My update

I had meant to post an update on my condition soon after my checkup on 19 April 2010, but was caught up in other stuff instead.

Cancer marker (CA153) is 14.6, up from 13.3 (on 25 Jan 2010). My cancer marker went up by 1.3 and is the highest so far since Aug 2008, but fortunately it is still below the normal of 25.

My cancer marker going up did not catch me by surprise, I had expected it. I had been stretching myself out the few weeks before my checkup and I had felt mild pain in the chest around the surgical area where the 2 lumps are.

I knew if I mentioned it to my onco during the checkup, he would most likely recommend chemo. During the checkup, when the onco asked if I had felt pain, I said 'no'. I did not mean to lie but that was the only way I could choose to hold off chemo for now, giving me a chance to go alternative. He was also satisfied that my marker was still below normal.

I had done an assessment on myself. I had given it a lot of thought and consideration.
The pain was mild. And other than that, I felt fine.
As for chemo, my body is just not ready for another round. I am still taking herbal brews for my liver and kidneys and I am aware that they have not fully recovered from the last chemo even though it was nearly 2 years ago.
My right arm is still lymphedemic and more chemo is going to cause damage to more lymph nodes. I really don't want that.
My knees are still weak.

I have seen and heard of so many cancer patients who went through chemo or radiation with each relapse suffering from the conventional therapies and end up losing their lives. I don't want to take the same route. I don't want to be reduced to a wreck, fully dependent on others and with no quality of life.

Yes, I am aware that once the cancer had metastasized to the bones and lymph nodes, chances of it coming back is very high - like my onco said, it will come back, it is only a matter of time. However, there are a lot of alternative therapies around and I hope to rely on them to help me get through this.

I have had training in chakra adjustment therapy and ever since I felt the pain, I have been using it on myself. Additionally, I have been to the adjustment centres and I have had help from the other members. Now, the pain is gone and the lymphedema in my right arm seemed to have improved slightly.

I am still on weekly herbal brews and carnivora capsules and liquid extract. I go for qigong and taiji once a week (it is grossly insufficient and I hope to do it more often). I am trying to rest more and sleep earlier, however, old habits die hard (sigh). I started taking some liquid calcium in capsule form when I noticed my fingernails tear easily. Also, I try my best to make time for my spiritual side.

This is my life and my choice and I not saying that everybody should follow me, but I always feel that I know my body better.

Be cautious with recommendations

As a cancer patient myself, I have had my fair share of recommendations, by well-meaning people, on all kinds of stuff purportedly capable of curing cancer.

When faced with a recommendation, by all means ask questions. Afterall it's our life that is at stake.

On our part, ask questions like :
1. Is the person who is recommending a cancer patient?
2. What type of cancer?
3. What stage was it and how aggressive are the cells?
4. What type of conventional treatments has the person gone through?
5. What other type of medications, supplements, therapy, etc, is the person taking or going through at the same time?
6. Ask about length of time and effects or side-effects as well.

If the person cannot provide answers to these questions or if the recommendation is based on hearsay, I would not even consider it.

As for the recommenders, I understand and appreciate their concerns, but would expect them to be responsible and do a thorough check on the product. By all means share, but never insist or persuade, and have respect for others' decisions, unless they can be answerable to the patient and family.

Also, as far as possible, I would not allow myself to be a guinea pig for new products. If the product is new, there could be long-term effects that are yet to surface.

Once the cells turned cancerous, are aggressive and has metastasized to other parts of the body, bringing the cancer under control is not as easy as some people think.

For me, it is a combination of sorts. I believed in traditional herbal medicine (though it is slow-acting), but the practitioner must be specialised in cancer and comes with credentials. Our lifestyles, emotions, diet and faith are equally important. Of highest importance, learn to love our body and pay attention to the messages that our body is 'sending' to us.

And, if the combination has made me feel better, then I would stick to it. It would be safer then, than to try everything that is recommended.