Tag Archives: metastasis

Colon Cancer: Surgery and chemo failed to cure him. Part 2: Go seek spiritual guidance!

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Guna is a 45-year-old Indonesian. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy for his colon cancer. Things were fine for a while. But two and a half years later, his cancer recurred in his abdomen and lung. The doctor suggested a PET scan to be followed by another surgery and/or more chemotherapy.

What to do now?

From our years of experience, this is the stage when most patients come to CA Care for help. And their expectation — to find a magic bullet to cure their cancer! To them I have this answer. No, I cannot cure you! That was exactly what I told Guna and his wife.

I spent about two hours listening to his sad story. But what can I say? What had to be done (based on the doctor’s recommendation) had been done. The result is a tragic failure.

If I have my way, I would want to send Guna and wife away and tell them to do what the doctors want them to do. Then we see what happen next and at the same time hope for the best! But I did not have the heart to say “no”.

I saw the despair in their faces. Guna and his wife probably expected me to say that I can cure them! I cannot! And I told them I am not god. It is better to be honest than to mislead them — to sell false promise or false hope!

It is always my policy to tell patients the truth — clearly and bluntly. I hope they can learn something from what I said. Likewise, I also hope that Guna and his wife have learned their lesson after this failure. The reality speaks for itself. But many people cannot see reality. You need to tell them that they are blind! Hopefully they learn how to see.

For Guna, there are two options.

One, go back to the doctors and undergo what medical science has to offer. But no, Guna and his wife did not want to do that.

Two, follow our therapy. His wife said, let’s take the herbs and hopefully this will cure him. But I said, No way!

Before I sent them away empty-handed, I asked one final question. To whom do you pray? The wife answered, Buddha.

Okay, why don’t you go home and take time to talk to Buddha. Ask Him for guidance. Then follow what He says. For those reading this article, this is exactly what I would say to YOU too, if you come and see me at this late stage. What else can I do?

Guna’s wife answer turned the table on me. After being told of his relapse, Guna’s wife  was very upset and confused, not knowing what to do. She then went to pray and consulted the medium of two Buddhist temples in Medan. She was told “not to undergo further medical treatment and should see Dr. Chris instead.”

They did exactly that — flew to Penang specially to consult with us. I could not send them home just like that — “empty handed.”

Listen to our conversation.

 

 

Gist of our conversation

Chris: What can you do now? Yes, follow the doctor’s advice. Go for a PET scan. With the scan we can know if the cancer has spread elsewhere. This is from the doctor’s viewpoint. But for you, I am not sure what benefit you will get out of it.

As you told me earlier, the first time you did chemotherapy the doctor said chemo was going to reduce the chances of recurrence. Without chemo, the chances of recurrence would be higher. You did what the oncologist asked you to do. And the cancer still come back! So, what is the benefit then?

Perhaps, if you did not do the chemo, you would be better off? Who knows?

How long after the chemo that the cancer came back?

Wife: After two and a half years.

C: Ask yourself this question. If after the PET scan they find more tumours. Can you cut out all of them? Not likely. Yes, can cut, but can that cure you? Earlier on one big tumour was cut out. What happened? It came back in spite of the cutting and the chemo. So what do you expect the result is going to be this time around?

W: According to your opinion, what is the best way out?

C: I don’t know. If I use my head, option1 is for you to follow your doctor’s advice. Go for a PET scan, operate and chemo. I really cannot say if this is going to do you any good. It is up  to you.

Guna: What is your advice? I am already confused.

C: I am just as confused. If I tell you to take our herbs, and after a few months the scan shows that the tumour has grown bigger, you will blame me! How?

Go, Seek Spiritual Guidance

C: Who do you pray to?

W: To Buddha.

C: Okay, you can go home. In your quiet time pray to Buddha and ask Him to show you the way. Take your time — one or two weeks, to meditate and pray. Ask Buddha to open a path for you. You are already  confused and lost. Ask Buddha to help you.

I am not Buddha. I can cheat you. Buddha will not cheat you. So go home and pray.

After that follow what Buddha tells you.

W: Last week, I went home to Medan. I went to two temples to pray. I consulted the medium. I told him about my husband’s problems. I also told him about my plan to fly to Penang to see Dr. Chris. The medium replied: Yes, go and see Dr. Chris. Both the two medium told me it is better to consult Dr. Chris instead of the doctor.

C: The medium did not tell you to go for medical treatment?

W: No, go and see Dr. Chris.

C: Are you sure?

W: Yes.

C: Did you really go to consult these medium?

W: Yes.

C: (Asking Guna) Now the medium told you to come here. Do you believe that?

G: I have no choice. No other option. I don’t know what to do. So I have to believe what the Spirit told me.

C: If our therapy does not turn out right — no good results — who is going to be responsible?

G: That’s my fate.

C: So, you would accept it as fated. And you are not going to blame me if our herbs are not effective?

W: No.

G: Yes right (we will not blame you).

C: Since you have no other way out, let me explain again. You have two options. One is to follow your doctors and do what they want you to do — scan, operate, chemo and chemo. Spend all your money and eventually you die. This is one option.

Option two, is to see me and follow our therapy. No scan, no chemo. But there is no cure. You want that? You want to follow this path?

G: You say cannot cure. But does that mean we can make the cancer stop growing? Can live longer?

C: I cannot answer that. I cannot guarantee. Different people react differently. But I know this — if I am a businessman and only think of making money — I can say these to you:

Yes, the herbs can shrink the tumour, they herbs will stop the cancer from spreading, the herbs will prevent recurrence. Also if you take our herbs, it will prolong your life.

If I say all these to you, know that I am just bluffing — telling you a bunch of lies.

Do you understand what I am trying to tell you?

I don’t want to cheat my patients. Also understand this — if you take our herbs and you believe that you will not be cured, know that you will never be cured! You will not benefit from our therapy. On the other hand, if you believe that our herbs will heal you, may be you will be healed. I cannot tell you for sure.

Do you understand this?

I have many patients who took our herbs and followed our therapy after their surgery. They did not go for any chemo. They survived for many years — eight years, ten years and are still okay today.

What does this mean? Healing is about YOU. And only YOU can heal yourself. Do you really want to take care of yourself? Do you really want to follow our instructions? Do you really want to change your lifestyle and your diet? What is in your head is important — the worry, the stress, etc. These are all important.

If you want to take our herbs but don’t believe in what we do, then don’t take our herbs. It is not going to help you.  No use.

In the same note, after taking our herbs, everyday you worry and ask when you will be cured — my answer is, you will never be cured! You make your life too stressful, fighting inside you!

If you take our herbs and feel good. Can eat, can sleep, no pain — don’t think too much. And don’t ask for more.

The most important thing to remember is to take care of your diet. Don’t eat what we tell you not to eat.

Be at peace without yourself. May be you may end up living longer a bit.

We tell our patients to learn how to live with their cancer.

A Patient Who Does Not Understand Gratitude

There was a man who had liver cancer. The doctor could not cure him. He came and took our herbs and he lived for two and half years without any problem. He was strong and healthy.

But I told him, I could not cure his cancer.

He came to know about a treatment in China. Someone said in the hospital there they can cure your cancer! So this man told his family: Dr Teo’s cannot cure me. I want to go to China for my cure. He spent S$60,000 and after six months of treatment he came home on a wheelchair. His stomach was bloated. He died.

Too bad. He was with us for two and a half years. He did not have to spend that kind of money. He was okay and well. But he wanted a cure!

So if any one of you come here and ask me to cure you, my answer is simple and blunt: NO CURE!

CA Care Therapy

Back to you. If this is what you wanted to do — take our herbs and follow our therapy, let me remind you again.

Take care of yourself.

Take care of your diet.

Change your lifestyle.

Believe in what you are doing.

I don’t know — may be one day you may end up healing yourself. I have many patients who survived for years and are still doing fine.

But can I cure you? I don’t think so. But can you live a normal, healthy life? Yes, many patients are doing fine but the moment they don’t follow our instructions, they die!

Comments

This is another article which I believe for many would not like to read or find it difficult to swallow. I make no apology for saying what I have said. If you want to survive cancer, you have to be on the right track — do the right thing and have to make hard choices. The question is: Do you really want to live or to die? What a question to ask!

Yes, many who came always tell us — I have a strong desire to live. I am ready to fight. Really?

Seventy percent of those who came to us, are patients I know cannot make it — say what you like. It is easy to say I want to live. But for these people, to do what it takes to live is another matter! If I cannot eat laksa, life is not worth living! And you dare say you have the will to live!!!

There are a few lessons we can learn from Guna’s tragic story.

  1. 1. Medical treatments — surgery and chemo — did not cure cancer. Chemotherapy was given based on meaningless expectation. If chemo can reduce recurrence by only 10 percent, then what use is it?

Guna was not explicitly told by the oncologist the reality that the treatment had a 40 percent chance of failure, based on the statistics he quoted.

Patients want 100 percent chance of NO recurrence. You don’t need to have a university education to understand that what Guna was subjected to did not make sense from day one!

Patients are just like  pawns. Trapped like the foot soldiers fighting in the battle field, while the general sits in the safety and comfort of his bunker. Helpless patients are confused and desperate. Full of fear, they panic and don’t know what to do.

That was how Guna and his wife felt after the battle was lost. They did not know what the next step is.

  1. There is another failure in medicine. Dr. Barry Boyd in his book, The cancer recovery plan, wrote:
  • Many doctors don’t bother to counsel their patients after treatment. Once cancer treatment is completed, most patients are left on their own to cope with the rest of their lives. This is what I call falling off the cliff. Patients are left in free fall.

Correct. After surgery and chemo, Guna was left on his own, to fend for himself. There is no guidance of what to do after the treatments. When the cancer recurred, the doctors have ready answers for him: do PET scan, go for more surgery and more chemo — more of the same treatments that did not work, right?

Now, let me share with you a few quotations written by doctors who understand a bit more about cancer. Hear what they said.

Dr. Martin L. Rossman in his book Fighting Cancer from Within, wrote:

  • Conventional medical care for cancer has for many years concentrated on destroying tumors without paying much attention to supporting the patient as a whole person, with innate healing capacities … Most people put themselves in the hands of an oncologist and did what they were told. While you almost certainly need a good oncologist to prescribe and monitor your medical treatment, there is often much more to surviving cancer. 
  • A strong spiritual belief system is helpful when fighting cancer.

Charles Smith, M.D., is a prominent urologist who specialized for years in treating prostate cancer. Then he himself  had prostate cancer. After going through medical treatment, he wrote:

  • Cancer is not just a lump in your body that can be cut out or killed by radiation or drugs. I have come to the conclusion that you, as a patient, cannot simply allow the management of your cancer and your life to be limited by the narrow views of the physicians you encounter. 
  • A major problem with the conventional approach to cancer …(is) it does little or nothing to promote the health, vitality, and well-being of the person who is fighting that cancer.

Rachel Naomi Remen was born into a family of doctors and nurses. At age 15 she was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s disease. Throughout medical school, residency and fellowship she was a very ill person. In all, Dr. Rachel Naomi was chronically sick for over fifty years.

She survived her sickness and is now professor of family and community medicine at the University of California San Francisco. This is what she wrote (in Foreword, Fighting Cancer from Within):

  • A diagnosis of cancer is a personal encounter with the will to live … the will to live cannot be measured, which puts it beyond the reach of science. 
  • Science defines life in its ways but life is larger than science. Many things happen that science cannot predict or explain. 
  • In my forty years of medical practice, people have often told me that they have recovered from their cancer because of chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. 
  • Chemotherapy and radiation may be the means by which we recover but the reason that we recover may be something quite different, something we brought with us to our doctor’s office and not something that we found there.
  • We each heal in ways that are as unique as our fingerprints.

In other words, to heal and survive cancer, patients need more than just surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Now many of you reading this, know this truth? How many of your doctors or oncologists dare to admit that patients need more than their surgery, chemo or radiation to overcome cancer?

Guna said he is just a layman. He followed everything what the doctors wanted him to do. He ended up in a deep, dark pit and did not know how to get out of it.

I really don’t know what is going to happen to Guna. I can only pray that he keeps to his words to live well, keeps up his spirit and perseveres.

 

 

 

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Breast Cancer with Extensive Metastasis: Herbs and e-Therapy Helped Her. Declined Everolimus and Tamoxifen.

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SG is a 69-year-old female. In June 2015, she had persistent fevers. A family member discovered that she had a wound on her right breast which she kept it to herself.

SG was brought to a hospital. A scan showed:

  • A 5.6 x 2.5 cm mass in her right breast.
  • Multiple right axillary and right subpectoral adenopathies.
  • Multiple scattered pulmonary metastases.
  • Nodules in her liver.
  • Extensive bony metastases.

A biopsy of the breast mass was done. Immunochemistry confirmed invasive carcinoma, ER +, Pr + and c-erb-B2 -ve. The ulcerative lesion was fixed to the chest wall.

A CT scan of the brain showed:

  • Patchy sclerosis of the entire skull suspicious for diffuse bony metastases, with more focal lesions inthe right frontal and left temporal bones.

There was nothing much the doctors could do. Surgery was not indicated because the cancer was stuck to the chest wall. SG was given Femara (letrazole) to take every day. In addition she received Denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva) injection for her bone. Initially the medication shrunk the tumour but with time Femara was not effective anymore. Femara was changed to Tamoxifen.

SG’s daughter wrote:

  • Tamoxifen caused her to lose some weight and appetite. Recently the doctor wanted her to try Everolimus (Afinitor) + Exemestane (Aromasin).
  • We have read that these have side effects, some serious ones and so far have not tried.
  • Mum has even stopped Tamoxifen and just go on your herbs. She said feels better and can eat better.
  • If she relied on just herbs, is there a need to review the types that she is taking?
  • So far, other than right breast and bones, other parts of the body are still ok.
  • Her cancer markers did go up somewhat at the last blood test.
  • She’s diligently taking the herbs and is more comfortable with them than the western medicine.

SG decided not to take any more doctor’s medication, due to the possible side effects.

Everolimus was first used for kidney cancer. Now, its usage has been extended to breast cancer. To know the side effects of Everolimus, click this link: http://www.us1.afinitor.com/side-effects/

  1. You may develop lung or breathing problems.In some people lung or breathing problems may be severe, and can even lead to death.
  2. You may be more likely to develop an infection,such as pneumonia, or a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. Symptoms of infection may include the following: fever, chills, skin rash, joint pain and inflammation, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, pale stools, dark urine, yellowing of the skin, pain in the upper right side of the stomach.
  3. Possible increased risk for a type of allergic reaction called angioedema.
  4. You may develop kidney failure.In some people this may be severe and can even lead to death.
  5. Delayed wound healing. AFINITOR can cause incisions to heal slowly or not heal well.
  6. Mouth sores (also called ulcers), occurring in 67% of patients taking AFINITOR. These can sometimes be severe and can appear as early as within the first 2 weeks of treatment or can occur at any time.

affinator-side-effects

All these side effects come with a cost of SGD 800 per week (RM2,400/week or almost RM10K per month).

As if the Afinitor side effects are not enough, here are more side effects if you take exemestane or Aromisin.

  • new or unusual bone pain;
  • vision problems;
  • swelling in your hands or feet;
  • feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; or
  • chest pain, sudden numbness or weakness, sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance.
  • hot flashes;
  • headache, tired feeling;
  • anxiety;
  • joint pain;
  • upset stomach;
  • depressed mood;
  • sleep problems (insomnia); or
  • increased sweating.

SG and her family came to our centre. She brought along a medical report which said, “Right thigh soft tissue tumour.”

She was okay but her daily life was not comfortable — it could be better! She complained of pains in her legs, backache, lack of strength and sometimes lack of appetite. She had stopped taking the doctor’s medication.

Since we have given all the herbs that we have for all her cancer(s) —- she had cancer in her breast, lymph nodes, lung, liver, bone and soft tissue of her thigh — I have no other choice but to ask SG to try the e-therapy. May be this may help her!

After day one on the detox program, SG said she felt lighter and her movements loosened up — did not feel tight any more.

The next morning, when she came for the second detox program, her daughter said she could lift up her foot. She was better.

After the second detox program SG said she had no more pain! All problems gone! In fact she could bend down. This morning she climbed up the stairs of her apartment. These are things she could not do before.

Every member of her family was happy and said SG’s facial appearance was much better!

Listen to what she said.

One question I posed to the family. Why don’t you want to continue with the medical treatments. After all you have access to the best medical treatment in your country.

The answer is simple — the drastic side effects.

And what is more, one death in the family circle is enough. SG’s sister-in-law had primary breast cancer and also a primary lung cancer. She took Iressa. Of course she suffered some side effects like rashes and painful, distorted nail growth.

Initially Iressa shrunk the tumour in the lung but it grew back again (like Femara did for SG). The doctor gave her chemotherapy with Cisplatin and Alimta. She had radiation to her brain. Her condition deteriorated and she died.

Chris: Is this why you don’t want give more drugs to your mother?

Daughter: Because of the possible side effects.

C: Did your Aunt’s treatments until she died also made you more careful?

D: Possibly.

C: My experience — some people just don’t learn!

Comment

If you have come to an end stage where taking medicine is just a matter of try-and-see-if-it-works, would you want to take that “fishing trip’? Some people would like to fight until death — don’t give up! But some people understand that flogging a dead horse is to buy more misery. Your choice!

We are indeed glad that SG came to us this morning. It was a blessed morning indeed. Her quality of life was restored. She did not look sick anymore.

I always tell patients this: If you can eat, can sleep and can move around without any ache or pain, what else do you want? Continue to live a good life and don’t think too much of your disease. The more you take those toxic drugs the more miserable you would become.

If you don’t read SG’s medical records, you would never think that (as of this morning) she has cancer at all. Praise God for this wonderful blessing.

 

 

Recurrent Pancreatic Cancer Metastatised to the Bone and Lung

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GG was 77 years old when she had problems with her pancreas in November 2007. MRI indicated that she probably had an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. In her medical report the doctor wrote: This lesion has malignant potential and should be treated accordingly. GG underwent a distal pancreatectomy in December 2007 in Mt. Elisabeth, Singapore. After the surgery no further medical treatment was indicated.

Nine years later, in 2016, GG started to cough, had fevers, nausea and vomiting.

An ultrasound on 3 May 2016 in Kuala Lumpur showed a solid mass lesion in the region of the body to tail of the pancreas measuring 28 x 33 x 67 mm … suggestive of recurrence. There were multiple cysts in her liver and solid nodules of unknown nature in the neck of the gallbladder. Further examination showed metastasis to the lung and bone.

Her CA 19.9 was at 234 and CEA was at 5.3.

GG is now 85 years old. It was at this point that we received an e-mail from her daughter-in-law.

Dear Dr. Chris Teo,

My name is L and my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and was taking Breast M and Capsules as prescribed by you. She continued with your prescriptions without having major complications i.e., no pain and suffering until she passed away in 2011 due to high fever. We are extremely happy because she did not suffer much and managed to live for another 7 years.

Recently my mother-in-law did an ultra sound and x-ray as she was not feeling well. The results showed her pancreas having cysts and lung having numerous nodules. According to the doctors, cancer is almost positive unless biopsy is done to confirm. She had done surgery to remove part of her pancreas about 10 years ago due to the growth (non-cancerous). She appears to be healthy now with some minor coughing but complained of some phlegm. As she is of advance age i.e. 85, we wish to seek your advice on the best possible treatment for her. Family members are not agreeable to chemotherapy and radiation.

I attached below the medical reports, blood test and results of ultra sound and x-ray for your reference. I am hoping to receive your feedback soon as we are from Kuala Terengganu and are prepared to take her to Penang to consult you if possible. Thank you.

GG was prescribed herbs.

Dear Dr Chris Teo,

My mother-in-law started to take Capsule A-D, M Tea, Bon, Pancrea, Live P, Lun  about two days ago. Each time after about 2 hours of consuming the herbs, she started vomiting the herbs. On the first night of taking the herbs, the phlegm and cough reduced significantly but vomited about 2 hours later. She doesn’t have good appetite now, always belching and feels weak. We seek your opinion whether to continue with the herbs or to reduce the types and amount.  Hoping for your answer soon.

Reply: I expect that. She will have to suffer for the next 1 to 2 weeks to get better. Continue taking the herbs.

Dr. Chris Teo,

Thank you very much for the herbs prescribed to my mother-in-law. I noted that her condition now has improved tremendously … I would like to continue with the herbs. At present, she sometimes feel uncomfortable at her of stomach after taking pain killer. She has been taking pain killer because her outer thigh has been nagging her for more than 20 years. Actually, the pain is due to the disc fracture at the spine as informed by the doctors. I don’t know whether the pain is caused by her spine problem or other reasons. I would like to substitute the pain killers with your herbal remedy.

The son of GG called to say that GG was better. She had more energy and now can sit up. Before she had to lie down.

Comments

We are glad that at least when patients (or doctors) give up medical treatment for advanced cancer, there is still something that we can do to help — to make patients’ quality of life better.

GG is already 85 years old. Do you think subjecting her to chemotherapy or radiation make sense?

Reflect on this story written by Dr. Ken Murray.

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Not too long ago, a man came to our centre on behalf of his 71-year-old father who was in a critical condition in the hospital. His father was semi-unconscious, couldn’t even open his mouth to eat or drink and had to be tube-fed. Looking at his medical condition — lung cancer that spread to his brain — we suggested that it would be better to do nothing than to try heroic acts. A biopsy was done followed by radiation. The question is: What is the purpose — what do you expect to achieve?

 

 

 

 

This Is What We Often Encounter – Failed Medical Treatment, Healing Crisis after Herbs, Bad Diet and Family Problems

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Part 1: Failed Medical Treatment

CE is a 56-year-old lady. She lives in Penang, down the road where our centre is.  Sometime in March 2010 she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. No operation was indication. A doctor in a private hospital tried RFA (radiofrequency ablation) for her tumours.  She received two treatments with RFA – one to her breast lump and another to her bone.

Unfortunately, by August 2010 the tumour recurred in the same left breast.  She underwent 6 cycles of chemotherapy at a government hospital.  The treatments were completed in May 2011, by which time all the lumps in her breast were gone.

Six months later, in December 2011, CE developed breathing difficulties. Her lungs were filled with fluid. A month later, in January 2012, she had severe headaches for 2 weeks. The cancer had spread to her brain. She underwent 5 sessions of radiotherapy to her head. She was given painkiller medication.

In February 2012, she had breathing difficulty again. She had pains in her left leg. The cancer had spread to her bones. The doctor at the government hospital gave up on her. She was referred to the Hospice. She was prescribed morphine.  There was no hope.

Part 2: Healing Crisis After Taking Herbs but She Was Better

CE and her daughter came to seek our help on 17 February 2012. She was prescribed Capsule A, teas for her Bone, Lung, Brain and Pain.

24 February 2012: One week on the herbs, her condition improved. Her intake of painkiller was reduced by fifty-percent. Previously she needed to take 4 tablets a day, and after the herbs this was cut down to 2 tablets per day. She felt more energetic. Her facial expression was better.

CE (patient):  First day, I moved my bowels. Second day, I had diarrhea. Third day I had more diarrhea.

Chris: The first few days of taking herbs, patients generally go through a “healing crisis” – a cleansing process. There could be more pain, you become more tired or you have diarrhea, etc. These are good. Do not take any medication, the problems will resolve by themselves. I have a patient who moved  her bowels ten times a day after taking the herbs. Take it easy.

Daughter: She had five bowel movements!

C:  Oh, ten times would be better!  Take it easy and be patient. Now, do you still have diarrhea?

CE:  I have no more diarrhea.

C:  This is what I am telling patients. You may have pain after taking the herbs, then the next day more pain and perhaps more pain for some more days. Then the pain becomes less and less and eventually it will be gone. Everyone has to go through this difficulty or “healing crisis.”

D: She does not need to take so much pain medication now. Before she took four times of medication a day.

CE: After take the herbs, I only took painkiller twice a day. Today I only take one time.

C: No need to take four times a day anymore? You need to take the pain medication if there is pain. It is no use to suffer. Take the pain killer if the herbs do not help you. You need to relieve the pain. Only thing is we don’t want to take too much of pain medication and be dependent on it.

Okay, you took the herbs for a week now. Are you getting any better?

P: I am more “cheng sin” (more alert).

D: I don’t know if she has improved or not from the inside, but looking at her facial expression, certainly she is much better now.

C: Patient should be able to know if she is “improving” or not. She should be able to “feel” the improvements. I too would be able to “see” if patients are getting better or not by looking and talking to them. And I tell every patient who come here – if you take our herbs for two or three weeks and you don’t feel any better, then stop coming to see me. The herbs are not good for you. Better that you go and see someone else for help.

Part 3: Bad Diet and Family Problems

2 March 2012: Unfortunately her health deteriorated. She did not look healthy. Both her legs were swollen. After some questioning, she admitted to eating “outside food” the whole week.

Daughter: Both of her legs are swollen!

Chris:  Last week when you came, were the legs swollen?

D: No.

C: Do you still have pain?

CE (patient):  Yes.

D:  Her pain medication intake had increased to twice a day. This week she is less energetic. Last week she looked much better.

C: Did she take care of her diet? Or did she start to eat anything she liked?

D: This week I was not able to cook for her. My son was sick and so I was not able to take care of her (mother).

C: So, the whole of this week she had been taking “outside (hawker) food”?

D: Yes. The first week, I cooked her food.

C: This is the problem.

D: It was difficult for me.

C:  Are you the only daughter at home?

D: I live with my family (husband, son and in laws) in Batu Ferringgi (about an hour’s drive away) but my mother lives in Batu Lancang (near our cancer centre). She lives with my sister and brother.  But all of them are working so they have no time to take care of her.

C: What about you? Are you working?

D: Yes. But in the afternoon, I come to my mother’s house to cook for her. But this week my son was sick and I had to take care of him. So I did not have the time to cook for my mother.

C: I understand. But in cancer, diet is very important. As you notice, the first week she was doing much better with no swollen legs. But this week her legs swelled due to bad diet. It is all about “bad” food.

Indeed, there is nothing we can do really. Like they say, “A mother can take care of ten children, but ten children cannot take care of one mother.”  I understand your situation.

Comments

1.  Most patients come “shopping” for magic potion. They expect us to cure them even after medical treatments have failed them. This is unrealistic. We are only human and we can only do that much and no more. This case is not an exceptional case. Read my blog, www.ADayWithChrisTeo.wordpress.com and you understand what I mean.

2. Our path to healing is not a “honeymoon” trip. After taking the herbs or change of diet, there will be a ‘healing crisis”. You will probably have more pains, more coughs, more bowel movements, etc.  (Read more: Healing Crisis). Do not do anything to stop this cleansing process. The problem will solve by itself after a little while. No medication please. Remember that “healing crisis” is a law of cure. Without this happening there shall be no healing.

3.  Diet is the most sore point among patients. When patients start to get well, they want to eat what they like. And after they have eaten all the “bad food” they write us asking why their tumour markers, like CEA, CA 125, CA 19.9, etc., had increased? What can we do? You reap what you sow! It is okay, if patients admit to their mistakes like in the case above. At least we can teach them to do it right the next time. But the worst cases are those who would not want to admit their mistakes and keep on denying that they followed our dietary advice to the letter. Well, there is nothing to be upset or dispute. Winning over this matter does not benefit anyone. For these patients, our advice is – Stop our herbs and find someone else to help you.

4.  As said in the beginning of this article, cancer is not about a tumour in your body, it is about you as a human being. Many patients come and go, unfortunately never recognizing this important aspect – to them cancer is only a misery or disaster in life! Such people die or suffer in vain. They believe that their problems are due to outside factors. They don’t look into themselves to know what have gone wrong. Most cancer patients carry with them a load of unresolved personal baggage – bitterness, hatred, lack of love, family problems, etc. Unfortunately, no chemo, radiation or herbs can help in such matters.  This is what I mean when I said in the beginning of this article, After talking to you for about five minutes I would probably know if I can help you or not. Your personality and problems show up during our conversation. And it is hard to change a patient’s attitudes and lifestyle – it has to be the person himself/herself who wants to change. Without change, no healing can ever take place.

Cervical Cancer, Stage 1B spread to her lungs and liver. She was given three to six months to live

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Melisa (a61) was a 44-year old lady.

1997. Melisa’s problem started when she had severe pains in the shoulder muscles. At night she had muscle cramps in the legs. She went to see a doctor who told her that nothing was wrong and that she had been working too hard. She should take a holiday and relax. Some months later she did her annual pap smear. Her doctor said everything was alright.

A few months later, she suffered severe, heavy bleeding. The blood discharge had clots and it flowed out rather suddenly and wet the entire floor of the bathroom.

October 1998.  She went to see a gynaecologist at a private hospital. A biopsy confirmed she had cancer. She underwent a hysterectomy. The pathology report dated 2 October 1998 stated the following:

Hysterectomy specimen: uterus and cervix including short vaginal cuff and parametrium together with both appendages weighing in toto 160 grams. 

The cervix showed a whitish fleshy friable tumour invading almost the entire length and thickness of its wall measuring 5 x 2 x 1.5 cm. The ectocervix and lower uterine segment were also found to be invaded. The vaginal cuff and parametrium were grossly free from any tumour invasion. 

Interpretation: 1. Adenosquamous cell carcinoma of cervix with micrcoscopic  invasion of parametrium but vaginal cuff was clear. Figo Stage 1b.  2. Metastatic involvement of one left internal iliac node.

Remark: altogether twelve right pelvic node and eight left pelvic nodes were received. 

After the operation, she underwent radiation treatments in a hospital in Penang. She suffered badly from the radiotherapy. Barely two months afterwards, Melisa ended up having to go in and out of the hospital due to pains, fevers and high temperatures. Later, a scan showed that there was pus in her abdomen. The doctor extracted out the pus. She was well for a while. Then, a scan revealed that the cancer had spread to her lungs and liver.

Melisa ended up in a hospital in Singapore – in search for a cure. The doctor at first suggested that she underwent a liver surgery to remove the infected parts. Melisa reasoned out how surgery could have helped her when the entire liver and lungs were infected with cancer? She declined surgery but went ahead with chemotherapy. The first shot of chemotherapy was tolerable but the second and third cycles were really bad. She preferred to die rather than complete the entire regimen.

One of her employee told Melisa to seek the help of a Dr.Teo. On 19 March 2000, Melisa came to see us.  At that time she could hardly walk.

We requested to have an interview with Melisa so that we can share her healing experience with others. She agreed. On 14 June 2001 at 4 p.m. a video-taped interview was conducted. Let Melisa herself tell you of her healing experience.

Tell us about your experience of radiotherapy that you had in Penang.

I underwent 25 times of radiation treatment and one session of “internal treatment”. For this internal treatment, three long probes were inserted into me and I had to lie on the bed for 72 hours in a special room – immobilised. During that treatment the doctor visited me once. This was an experience that I would not wish to go through again.

I suffered badly from the radiation treatments. I had sore mouth, was constipated and the anus bled. Sometimes I had diarrhoea. I felt like having a fire inside me. I could not eat or sleep. I vomited. Every morning when I woke up, I dread the thought of having to go through the radiation treatment again.

After the radiotherapy, were you cured or did you feel better?

No. Barely two months past, I spent time in and out of the hospital. I had pains, fevers and high temperatures. The doctor did not know exactly what was wrong with me. Then later, another doctor in the same hospital took a scan and detected that I had pus in my abdomen. I was hospitalised for eight days and the doctor extracted out some 600 ml of pus from my abdomen. He did it three times. Then I was alright.  A few months later, during a follow-up visit, a scan showed that the cancer had spread to both my liver and the lungs. 

What did the doctor say about the cancer that had spread? How serious was it?

The doctor told me that both these organs had numerous dots and at least thirty spots were visible. They were the sizes of five, ten and twenty cents coins.

There was nothing the gynaecologist could do for me. I went to consult a doctor at the cancer hospital. He told me that I could do chemotherapy as a palliative measure but in my case there was no hope for a cure. This was the last stage cancer. I was told to go and make out my will.  My gynaecologist was a nice person – he tried to find doctors elsewhere for me to proceed further with my treatments. At last, I landed in Singapore.

Tell us about your treatment in Singapore.

The oncologist at first suggested that I had surgery to remove those infected parts. On consultation with my Penang doctor, I asked the oncologist how surgery could remove all those spots in the liver. The oncologist replied: Who is the cancer doctor, I or your doctor in Penang? I refused to have the surgery but agreed to go along with chemotherapy.

Before doing the chemotherapy, were you told what this treatment is all about? The side effects and benefits.

No. I had all along believed that the treatment was to kill and get rid of the cancer cells. I was not told that the treatments would be difficult and I had to suffer such side effects. The doctor did not carry out any further test or diagnosis. The appointment was fixed and chemotherapy started the next day “otherwise the cancer cells would spread more” (that was what the doctor told me). I was scheduled to do six cycles divided into 12 shots, i.e. 2 injections represent one cycle. I did not know what drugs were used on me.

(It is indeed most regrettable that Melisa was not able to produce the scan of her metastatic condition. Her Singapore oncologist kept the medical report and scan films. She requested that these be returned to her. Unfortunately, the oncologist refused telling Melisa that she had not completed her chemo-treatments and that he would not be able to return those films and report. This same oncologist also did not disclose the chemo-drugs used on her (many patients also told similar things about this same doctor. This was not an isolated case experienced by Melisa alone). 

Point to ponder: The report and films rightly belong to Melisa. She brought them along to Singapore. How could it become the property of the oncologist? Why did the doctor want to keep her record? We wonder if such conduct is humane/ethical or what? Informed consent means that the doctor is supposed to explain the consequences of the treatment plan to their patients – telling them of both the good and the bad). 

Tell us what was it like to be on chemotherapy?

 It is very difficult to put in words the sufferings I had to endure.

The first chemo-short was tolerable. I felt sleepy, tired and groggy. I did not vomit but I could not sleep.

The second and third shots were really bad. Everything seemed not right. Sitting down was also not right, standing up was also not right. I could not sleep. In whatever position I was in, I just did not feel right. I could not eat. I felt something was blocked in the chest. The stomach felt bloated and there was wind trying to push out. Sometime I vomited.  It was difficult to breathe. My hair dropped off every time I bathe and it blocked the drainage hole of the bathroom. When I stood up I felt like falling down. I could not get into the car – felt giddy and the world spinning around me.

Under such a situation I felt I would rather die. Remaining alive had no meaning any more.

Having got to go through that agony, what did the doctor say about the chances of your cure?

He said it all depends on me. He did not know what my chance was. He said I should be lucky if I could live for three to six months. If I survive then he would give me more chemos. I came to understand that I was given chemo to prolong my life for three to six months. The doctor also told me that if I die I would not die in pain if I had chemotherapy.

(Point to ponder:  Chemotherapy was given to Melisa  just to prolong her life for three to six months? And when she dies, she is NOT supposed to die in pain, if she had chemotherapy. Right? Is that logical? What about the sufferings she had to endure while on chemotherapy? Also, if she survived – she would need to have more chemos? Where is the cure? When is the chemotherapy going to stop – when she dies?) 

How much did it cost you to get your treatment?

One shot of chemotherapy (given over two times) cost me S$6000, i.e. RM 12,000. In addition I have to pay for other costs – like blood test, hospital, hotel, travel etc. So, all in all, each visit to the hospital cost me about RM 15,000 to 20,000.

After all these sufferings and expenses, did your health improved?

No. I was not better at all. I felt miserable. I could not work. I could not do what I like. I had to stay home. I could not even walk out to the gate of my house for lack of strength.  I could not sleep and I could not stand up for long. I felt heaty inside. When I put on the air-con full blast, my head felt cold. When I put off the air-cond, I felt I was on fire. In the middle of the night I stood or sat by the window looking out into the darkness and felt the cool air. I wondered if life is worth living. Life has no more meaning – to be alive like this. I knew I was dying.

Did you gave up chemotherapy?

No. Not yet. Then, one nice worker of mine, who worked in the factory came and told me about CA Care which is right in Penang and which I did not even know about.  Since I have NO other avenues  – To do chemo also die, not to do chemo also die  – I then decided to come and see you.

What happened after you came to see us and took the herbs? This is what happened after I took the herbs that you prescribed.

The first day, nothing spectacular happened. I only started to urinate a lot and felt a bit better. The urine was smelly. Before the herbs the urine was always heaty.

The second day on the herbs, I vomited. Anyway, I kept telling myself. This was to get rid of something in me. I still urinated a lot.

The third day was great. I felt the muscle in the neck had loosened up. I was able to put on my dress and went to my office. Before the herbs I was not able to go to my office. Also I was not able to sit in the car. Now I could do all these. Even my office worker was surprised and asked me if I was already well. I felt elated and confidence grew within me. I knew I was on the right path to healing.  From that day on I felt better and better.

Then, did you continue with your chemotherapy?

I felt better with the herbs. I was in a dilemma – not sure if I should continue with the chemotherapy or not. I asked your opinion but you (Dr. Teo) were non-committal. I went to consult my gynaecologist and seek for more information. It was then that I learnt that chemo-drugs are actually poisons. They not only kill the cancer cells, but also kill the good cells and may destroy the vital organs in my body. All along I thought that chemo-drugs kill only the cancer cells and they would cure me. If this was what it is, I reasoned that all these treatments would damage the organs in my body. How could my body recover from the cancer? I could NOT sleep the whole night and was unsure of what to do. My husband also told me that I had to make up my own mind and decide for myself. At last, I came to the decision NOT to continue with the chemotherapy.

When you decided to stop the chemotherapy – were you under pressure to change this decision? Yes. Many people said many things to me. The problem is that all these comments came from people who NEVER experience the sufferings – they did not know what it was like to suffer from those chemo-drugs. Then the nurse from the Singapore oncologist called me THREE times asking me to come back and complete my treatments. In addition, the oncologist personally talked to me TWICE over the phone telling me to come and complete the treatment. They told me that it would be dangerous if I did not complete the treatment. However, I was firm in my decision. In the last conversation with the oncologist, I told him that I have NO MORE MONEY to pay for the treatments. With that, no more calls came from his office. My ploy to get him off my back worked!

After you gave up chemotherapy and were on the herbs – did you take any other herbs as well?

No. I was firm with this. There were many kind-hearted and well meaning people who came and told me about who is good or what is good for me. I listened to them but I was firm on taking your herbs only. Some people commented that I have been taking the herbs for so long and I should change them for something else. There is no reason to. The herbs helped me and l kept taking them.

Now, Melisa – you have been on the herbs for about 1 year 3 months now. Did you at any one time experience any difficulty?

No. I felt better with each day. Before I had cancer I was very active – running around like a horse. Then when I was sick I could not do anything – could not even walk to the toilet. Now, I am back to almost normal like I was before – running around again like the same horse before. I drove by myself to Johor Baru, Kelantan, Trengganu, etc. I flew to Hong Kong. I drove my four-wheel drive into the hills. I visited my durian plantation. I played golf and carried my own golf bag. I worked in my factory and office from morning till night. I felt normal and I did not worry about my illness at all. I know I am alright now.

Did you go back to see your doctor for any check up?

 No. I used to meet my doctor and he asked me to go back to the hospital and do a scan every six months. He also called me in the office. I said, yes, yes and smiled. Once, I asked my doctor: what would you do if the scan shows that I have a tumour inside me? He said, well go for chemotherapy. No, another chemotherapy is not the answer for me.

Melisa, tell us what do you think is the secret of your healing success?

I believe three factors had contributed to my healing. One – 30 percent was due to my full confidence and faith in the healer. If I have difficulty and if it concerned medical procedures, I went to see my gynaecologist and if I have problems related to my cancer I come to see you (Dr.Teo).

Two – 50 percent, was due to the herbs. They helped me from day one of my taking them. I felt the effects almost immediately. From day three I was able to go to my office. From then on I knew that the herbs were good and right for me. I have no doubt about that.

Three – 20 percent was due to my mental attitude. After I came and see you I knew that I have found my way to healing. I was happy and I did not worry any more. I took life positively. I became well. I look forward to living another 20 years and more. For now, I am hoping to build up my company – bigger and bigger. And I shall continue to take the herbs without fail. In fact, I need to tell you this. I took the capsules A and B five times a day instead of three. I kept the herbs in the office, in the car and by my bed. I took the teas using ten spoonfuls instead of six spoonfuls as you told me to take. I took MORE herbs and never less. Some friends said that the herbs were smelly, tasted so awful and I should look out for better alternatives. I must say I should thank the herbs for helping me. In fact, I figured that I hope to be able to take the herbs for the next twenty years or more. I have my hope.  I have my vision and my dreams. I know where I am going.

Melisa related to us two interesting episodes.    

A nurse in the gynaecologist’s office called Melisa’s office one day. She discretely asked the operator if Melisa was still alive. Her staff replied that her boss was still around and had gone to Hong Kong. The nurse asked if she went to Hong Kong for medical treatment. No, no….on business.

Melisa told us that many of her friends never believed that she had cancer in the first place! On day, one medical doctor came into her office and asked her husband if there was a lady in his office who had cancer and was supposed to die but had recovered instead. Her husband said it was his wife. At the time Melisa walked into the office and the doctor burst out: Who said that people who had cancer need to die? 

Comments

We rejoice in this healing. We pray that God will show Melisa His grace and blessing for many more years to come.

It was with sadness that about two years later, Melisa’s urinary track failed and she had stents installed. She was told that this was caused by her earlier radiation treatment.  Then her husband found another woman and this led to a divorce. Melisa died soon afterwards.