colon rectal cancer

Tan (M-73) was 50 years old when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Prior to her diagnosis Tan had been passing out blood in her stools. She took various kinds of herbs but they were not effective. In December 2002, Tan came to a private hospital in Penang and underwent a colostomy operation. A temporary "bag" was fitted. After five months, April 2003, colostomy reversal operation was performed whereby the colon was reconnected and there was no need to use the bag anymore.

The histopathology report dated 19 December 2002 indicated: moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the rectum, Duke Stage C (infiltration into pararectal lymph node). Resected margin: clear. Pararectal lymph nodes: metastatic adenocarcinoma (1/5).

The surgeon suggested that Tan undergo radiotherapy. She refused. She also did not wish to undergo chemotherapy. Tan opted for herbs instead.

Three months on the herbs, Tan reported improvements in her health. She looked better and felt better. Before taking herbs, she had difficulty moving her bowels but with the herbs, there was no problem. An ultrasound done on 4 July 2003 showed normal results.

Tan come to Penang every year to see her doctor for routine check up. So far, nothing is amiss. On 3 July 2009, Tan reported that everything was fine. It has been more than 6 years that she is on herbs. The following are excerpts of our video conversation.

First visit: 18 April 2003

Tan came with a companion and it is her companion who spoke to us.

Companion: The doctor wanted to do radiotherapy. She refused. She also refused chemotherapy.

Second visit, after 3 months on herbs: 4 July 2003

Tan came with a companion and it is her companion who spoke to us.

Question: After 3 months on the herbs, were you okay?
Companion: She is better.

Q: Are you more energetic?
Com: Sure.

Q: You felt better, no pains?
Com: Yes.

Third visit, 6 months on herbs: 21 November 2003

Tan came with a companion and it is her companion who spoke.
Q: When did you do this (referring to X-ray)?
Companion: Today.
Q: What did the doctor say?
Com: Good results.
Q: Please take care of your diet. Also continue to take the herbs.

Fourth visit, 5 years on herbs: 4 July 2008

Tan came alone, without her companion.

Q: Wah, it has been 5 years...
Tan: Six years (after her diagnosis).

Q: No radiotherapy, no chemo.... Did you take care of your diet?
Tan: Yes.

Q: You went to see your doctor - what did he say?
Tan: Very good... it has been 6 years now (after her diagnosis).

Q: Did the doctor know that you are taking herbs and that you did not go for chemo or radiotherapy?
Tan: Yes, he knew. When I took the herbs, I felt well. I take the herbs everyday.

Q: Let me tell you this - if I were you, I would continue to do what you have been doing - don't change. Now you feel good but we will not know when the cancer would come back.

Fifth visit, 6 years on herbs: 3 July 2009

Tan came alone, without her companion.

Q: How long now?
Tan: Seven years (since the diagnosis).

Q: You came here to see your doctor?
Tan: Yes, I saw him just now. The doctor said: Good. He did not give me any medication but asked me to continue to take the herbs. The doctor said the herbs are already my medication.

Q: The doctor said that? He did not scold you for taking the herbs?
Tan: No, no. I showed him the herbs.

Q: As a person, are you okay - any problem? Did you take care of your diet?
Tan: Sometimes, I miss out a bit. I ate a bit of chicken meat. Then I will take herbs after that.

Q: What happen if you did not take the herbs?
Tan: I had the urge to move my bowels. With the herbs after taking chicken, I felt okay..

Comments:

This is a Stage 3 cancer. Normal convention is that Tan must undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy as suggested by her surgeon. But she declined further medical treatment. There is no recurrence or metastasis as of this writing. The question to ask is: Why did the doctor ask her to undergo radiotherapy in the first place? Was it just a procedural advice - to comply with medical convention? Let us ask this question: What could have been the result if Tan were to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy? Would these treatments be more damaging and cause misery to her life?

It must be emphasized that Tan's healing is not due to the herbs alone. Her diet is just equally important. We ask patients to abstain from meat, sugar, table salts, dairy products and oil. To do well patients must change to a healthy diet and lifestyle.

For more information about complementary cancer therapy visit: http://www.cacare.com/, http://www.cancercaremalaysia.com/

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Colon or colorectal cancer begins in the large intestine or rectum. There are 5 stages to this form of cancer. If the cancer is still contained in the inner most lining of the colon and has not spread anywhere, it is in stage 0. In stage 1, the cancer has expanded from the inner lining to the middle lining. The cancer is considered to be in stage 2 when it has spread past the middle layer. The cancer becomes stage 3 when at least three lymph nodes are affected. In Stage 4, the cancer is in the most developed stage and has already spread to the nearby lymph nodes and most parts of the body.

In the initial stages of cancer, that is stage 0 and stage 1, when it has not spread, then the cancer can be removed surgically. When it is in the later stages, chemotherapy is required after surgery. The treatment is with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy refers to the drugs that are utilised to kill cancer cells. These drugs are given in many ways. They can be administered intravenously by injection and intravenously by using a pump. They can also be given in pill form. These drugs have a precise dose and programs for taking them.

Cancer cells grow more quickly than normal cells. Chemotherapy treatments affect fast growing cells and, therefore, will act on the cancer cells. Unfortunately, certain cells of the body also grow quickly. These are cells in the hair, skin cells, immune system and also cells in the digestive system, throat and mouth. Chemotherapy treatments are given for the different stages of cancer and depends on the advance of cancer in the body.

Normally chemotherapy is given in rotations. One may take chemotherapy weekly for eight weeks. Chemotherapy can also be taken every a month for nine months. It could also be received every day of the week. The duration and frequency will depend on the stage of the colorectal cancer.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is given before surgery. This is done to shrink the tumour. The surgeon will then be able to remove the tumour with no complications. Radiation along with chemotherapy makes the procedure effective. It will then be possible for the surgeon to remove it.

Adjuvant chemotherapy is given after surgery and removal of the cancer. This is employed to eliminate any cancer cells that the surgery may have missed and those that have spread to the liver.

Primary chemotherapy is done when the cancer is in the final stages and has already spread to the various parts of the body. Chemotherapy is used as surgery alone cannot remove the cancer. It is used to shrink the tumours and make it possible to be surgically removed. Chemotherapy is also given after surgery. The procedure will be able to ease the symptoms. It could also extend ones life.

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