get her voice back and her prognosis was not good. She took Capsule A herb and drank fresh rodent tuber juice. In addition, she underwent radioiodine treatment. She became well and could even sing in the church choir. She became whole again. One evening she came to CA Care with a nice cake as a present for us. The cake was loaded with sugar and it really disappointed me! A few months later, we learnt that Su was not well again. We called Su’s husband and asked if we could be of any help. It was too late as the cancer had spread to her lungs. She was breathless and died soon afterwards. We went to her house and talked to her husband, a staff of a health department. I asked him this frank question: Why did Su stop taking the herbs? His answer was: We thought that the problem was over. We were over-confident because she had recovered so well. So we stopped the herbs and went back to eating our catered “bad” food again.

Indeed, patients do have choices. So exercise that prerogative wisely. Reflect on the above true story. For me, if at all there is a lesson to learn or advice to give, let not Su die in vain — she has a message for you.

Chris Teo, Ph.D.

For more information visit our website: cacare.com cacare.com, CancerCare.com.my CancerCare.com.my

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Tags: cancer patient, chemotherapy, colon cancer, healing, lymphoma, thyroid cancer

Prostate problems will develop in the vast majority of men as they grow older, commonly starting at around 50 years of age. By 60 about half of all men will be affected and by the age of 80 nine out of every ten men will be experiencing some sort of prostate symptoms.

In many cases prostate symptoms will be quite mild and, because at this time in life most of us are starting to develop a range of medical problems, we tend to ignore prostate symptoms as being nothing more than a normal part of the ageing process. In many cases this is fine as most of the problems seen with the prostate are not serious and, as long as the symptoms don’t bother you too much you can live with them quite happily, they won’t do you any harm.

Unfortunately, however, in all too many cases prostate cancer is present which, if ignored, will eventually spread and probably kill you. Indeed, prostate cancer accounts for the second highest cancer death toll in the United States today.

So, what should you be on the lookout for?

There are a range of different prostate symptoms that might point to developing problems and, as with most things, these symptoms can also be caused by a whole range of other problems. In most cases however if the symptoms are not being caused by problems with the prostate they will tend to be short lived, arising perhaps from a bacterial infection which clears up in a week or two without the need for treatment. If however any of these symptoms appear on a regular basis, or appear and stay with you, then there it is likely that they will originate in the prostate gland. The symptoms are:

Difficulty in starting to urinate and a need to strain in order to start urinating.
A weak flow of urine.
A tendency for the flow of urine to stop and start.
A feeling that you have not emptied your bladder even after you’ve just been to the bathroom.
A feeling that you need to visit the bathroom urgently and difficulty in “holding on”.
The need for more frequent visits to the bathroom and, in particular, a need to get up during the night.
A tendency to continue to dribble urine after you have finished in the bathroom.

These prostate symptoms are the body’s warning signs that problems may be starting to develop and, whilst in most cases, this is not serious and nothing to be worried about, for all too many men these are the warning signs of a serious and in many cases fatal disease.

The only way to find out whether you fall into the former or the latter category is get yourself checked out and that means not ignoring the warning signs but talking to your doctor without delay.

Please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com for more information about prostatecancerexplained.com/prostate-symptoms.html” target=”_blank prostate symptoms or for more information about prostate cancer in general and a prostatecancerexplained.com” target=”_blank prostate cancer cure in particular.

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Tags: prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a complex heterogeneous disease that acts differently in different men. Therefore, treatment varies amongst individuals. A wide array of treatments exists for prostate cancer, which includes surgery, radiation, hormone deprivation therapy, chemotherapy, dietary changes and the use of various herbal supplements.

A patient may undergo hormonal therapy to reduce the level of testosterone in the body. Drugs that reduce testosterone production by the testicles like Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LH-RH) agonists are administered. The effect is not immediate and occurs 2-4 weeks after initiation of the therapy. Orchiectomy or castration is a surgical procedure that completely removes the testicles. It produces an immediate and permanent reduction in testosterone. Another alternative hormonal treatment is the use of hormone-blocking drugs, called antiandrogens. Antiandrogens like flutamide and nilutamide block the body’s ability to use androgens, such as testosterone.

Surgeons may use different techniques to remove the prostate. Surgical removal of the entire prostate gland is called radical prostatectomy. Radical prostatectomy is usually performed to remove early-stage prostate cancer that has not yet spread to other parts of the body. Side effects after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer include incontinence and impotence. Cryosurgery, in which liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and kill prostate cancer cells is a common procedure. During cryosurgery, a warming catheter is inserted through the penis and this protects the urethra.

Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy x-rays or subatomic particles to kill cancer cells. The rays may either be beamed from a machine or emitted by radioactive seeds implanted in the prostate.

Chemotherapy is also used to destroy cancer cells. Drugs are introduced into the body via the blood stream. The drugs work by destroying those cells that divide or grow rapidly. The most common side effects of chemotherapy are tiredness, nausea and hair loss.

Watchful waiting also known as “observation” is an option that physicians may use. The patients receive no active treatment unless symptoms appear. They may be asked to schedule regular medical checkups and report any new symptoms to the doctor immediately.

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for patients where cancer is detected while still in the local and regional stage is almost 100%.

e-Prostate.com Prostate provides detailed information on Prostate, Prostate Cancer, Prostate Health, Prostate Cancer Treatment and more. Prostate is affiliated with e-ProstateCancer.com Prostate Cancer Treatments.

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Tags: cancer treatment, chemotherapy, prostate cancer

My experiences with cancer patients do not support the perception that chemotherapy guarantees survival from colon cancer — that is to say, without it patients die. I have seen too many cases of chemo-failures to believe that.

I must add, though, that I am not against chemotherapy per se. When I started CA Care, I insisted that patients go for chemotherapy if asked by his/her doctor. But unfortunately with time, I gathered more wisdom. I now refrain from participating in patients’ chemo-decision. I must say, however, that I am not agreeable to the “indiscriminate” use of chemotherapy. Even more so, if the cards have not been laid out clearly on the table. Unfortunately in some cases, patients are being misled. A clear example is the story below.

Jack (not real name) was a 32-year old male. In April 2002, he suffered abdominal pains. A CT scan on 26 April 2002, indicated cancer of the sigmoid colon with numerous metastases in his liver. He was asked to undergo a surgery and chemotherapy. He was told by his doctor that his chances were 40:60 (what does that mean?)

Jack did not want to do chemotherapy, as suggested by the doctor in Penang. So, he went to Singapore in search for a “better cure.” There in Singapore, an oncologist said this to him: “Since you do not want to do chemo, that is alright. I would only use some chemicals to WASH your liver.” Jack readily agreed. So in July 2002, the Singapore oncologist started this “washing-his-liver procedure” on him. The “procedure” was repeated five times. On 1 October 2002, it was the end of the “washing.” While at home, Jack felt giddy and was unable to eat. He slipped into a coma and had to be rushed to a private hospital in Penang. Emergency procedures were provided and he survived and was hospitalized for about a week. His condition was not good. He could not sit up, the veins in his back were blue-black in colour, his back ached and he was put on morphine. His stomach was bloated and both his legs swelled. He could only breathe through his mouth. He died soon afterwards.

How could the oncologist tell this young man that he is only “washing his liver” in spite of the fact that he had made it clear that he did NOT agree to undergo chemotherapy. He died even before his treatment was completed. Gavin Phillips ( cancerinform.org/docs.html) wrote: “Some people think that higher ethical and moral standards are automatically bestowed upon people along with advanced degrees, such as a MD or Ph.D. I wish it was true, but it is not. Doctors are just as likely to lie or cheat for personal gains as anybody else is. It doesn’t matter how many Harvard degrees a person has if they are willing to sacrifice their morals and professional ethics for money or career advancement”

For more views on complementary cancer therapy, visit cacare.com cacare.com, cancer-answers.blogspot.com cancer-answers.blogspot.com

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Tags: cancer patient, chemotherapy, colon cancer, colorectal cancer

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. Cancer that grows in the prostate gland is called prostate cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the U.S.

Men have traditionally been less likely to seek medical attention than women, especially for minor problems which often serve as warning signs for more serious underlying illness. It’s estimated that approximately 234,460 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and approximately 27,350 will die of the disease.

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old.

Some men will experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. One symptom is a need to urinate frequently, especially at night. If cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. Weak or interrupted flow of urine and painful or burning urination can be symptoms to watch out for. Other symptoms might include unintentional weight loss and lethargy. One cancer symptom is difficulty starting urination or holding back urine.

A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. When a digital rectal exam is performed it often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface. A bone scan can indicate whether the cancer has spread or not.

Another test usually used when symptoms are present is the digital rectal exam (DRE) performed by the doctor. A number of tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis. There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer.

Medications can have many side effects, including hot flashes and loss of sexual desire. Chemotherapy medications are often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments. Radiation therapy is used primarily to treat prostate cancers classified as stages A, B, or C.

Side effects of chemotherapy drugs depend on which ones you’re taking and how often and how long they’re taken. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options. Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all.

Impotence is a potential complication after the prostatectomy or after radiation therapy. An oncology specialist will usually recommend treating with a single drug or a combination of drugs. Treatment options can vary based on the stage of the tumor.

Other medications used for hormonal therapy, with side effects, include androgen-blocking agents, which prevent testosterone from attaching to prostate cells. The conventional treatment of prostate cancer is often controversial. Thoroughly discuss your treatment options and concerns with your doctor and other health professionals; it never hurts to get a second or even third opinion or more if necessary.

Radiation therapy to the prostate gland is either external or internal, both of which use high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Since prostate tumors require testosterone to grow, reducing the testosterone level is used to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer.

Because it’s a slow-growing disease, many men with this disease will die from other causes before they die from prostate cancer. In the end, only you with the help of your doctors, knowing your individual situation, can determine the best treatment program for you. Once diagnosed you may be want to join a support group whose members share their experiences and problems.

For more information on BestProstateHealthTips.com prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to BestProstateHealthtips.com BestProstateHealthtips.com Helen Hecker R.N.’s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and BestProstateHealthTips.com natural prostate cancer treatments

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Tags: cancer treatment, chemotherapy, prostate cancer