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| My dad at his 70th surprise Birthday party, graciously thanking everyone. |
It was less than three months ago when I received news my dad has esophageal cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes and other organs which had deemed him in the dreaded "stage 4" realm. The Western medicine protocol was to begin immediate doses of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy works by killing fast-growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, chemotherapy drugs can't always tell the difference between cancer cells and fast-growing healthy cells, including red and white blood cells. As a result, one of the most serious potential side effects of many types of chemotherapy drugs is a low white blood cell count. White blood cells are responsible for fighting infection.
When I tried to educate myself a little more about what "chemo" really is, this is what I learned: the chemicals that are used, fit into four categories--
1. Alkylating agents 2. Vinca alkaloids 3. Cytotoxic antibiotics 4. Anti-metabolites.
ALKYLATING AGENTS are drugs that work by directly attacking the DNA of a cell. These drugs can work at any time of the cell cycle, but are most effective during DNA synthesis.
NITROSOUREAS are similar to alkylating agents, and work by inhibiting the changes necessary for DNA repair. A very important feature of this class of drugs is that they can cross the blood-brain barrier which makes them very useful for treating brain tumors.
ANTIMETABOLITES block cell growth by interfering with DNA synthesis. These drugs work by mimicking a substance involved in DNA synthesis, inhibiting production of an acid necessary for DNA to be synthesized.
ANTITUMOR ANTIBIOTICS work by binding with DNA to prevent RNA synthesis. These also prevent cell growth by preventing DNA replication. Antitumor antibiotics prevent the DNA from reattaching itself together which causes the cell to die.
And when researching the overall survival rates no matter where I looked, after being treated by chemo the outlook was not promising at an average of 2-5%. Here is one of those tables:
The following table was published in the journal Clinical Oncology in December 2004. The results of this study were astonishing, showing that chemotherapy has an average 5-year survival success rate of just over 2 percent for ALL cancers! http://fiocco59.altervista.org/ALLEGATI/MORGAN.PDF
My dad was hooked up, ready to go, and the appointment was made to begin chemotherapy treatment. We celebrated Christmas at Dad's house, he was in good spirits, but we all had our battle gloves on, for we all knew the road ahead was not easy. And then the change of plans...he would attack cancer from the opposite side of the world!
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| Dad, Grandma Allen, at the Christmas Party |
The Eastern methods of working with the body, rather than killing the cancerous cells and many others along with it---he feeds his body with an abundance of everything that is good and positive and rid it of all that is toxic and allow dad's body to kill the cancerous cells and enjoy his quality of life THROUGH the process. Quackery? Huh? or is it cultural bias?I'm not really an expert in any of it. This is my first real close experience with cancer. But here are some observations that I find peculiar in our socially constructed paradigms...
There is something called "taken for granted knowledge," that isn't knowledge at all.
Sensationalism and Negativity SELLs...
We each pursue happiness in our own way, and that diversity is a great thing~
I am grateful for a father and my mom#2, Rondy who have so bravely made a choice to follow what makes sense to them. I am saddened when there is judgment by those who think that my dad has not chosen the "right" path by refusing chemo. I am further amazed when one goes against the NORM how there is less attention given than if one chooses the traditions of the culture.
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| Dad and Rondy leaving one of the treatment rooms, with happy faces! |
I find it fascinating that another cancer patient is considered a "public figure" because they have taken their treatment public and the sentiments are publicized and furthermore the Dr. is celebrated for his heroic efforts to save her life. I certainly have no ill towards her and I wish her all the best. I only wonder why naturopathic doctors such as Larry Womack has spent his life researching and teaching people about their bodies to empower people further and why he is criticized by the medical profession? It seems as though building a bridge between Western and Eastern medicine would be of great benefit for the patients of many diseases.
It seems to me we put a great deal into labels and words... which is ok, I love words...
And this would be one of my top PiCks of Doctor's...East or West!
And my DAD, well I would only choose HIM!
My top pick for a Doctor as well. I loved this East vs West post. And I also really love your Dad.
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog from somewhere else and this is such an interesting thing to me, something I think about a lot lately- traditional vs. Holistic. I several friends here in Idaho who are into more holistic approaches. I think so much of it makes sense. I admire your father for his decision. The best to him and your family as you go through this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the support we have been given!
ReplyDeleteThe "public figure" I was speaking I was informed via facebook from her good nurse passed away this past week after battling her esophageal cancer. My condolences to her family, for they fought a brave fight. The other patient who was diagnosed at the same time with the same type of cancer as my father only 3 short months ago has passed as well.
We are blessed and grateful for each day...and my Dad is a STUD!
Good for your dad, chemo can make you so sick that you don't enjoy those around you.
ReplyDeleteThe hope of chemo is that the fast dividing cancer cells will take-up more poison and die off before the person. Western vs Eastern approach...?