After reading about the proposed surgery and discussing it with the surgeon (yesterday) we have discovered that there is a "9-22% chance" of some pretty unacceptable permanent collateral damage. These include potential loss of bladder control and impotence. Granted, these are better than death, but so is a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. I wish they would have told me about this weeks and weeks ago so I would have known about it. I had to find out about it on the internet, and then confirm this with the surgeon.
This has caused us to really take a step back and consider what exactly we're doing here. We have done extensive research (Jeanah has been a reading machine...and if you know Jeanah, you know how fast she can read). I have read the summary portions of things she has read, including a great book called "Cancer Free" written by the husband of a lady who died of cancer in 1994. He was frustrated with the cancer treatment "machine" we have today.
Anyway, the gist of this is he did a LOT of research and came to the conclusion that the best treatment of cancer is the Johanna Budwig regimine. This is what I have started in the past week. Just google Dr. Johanna Budwig and you will find MANY sites to read about it.
I discussed delaying the surgery with Dr. Lee yesterday. He says it is "OK" to delay until mid-June or so. We are going to do this and give the Budwig protocol a chance to work and clear my cancer. If we can do this, and eliminate the need for surgery, great. If not, we can do surgery, but we are hoping and praying surgery will not be needed.
The Budwig protocol may sound kinda "pie-in-the-sky" but there is actually very good science behind it. Including some input by Linus Pauling, and being a good Oregon State fan and graduate, I of course know about the contributions he made to science and medicine.
Yes, I'm planning to meet with both my oncologists to discuss this. I will also meet with a naturopathic doctor who treats cancer to get their input. It's good to have options!
If you are the reading type, and would like to read the "Cancer Free" book, contact me and I can email you the PDF.
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You do a wonderful job updating. Good job for doing the research. You are in my prayers as you try new things, research, and make decisions. Let the Lord be your shepherd (Psalm 23).
ReplyDeleteYour little sister's friend Beth T.
Actually the Budwig protocol is one thing we are implementing, the others are supplements to build Victor's immune system, a high fiber, meat, dairy and gluten free diet (except for the cottage cheese that is blended with the flax seed oil and various hard cheeses) as well as beneficial enzymes.
ReplyDeleteSuprisingly, it hasn't been that horrible to give up some of the things that previously were staples. Victor is maintaining a good attitude and is gamely branching out his tastebuds. Go baby go!
You seem to be attacking this in a very methodical and logical way. The better informed you are the better decision you will make. We will continue to pray that cancer will be eradicated without surgery.
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