Mary (not real name) came to our centre with her parents and son. Sometime in September 2015, she found a cancerous  2.5 cm lump in her left breast. A lumpectomy was done and the histopathology report confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma, Grade 3. The lymphovascular permeation by tumour cells are frequently seen. The tumour was positive for estrogen and C-erB-2 receptors but  negative for progesterone receptor.

In view of the above results, Mary was asked to undergo the following treatments.

1. a) Chemo – 12 cycles. The first three cycles, once every three weeks and the remaining nine cycles every week.
2. b) In addition, Herceptin will be required for one whole year. This costs about RM 120,000.
3. c) Radiotherapy, 20 sessions.
4. d) Hormone therapy — to take Tamoxifen for 10 years (now, upgraded from 5 years!)

1. Why did Mary come and see us?

She was not “happy” with the above treatment package. But she said since she is the wife of a medical doctor, these are the required treatments that her husband believe in.

Mary’s father said,  Since I knew that she was reluctant to undergo these treatments, I told her to come and see you. I know you from a friend who came to see you because of his wife’s cancer. But it was too late, she died.

2. Can these treatment package cure your breast cancer?

Mary said, NO! It is only to prolong life.

Since doctors sometimes admit and sometimes do not admit that chemo / radiation are NOT able to cure patients, the next best thing to say it is done to prolong life! Making you live longer, never mind if it is like going through “hell” or otherwise.

Read what Dr. Levin said about chemotherapy.

3. Chemo and radiation prolong life at what cost to Mary — emotionally, physically and financially?

Since Mary is a doctor’s wife, maybe paying hospital bills would not be a problem. After all, her husband doctor is working in the same hospital and the rest of the cancer doctors are his friends.

Patients differ in their response to chemo-drugs and radiation. You would not know how “good” or “bad” the side effects can be not until you have gone through the treatments yourself.

Reflect on what these authors wrote about chemotherapy:

In Your Breast (pg. 175-189) I have documented some cases of women who had undergone similar treatment package which Mary is about to undergo! The results were disastrous.  You can also read these in our website: https://cancercaremalaysia.com/category/breast-cancer/

Many people would say that I am just being biased in trying to write only about failures.  Why so negative? Surely, there are patients who are “cured” by these treatments! Agreed, but unfortunately no one can tell you if you are going to succeed or fail with these treatments. If you fail, you may end up miserable or dead. Take you chance.

4. No herbs for now. Bring your family — husband included, to see us.

I must admit I am in a difficult situation. I am sure Mary is also in a difficult position.

Yes, we have given herbs to doctors who had cancer before. We have given herbs to parents of doctors who had cancer. We have given herbs to nurses, radiographers and pharmacists. We had given herbs to a doctor’s wife after her medical treatments did not “cure” her. We had no problems doing that. So what is so special about this case that we have to share with you?

Before Mary’s case, there was a doctor’s wife who came to us. She had breast cancer. She came on the behest of her brother-in-law who had cancer and was “cured” by our herbs. Unfortunately, after meeting us she said she had to continue doing what her husband wanted her to do — chemo, radiation, etc.  She died.  So, here is Mary. Is she going down the same road?

We could foresee problems coming! Even though Mary might not want to go for medical treatments, she would be under tremendous pressure if she follows our therapy.  How does her husband feel about this? Will he give her full support in whatever she wants to do? Will he agree with the diet change that may eventually affect him and the children?

If Mary is under pressure — frustration, fear or emotional trauma — while undergoing our therapy then it would be a futile effort. Our therapy would fail.  Our therapy is not about killing the cancer cells or waging a war inside you with toxic drugs or radiation. It is about healing the whole person — body, mind and soul. This approach is a total opposite of medical modalities. So, can Mary find peace under this situation?

The only solution which is fair to all is to ask all members of the family to come together and we discuss what is best for Mary. In this meeting, we need to let go of our ego and entrenched beliefs. Neither should we try to put each other down. There is no room for saying my way is right or yours is wrong;  scientific or not scientific, proven or not proven. The meeting is not meant to be a confrontation. This meeting is about trying to help someone make a wise decision, so that she is at peace with herself, following what her heart wants.

Because of that, my advice to Mary was, Go home. Take time to read what we have written. Discuss with your husband what you think is best for you. I am not going to give you any herbs yet. There is no hurry to do that.

5. As a compromise, Mary asked, Can I undergo all these chemo & radiation and take Tamoxfen while at the same time take your herbs?

It is not wise. Why don’t you go and do all these medical treatments first. If you need help later on, after these procedure are done, then come to us. We shall then help you. A person putting each leg on each sampan will not be able to sail down the river! At the core of this decision is FULL COMMITMENT. Half measures will not do.

Our herbs are not magic bullet that can cure your cancer. In addition to herbs, we ask you to change your diet and lifestyle. All these need full commitment — not only your commitment but also the support and commitment of the entire family. Any doubts or even negative comments can be demoralising and toxic.

6. No wrong or right path to take

Dr. Susan Love is one of the world’s most outstanding breast cancer surgeon. Listen to what she had got to say.

Dr. Kent Osborne of Baylor College of Medicine,  acknowledged the outcome of “scientific” breast cancer treatment by this statement:

Since the end result of the game is uncertainty, we always ask patients to go home and pray to their God. Speak to the Almighty Healer and ask for guidance. Then follow what the heart says!

7. An Alternative View about Cancer Treatment

An alternative view of cancer treatment is NOT to regard the cancer as your enemy — the lump in your breast is just a manifestation of what has gone wrong within you. Therefore cutting out the lump, chemo or radiation may not be the answers to your cancer. Reflect on these quotations: