GroundBreaking for Patients, Earth Shaterring for Surgeons

This study changes so much on the previous thinking of doing lymph node dissection.

However, its also important to note, patients underwent radiation after the lumpectomy.

in reference to: Axillary Dissection vs No Axillary Dissection in Women With Invasive Breast Cancer and Sentinel Node Metastasis, February 9, 2011, Giuliano et al. 305 (6): 569 — JAMA (view on Google Sidewiki)

Liver and Fat dont mix well

A lot of people have fatty liver disease here in Asia. Here is one reason why they have this.

Also I feel that its also important to see association of fatty liver with carb intake!

in reference to: Association of Meat and Fat Intake With Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the NIH-AARP Cohort — J. Natl. Cancer Inst. (view on Google Sidewiki)

5 Foods That Starve Cancer

Disturbing new research suggests that microscopic cancer, small cancer cells that can only been seen under a microscope, is widely prevalent. A...

IV VITAMIN C on the way out?

This is so sad if this is true. I have been using McGuff for IV vitamin C.

There are other Vit c available in the Market. Or better yet, why not ask your local pharmacist to make IV vitamin C?

in reference to: FDA shuts down production of non-drug cancer therapy (view on Google Sidewiki)

Avastin is not for Breast cancer

A new decision has been made by the US FDA disallowing the use of Avastin for breast cancer. This is due to the life-threatening adverse effects of the drug among breast cancer patients.

What happens to those who already endured the side effects of the drug.

Colorectal Cancer risk with Androgen Deprivation

It feels like double jeopardy

Vit C Miracle story as told by the patient himself

A great story about vit c cure and the fight by the family vs the "doctors"

The President’s Cancer Panel releases report: We must eliminate environmental carcinogens from our workplaces, schools, and homes. | The Canary Report

The President’s Cancer Panel releases report: We must eliminate environmental carcinogens from our workplaces, schools, and homes. | The Canary Report

I think this is a great report ! for the First time since it started giving reports to the President, the panel has really zeroed in that TOXINS including radiation is a factor to causing cancer

Can a fever cure cancer? Jordan baffled doctors when his leukaemia vanished, new evidence suggests a remarkable explanation... | Mail Online

Can a fever cure cancer? Jordan baffled doctors when his leukaemia vanished, new evidence suggests a remarkable explanation... | Mail Online

Why this study is important

The Sympathetic Nervous System Induces a Metastatic Switch in Primary Breast Cancer — Cancer Res

This study shows that at the very least for breast cancer, chronic stress (non-painful stress) can induce cancer cells to become more metastatic. Chronic stress shifts to a "sympathetic predominance." This make the cancer cells "outside" the primary tumor more aggressive.

So really stress is not a good idea for cancer patients.

Down but not out

I'm feeling the blues again. Patient X was admitted due to pleural and pericardial effusion. It was a good thing he was at the right place. Only problem is, he's intubated but fighting.

I pray for his recovery.

Cancer Cells are resistant to angiogenesis inhibitors?

New studies explain how cancer cells 'eat us alive'

This new study seems to say at least 3 things:

1. Its not the cancer that directly causes cachexia, its the stromal cells or fibroblast dying rapidly due to the stress induced by cancer cells.
2. Cancer Cells have mitochondria. In a "normal environment" where cancer cells are present together with the fibroblasts, mitochondria are present. THis is in contrast to cancer cell cultures where cancer cells had no mitochondria.
3. Angiogenesis inhibitors may actually make cancer cells more aggressive in causing cachexia, relapse and metastasis.

Great alternative for Cancer patients

Efficacy and Safety of Oral Lactoferrin Supplementation in Combination with rHuEPO-{beta} for the Treatment of Anemia in Advanced Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Study -- Macciò et al. 15 (8): 894 -- The Oncologist

This study demonstrate the effectiveness of giving lactoferrin than giving IV iron + rhEPO.

China milk powder blamed after babies develop breasts - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

China milk powder blamed after babies develop breasts - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Now, I hope people will understand why milk whether for babies or fresh milk is not good for everyone esp those with cancer

Marijuana vs Cancer

Abstract | Cannabinoids reduce ErbB2-driven breast cancer progression through Akt inhibition

I remember one of my patient cooking up marijuana and extracting the oil for his medical condition. He was so afraid someone might recognize the smell and report him to the police :)

Now he can truly say marijuana really works, read your medical journals!!!

Crisis in Clinical trials

NEJM -- Cancer Clinical Trials -- A Chronic but Curable Crisis

Interesting that they finally see something wrong with the way the trials are done.

Cancer Decisions® - Mistletoe Makes Further Gains - Part II

Cancer Decisions® - Mistletoe Makes Further Gains - Part II

Whats interesting in this study was, they were actually looking at "maybe" increasing chemotherapy drugs was feasible! Hmmm.. so now Mistletoe is like a rescue remedy?

they totaly lost the sight of "maybe" we can use mistletoe instead of Gemzar?

Support group for cancer patients hits court order - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Support group for cancer patients hits court order - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

This is something we dont see often :) I hope more people will come out and support the drive vs these big companies.

Hmm Looks like some Doctors are starting to realize something wrong with the statistics

Looking for efficiency rather than efficacy in randomized controlled trials in oncology — Ann Oncol

After reading this paper, I am glad that someone had the "balls" to really look at how these trials make a big thing with small results. I remember a chemo regimen, forgot which one, where the length of survival was SIGNIFICANTLY longer than the older regimen, but looking at the data, i was surprised the difference was less than 3 months!!!

Is that how we look at the data, 3 months is significant on paper, but in real life?

Cancers responding to Healing Frequencies?

Amplitude-modulated electromagnetic fields for the treatment of cancer: Discovery of tumor-specific frequencies and assessment of a novel therapeutic approach

I think this is a very important step towards the integration of the Alternative and the Conventional! If doctors will open up to these possibilities, I feel it will be for the benefit of ALL cancer patients.

You dont lose anything aside from finances( if you are dying, money becomes secondary priority), you won't have any adverse effects. However, it ain't gonna cure you, because as you can see its effect is not immediate.

I hope more studies ike this will come out

Healing just by our intentions

I am reading now a book by Lynn McTaggart,The Field and it discussed how our intentions can actually influence events.

Its a book about how we are all connected by the "Field" that is present all around us. She compiled and made a book of the advances in quantum physics and medicine. Am sure there are now lot more about the topics she discussed, I just hope that Conventional Medicine catches up and realize that their Newtonian Model of Medicine doesnt quite work in today's Quantum Reality

Reversal of Chemotherapy-Induced Leukopenia Using Granulocyte Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Promotes Bone Metastasis That Can Be Blocked with Osteoclast Inhibitors -- Dai et al. 70 (12): 5014 -- Cancer Research

Reversal of Chemotherapy-Induced Leukopenia Using Granulocyte Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Promotes Bone Metastasis That Can Be Blocked with Osteoclast Inhibitors -- Dai et al. 70 (12): 5014 -- Cancer Research

Wow!!! what a mouthful... So I guess now, everyone on GM-CSF should also be on Zoladex?

Vitamin C to the rescue?

Currently, have 2 patients with stage 4 cancers. Apparently after changing my supplier for the Vitamin C, patients are getting better and better.

Both were in real pain and had difficulty eating. Now both are strong and have good appetite.

All those doubts are being erased.

Apatone

Nucleolar Changes and Fibrillarin Redistribution Following Apatone Treatment of Human Bladder Carcinoma Cells -- Jamison et al., 10.1369/jhc.2010.956284 -- Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry

Apatone was granted as an orphan drug for metastatic prostate cancer. I feel this is a very good step where it really shows how cheap drugs or in this case supplement can treat cancer.

Apatone is just vit c and menadione!

Weeks in melancholy

There are days really that you feel this weird sense of sadness or emptiness. I dont even know if its from me or from my patient's point of view.

I was looking and looking for something to read or learn. It felt like I needed to do something, but I dont know what?

And then, it sort of just came to me, its about time to get away for awhile. As I kept reading this quote about looking at this at a distance. Maybe its time for me to distance myself from this space and re-evaluate.

BTW, our center received this special gift from a Kabbalah Center, it was THE book " THe Zohar" Problem is, its in Aramaic!!!

Cancer as part of evolution

Abstract | Phylostratigraphic tracking of cancer genes suggests a link to the emergence of multicellularity in metazoa

It seems from this study, our genes specifically the cancer genes where in fact already part of the uni-cellular organisms. And as cell evolved to multicellular organism, we also have multiple inherent "gatekeepers" to keep these genes in check.

So what triggers these genes to become active again? hmm I bet Dr. Bruce Lipton can be a good reference to this.

Mainstream herbal sales soar, says report

Mainstream herbal sales soar, says report

So I guess supplements are like the Apple brand, they dont follow the market forces :)

Physiological Levels of Reactive Oxygen Species are Required to Maintain Genomic Stability in Stem Cells. Tao-Sheng Li. 2010; STEM CELLS - Wiley InterScience

Physiological Levels of Reactive Oxygen Species are Required to Maintain Genomic Stability in Stem Cells. Tao-Sheng Li. 2010; STEM CELLS - Wiley InterScience
This study is making waves across the internet and mainstream media!!!

I can see naysakers for vitamins will have great time poking this at pro-vitamins supporters

Blueberry Phytochemicals Inhibit Growth and Metastatic Potential of MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells through Modulation of the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathway -- Adams et al. 70 (9): 3594 -- Cancer Research

Blueberry Phytochemicals Inhibit Growth and Metastatic Potential of MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells through Modulation of the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathway -- Adams et al. 70 (9): 3594 -- Cancer Research

Here's a very good article about blueberries on breast cancer!!!! Thats why I love blueberries :)

Doubts Remain

Its been hard for me this week, especially since we have been seeing patients, despite all the things we are doing, keeps on deteriorating. I am beginning to question my self already if what I am doing is the "right thing" or is there any other way for us to do it correctly :)

Its like going back to the drawing boards, but different from drawing boards, you cant discard the papers just like that, or in our case, you cant just abandon people who have put great trust in our hands.

So tonight I go back and see where have I missed some things or is it just my ego trying to "think" i can help them, even though I know in the end, its still the person's own journey and we are just bit players or assistants.

Doubts Remain

Its been hard for me this week, especially since we have been seeing patients, despite all the things we are doing, keeps on deteriorating.

Live to Eat or Eat to Live?

I am a bit exasperated with one of my patient who is more wanting to eat rather than to live. He has by the way, Lymphoma and all the work and improvement we had, all went up in smoke because he ate 4 pieces of pandesal.

Stem cells and Vitamin C

Researchers in Guangzhou China have found that vitamin C induces somatic cells or mature cells that are present in all our organs, to become pluripotent stem cells.

Moreover, vitamin C seems to unblock a cell's programming for senescence (or aging) to become a pleuripotent stem cell.

Hmmmm more reason to take those Vitamin c. So now, we can call vitamin C an anti-aging vitamin.

Naltrexone and Alpha Lipoic acid for Pancreatic Cancer

In the latest issue of Integrative Cancer Therapies, a case of 3 patients with pancreatic cancer were treated with intravenous alpha lipoic acid and low dose naltrexone. What's astonishing is that the patients are still alive, 2 of which were already cancer free based on their PET scan.

This is an ongoing trial in a New Mexico Integrative Center.

I hope this study will be more available to all pancreatic cancer patients.

A wonderful surprise!!!

Yesterday, as I was about to teach a group of MDs, and non-MDs about quantum medicine and healing, I was surprised and honored that one of my professors in my Med school was one of them. Was I intimidated? hmmm at the beginning maybe, but when they were doing the healing stuff, he was just one of them.. dumbstruck at what he was experiencing.

Question is, will this new found experience lead him further to study the Eastern medical philosophy or will it make him stand back and question himself about its validity.

Only time will tell...

ITS HARD TO LET GO

Sometimes we feel that we need to hold on eventhough we know that our holding on to a certain person or thing is actually making our lives a little less joyful.

I feel sad that we are about to lose one of the bravest person I have ever met. Even at her death bed, she calmly told us to just give her the morphine and let her sleep, sans the drama. But how can we do that?

Sad day

Things dont always turn out the way we want to. For the past 2 days, patient has deteriorated. She has said her goodbyes.

After 3 years of surviving cancer, patient has finally made peace and is awaiting for her return to Oneness.

A breather!

I am taking care of a brain tumor patient right now, she has been sleeping for the last week or so. At last, she has awaken and started eating again! I hope what we are doin is the right now. I cross my fingers and hope for the best!!!

Cancer is Infectious

I remembered when I was young, people would often tell us that you have to be careful not to get infected by cancer. So be careful that their blood don't get into yours.

I told myself how absurd that they can think like this? What in the world were they thinking? How did they ever thought of such things?

And then this study came out, wherein they got the plasma of a cancer patient and they introduced it to "normal" cultured cells, and lo and behold, true enough, the cells transformed into cancer cells. They call it genometastasis.

Cancer is Infectious

I remembered when I was young, people would often tell us that you have to be careful not to get infected by cancer. So be careful that their blood don't get into yours.

I told myself how absurd that they can think like this? What in the world were they thinking? How did in the world,

Vitamin C infusions

I have been giving intravenous Vit C with B17 for a patient with endometrial cancer. Before we started the therapy she was always in pain and had poor appetite.

After 12 infusions in a span of 15 days, i can safely say its working very well, shes eating better, sleeping longer and gaining weight. In fact, she's already making jokes and complaining!

I hope we can continue this improvement until all the pain has disappeared. I cross my fingers and hope for the best

Pain meds thats are actually anti-epileptics

After reading this article, I'm reminded of the concern about what drug companies here in the Philippines are also doing. They are also giving Neurontin and Lyrica like they are candies!!!

Its bad already that its price is same as a lunch meal, what makes it worse is the patients feel like zombies with the drug. And to think these drug companies still keep pushing the off-label of these drugs.

Vicious

Wondering whats next

I am a bit down these past fews days, feeling tired with everything happening! I need a break!!!

Another one bites the dust

After 1 week of fighting, patient with both breast and uterine cancers coupled with metastasis to the liver and abdomen finally let go.

She was a tough lady. Despite having a hard time breathing, she still refused to have oxygen until she was too weak to resist.

I learned a lot from her this past week, when the Spirit is strong, anything is possible.

After sex... "hmmm who are you?"

A great topic for everyone!!!

Swine Flu, Bird Flu, and all the flu!

Read up on whats the main contributor to greenhouse gases, antibiotic resistance and yes... all those flus out there!!!

Homeopathic remedies proof?

Professor Luc Montagnier Nobel Prize co-winner 2008 for the discovery of HIV, has demonstrated that bacterial DNA even in high dilutions beyond the Avogadro number have weak electromagnetic signals.

Interesting!!!! here's the study

A Photojournalist's view on her "family project"

this is a beautiful story about Ms. Avakian. A strong woman indeed.

Opening a Medical Spa or Wellness Center

I've been rummaging through some papers trying to compile a set of resources for a business plan for a medical spa/wellness center.

Metformin for Cancer Stem Cells?

Hmmm... A great idea is brewing up :)

At least now everyone must realize that chemotherapy alone doesnt guarantee a complete eradication of cancer cells.

Movie Addict

Recently, I have been addicted to watching movies such as Beautiful Truth, What the Bleep, The Matrix, Supersize Me, Sicko as well as the Secret. All of them dealt with the fringe of medical science as well as views about health and society. Fringe meaning, its at the leading edge and not many people understand whats going on.

I wish these movies would move to mainstream and give people a real look at the situation!

Resistant to treatment

After doing so much and having the patient take all the necessary steps in his treatment for cancer, its seems like a losing battle. WE cant seem to get it undercontrol. When you did everything and patient still is not improving, something else must be at hand.

I asked to myself "did we miss anything?" I've addressed the diet, the works. He is compliant. So.. the most obvious question left was, is he emotionally healthy?

Apparently not. He's always irritated and angry at so many mostly mundane things. I was aghast! I've shouldve known better!

Dr.Hulda Clark has past away

Dr. Hulda Clark has passed away quietly due to complications of a spinal cord injury. She pioneered the theory that parasites in our body causes almost all the chronic diseases we suffer. She also invented the Zapper that kills parasites, bacteria, virus, and fungi.

Cactus Obsession

For the past year or so, I have been having this obsession with cacti for my clinic! I kept on getting a cactus but for some reason, I would either forget it or the cactus aint pretty enough.

Anyways, yesterday I was browsing a book by Master Choa Kok Sui, and he wrote that we can actually cleanse a room using salt and water, incense, and you guessed it... cactus. That made me laugh at myself.

I guess our inner knowing keeps on telling us what we should do, we just sometimes shoot it down as silly.

Beautiful Truth

Just saw this Movie, I think it speaks of the REAL truth about our society today! I hope everyone wakes up soon to the Beautiful and terrifying truth.

I urge everyone to get this movie!!!

CAM spending by American

In a newspaper article, American spent a total of US$33.9 Billion on CAM. Surprisingly, a large percentage was spent not on vitamins or minerals but rather on fish oil, glucosamine and Echinacea(US$14.8 Billion).

Wow!! thats a big amount!!!

Cory Aquino has passed Away

Former President Corazon Aquino is now at the hospital in pain due to cancer of colon. Even in her weakest state of health, she once again has come and united the Filipino people in praying and supporting her. I find that a wonderful trait of Mrs. Aquino, that she can still muster a great number of people behind her, whether in politics or otherwise.

Though her presidency was wrought in ineffective political and economic leadership, her strength really showed in terms of her spiritual leadership. Only time will tell if this spiritual leadership will wake up the Filipinos about themselves and what Filipinos want for their future.

She has passed away on August 1st, 2009.

Remarkable turn around

A friend referred this breast cancer survivor to me because of severe pain in her right hand. I could see its swollen. The initial diagnosis was neuropathy but we know better. This is lymphangitic invasion. She was already operated, chemo and radio-therapied 2 years ago.

After a session of Access Healing, she felt better less pain, what was wonderful, was after the session, we had a talk about how it came back after being in remission. AShe admitted that this relapse happened after her sister passed away. She recognized the importance of her siblings being together.

After the talk, her pain surprisingly disappeared and the day after swelling was visibly lesser. Weird and wonderful

Anti-Radiation Pill

At last, an anti-radiation pill for everyone! I never thought this would be possible in my lifetime :) A pill that literally protects everyone from radiation exposures. :)

Hmmm.. Does this mean we can do several x-rays in 1 week without any ill effects?

Another one past away

My patient for more than 2 years finally met his Creator. She was a very brave and had a heart of gold. She fought and fought until she had nothing left to fight with.

After undergoing a chemo cycle, her body just gave way and she was never really was back to normal. Her oncologist nicknamed her "flower" coz she had severe adverse reactions even with the lowest dose of chemo.

I will really miss her.

One more reason for not... Colas!!!

I never thought that drinking colas can eventually lead to paralysis.

I remember when I was young, after playing basketball I was so thirsty and instead of drinking water, I chose cola (blame it on advertising). After gulping a bottle, I became more thirsty than before drinking the cola! I learned a lesson that day, water is the best!

Back from that much needed vacation

I just came back from a much deserved vacation, Blessing in disguise, I was able to hook up with a lady who was into herbs and crystals.

I was searching for graviola leaves instead of the fruit as a means to supplement patients with cancer. Prayers answered, the leaves were even picked from trees high up in the mountains.

Distant Healing Intention = Prayers

This study done by Dean Radin et al., showed that by focusing attention or intention on another person, on this study, a loved one, measureable changes on the human physiology can actually happen.

Its what we call "spooky action at a distance"

What was funny for me was, the paper avoided to use "prayer." The contention was to remove any religious connotations. I guess they're really trying to separate religion from science.

Kid ordered for Chemo

I dont know how I feel for the kid and the family, it must be hard on them. Whatever happened to patient's rights. Maybe they thought the kid was uninformed or misinformed.

I say, we underestimate our youths today, they're sharper, more intelligent than we ever accept or realize.

What will happen if the patient dies from complications to the chemo, who will take the blame... the judge?

Deja Vu

I am really distubed at whats happening to Louie, a breast cancer patient. Recently, I found out that she has disseminated pulmonary metastasis, and its causing her dyspnea.
This is exactly what happened to my patient before, she was so out of breath 24hrs a day, on 5L of O2. It wasnt a nice thing to see.

And now, it seems that, if things will not get better she will likewise become like this. Have to act fast, no more mistakes and missteps.

Hard times

I've been procrastinating in writing recently, mainly because there is nothing really good to write about, all I've been getting recently is bad news...

Lasers for Neuronal cell injuries

I came across this paper, i felt I had to share it with you all. The study used a 670nM Laser, which is available as a laser pointer.

Epigenetics

Passing Away

Two of my patients past away successively in 2 days. It was a sad week for me!

Vitamin C for cancer

This is one more reason for Vitamin C in cancer therapy. The dose given however was at 1000mg/kg/day. The authors suggested that intravenous vitamin C was therefore the best route if ascorbic acid was to be used as an anti-cancer agent

Healthy Obese?

First time a study that shows healthy obese people have a higher level of white blood cells, compared to "unhealthy" obese.
Hmmm.... maybe its elevated because of stress, and "unhealthy" obese have decompensated stress response hence lower WBC.

Bicarbonate Increases Tumor pH and Inhibits Spontaneous Metastases

This study seems to agree with the notion that alkaline diet does have a benefit especially among patients with cancer.

I hope oncologists will take note of this study, its of great benefit to cancer survivors

Multivitamin Use and Longetivity

This is the first study showing that Vitamins specifically C and E can have a beneficial impact on our DNAs. Telomeres are parts of the DNA that shortens every time it divides. When it reaches the end of it, cell dont divide anymore, hence prone to aging and death. Its also called the Hayflick's limit.

So I guess those who takes vitamins who have a longer life span:)

Reiki

Yesterday, I learned Reiki! The energy I felt was wonderful, my hands were and still at present still warm. This happened during the attunement.
I feel also a sense of calmness, like never before, as if I know something already and yet.. I dont know what I know thats making me feel like this.
Strange things are happening, funny sometimes, as if the energy is trying to lead me to another path.

Schizophrenia and food

As Hippocrates would say... Let food by thy medicine"

What a case report! Gluten-free food can resolve schizophrenia, this is bad news for the pharma industry if study can be replicated and really shows benefit

Homeopathic remedies for cancer

This is the first study I have encountered that truly dealt with a homeopathic remedy against the development of cancer, though the study group was composed of rats.

I wonder if people will start taking this one. I'm sure the homeopaths will not use this study but rather stick to their time-tested way of choosing a homeopathic remedy.

!!!Unbelievable!!!

There was this guy who was a carpenter before he got sick. He had multiple nodules on the right side of his lungs. It didn't look good, doctors wanted to do biopsy. They had no money for the said procedure. He was wasting away slowly, coughing incessantly.

He came to our charity clinic. Felt so bad for him and his family. The wife was the one supporting them when he got sick. She was so desperate.

Since they lived about 80kms from our clinic, the best thing I could do for him was to give him the ginseng powder...

After 3 months, he came back. I didn't recognize him, coz he was looking better and had more muscle in his face and body. He told me he's back to working though not at 100%. That's still better than only one breadwinner in the family.

Gave him 1 more ginseng powder, and happily he went back home. His face was... as the cliche said.. "PRICELESS!"

Beautiful Site

Yesterday, I was so amazed and at awe at the site I saw, while holding my patient with Colon cancer that has metastasized to the lungs and liver.

Aside from me, he had 4 children and his wife holding him. You could feel the intense love and hope of each of the kids for their father. It drove me to tears. :)

I think we at the clinic should do this more often for the patients when the opportunity arises.

Vit. C for High blood pressure

I think this is a fantastic study!!! It showed those with higher plasma levels of ascorbic acid were more likely to have lower BPs. The study was carried out for 10 years and it clearly demonstrated vitamin c can make a difference in the long run.

Quantum Touch

I came late for the class :) We did some breathing exercises then some hands-on healing. Quite great to see more and more people are aware and willing to learn different healing modalities.

Today more things to learn!

Otto Warburg's right!!!

It seems like Otto Warburg's theory about cancer cells is really being proven to be true! Cancer cells seems to metastasize more quickly with the absence of oxygen was what was shown in the research by Dr. Giaccia of Stanforf Medical Center.

With deprivation of oxygen, cancer cells express lysyl osidase (LOX). LOX then breaks apart collagen and becomes an entry point for cancer cells to spread deeper into other parts of the body.

Cancer cells gulping white blood cells

The January Issue of the Scientific American out came out with an article on cancer cells fusing with white blood cells that ultimately lead to cancer metastasis/ Dr. Pawelek has demonstrated how the cancer cells fuse with the macrophages, making them more aggressive and highly metastatic.

Hmm...

Past Christmas

Saw my patient again last monday, and I would say I am bit surprised if not elated at the turn of events. When I first saw him, I was guarded and frankly pessimistic (pardon my weakness) if he could last til Christmas. That was my goal, he be able to spend Christmas with his loved ones!

Well, apparently, he is doing quite well now, despite the 5 years of chemo and 15 session of daily radiotherapy. In fact so well that he's now a bit complaining, a bit more talkative and making funny comments at me or at our staff.

He's still weak though, cant walk, but can sit for longer periods. I really dont know what I did, if ever I did anything for him. A bit of ginseng, a bit of homeopathic rememdies, a lot of body works (Access).

I wish him luck and his pain to go away and gain all the weight he lost!

Merry Christmas to all!!!

MSG

I was severely disturbed by an ad about MSg being a natural food for the intestine! That is sooo misleading! What is food for the intestinal tract is glutamine NOT glutamate!

Cancer is the leading cause of death by 2010!

Its like a problem looking at us eye to eye and challenging us what are we suppose to do about it!!

Personally, I feel that cancer as the leading cause of mortality is our own creation. We created this disease as we let "progress" take its toll on us and on Mother Earth. How much more of this do we need in order for us to realize that cancer is not just about individual struggle, its not just about losing a mother, father, son or daughter. This is about the survival of our species.

If we make projections, considering the aging population, our species can become in peril or extinction in probably a few hundred years.

Tumor Vaccine

I just attended a 2-day workshop in Cebu. It was so wonderful despite losing my wallet with everything in it!!! I almost slept at the airport :) Good thing we had contacts to borrow money. As for my IDs, tough luck I have to get new ones again.

This tumor vaccine is relatively easy to prepare and sans to life-threatening side effects.

The Newcastle Disease virus (NDV) is an oncolytic virus that causes bird flu in chickens but harmless to humans, except for the tumor cells. Upon infection with the virus, the virus starts replicating in the cancer cells. Infected cancer cells then become recognized by the lymphocytes, NK cells as foreign and therefore tumor lysis occurs.

Confirmation of an age-old knowledge?

There's this study which came out of MSNBC.com, which claimed that patients with cognitive impairment who had kidney transplantions have improved mental functions.

Interestingly, in traditional chinese medicine, the Kidney governs the mind, marrow, and the bone. So any disorder in the kidneys can manifest problems in the Brain, mental function, the blood and bone itself.

As you may know already, Kidneys plays an important role in the blood formation, as well as calcium absorption. But this is the first time to show that improved kidney function can improve cognitive function.

This is certainly an affirmation of how much accurate TCM is, when it comes to diagnostic and pathophysiologic knowledge.

Severe Fungal Infections

I came across this paper and it somehow put a period to my hunch that a lot of patients on chemotherapy drugs do have fungal infections, severe or not.

In most cases I see a lot of patients with fungal infections that drives the immune system to berserk mode. Its just that the infections are most of the time, asymptomatic so its not addressed.

A lot of patients here are given these new drugs.

We are being invaded!!!

I find it a bit disconcerting that Pharma companies are trying to get to med bloggers! First sponsoring events, then ads? then what???

Blogs are personal, IMHO. When commercial companies come in, opinions can become a bit tricky :)

What you think?

Battling with Breast Cancer.. Again

I have been seeing a 65 yr old female with metastatic breast cancer for about a month now. She came back coz the cancer grew back from the MRM. It was growing fast but the patient didnt want to do chemotherapy anymore.

So it was decided that we try homeopathic medicines. After about 1 month or so, seems like the tumor has shrunk to 50% of what it used to be. It certainly surprised me! I didnt thought it would be that fast and effective.

But we'll have to see after a few more weeks.

A Mother's Journey

I just came across this site, won the Pulitzer prize.

I'm just so affected I felt the pain and anguish of both the mother and son,

This made my resolve even stronger to help especially these kids who have so much to live for.

I thank the photographer Ms. Byer! I'm sure even you were affected by this~!

Abraham by Ester Hicks

A patient let me borrow her Abraham DVD and i was just blown away with what was in that DVD!!!

After that,I knew I had to learn and listen to what else Abraham had to say. I'm sure a lot of skeptics would say its a show. My piece of advice, dont shoot the messenger, just listen to the messages.

As I was reading it, I was feeling a sense of joy, peace and contentment that I'm not alone in what I feel and how I feel about me, the patients, people in general.

Beautiful...

Yesterday, I saw a 5 yr old girl who was diagnosed to have autism. I was amazed and felt the joy not only of the child's but of the dad, mom and nanny's.

All the while I was doing my diagnostics, she was singing and what beautiful voice she had.

I had the most refreshing experience with her. I hope to see more of these kids! They're just fantastic to watch

Missing You

For the past 2 years or so, I have been going. seeing and talking with you. I'm so glad to have met someone as kind and generous as you, never have I felt the genuine trust from a patient more than you!!!

Eventhough I am the most junior of your doctors, you trusted and weighed my opinion as important as the others. Truly, I have never imagined that being a doctor could be such humbling experience. You have shown me so many things, given me more than I can ever imagine or ask of anyone.

But most of all, I thank you, for not only being a patient, but also a Father figure to me and my family. That is priceless. And though you are now somewhere in heaven looking down at us, most probably with that smug face of yours, I will sorely miss you!!! Every Tuesdays I always feel that I have to do something, only to realize you are gone and I have move on :)

Thanks for the lessons, the memories and the love, I know you treated me like your own son, I'm proud of it !!! Proud of being able to meet you!

See you soon :)

Panic attack!

I recently got wind of an Naturopathic doctor who was diagnosed with cancer. What was remarkable to note was that this doctor TOTALLY I mean TOTALLY abhors chemotherapy and isn't afraid of sticking that opinion to the patients. The doctor would even reprimand short of cursing them why did they undergo chemotherapy.

I guess the Universe is giving the doctor a closer look at death. Diagnosed to have cancer, went to the United States for chemotherapy. Whoa that was very surprising to us the very least.

When your life is on the line, you try everything including the kitchen sink cleaners if you have to, just to eradicate the cancer and survive the onslaught.

I feel its very important not to tell the patients what they should or shouldn't do. We must make it clear that we guide them not tell them. It has to be THEIR choice, we just give our opinion on whats the best possible options.

Ho'Oponopono

I was given a book by a patient of mine. Its called Zero Limits by Joe Vitale. If you dont know this guy, he was featured in The Secret, the movie as well as many other books he wrote.

It was amazing to read about a psychologsit who didnt see a single patient at an asylum! And in 2 years all of the patients were discharged!!

I recommend this book to everyone who think their lives are pockmarked with problems! Surely this book will help you :)

Radiation woes

I have a female patient who came to us last month. Prior to her visit to us, she was severely weakened by continous nausea and vomiting secondary to chemotherapy. She was diagnosed to have a thymoma, enveloping part of the pericardium. Her doctor said she must undergo chemo-radiotherapy to shrink it first.

The poor patient vomitted incessantly for 10 days after her chemo session, her oncologist just brushed it aside and said it will pass. Because of that, she was traumatized and didnt want to do chemo anymore.

So another option was radiation. After 10 daily sessions, she again is having nausea and vomiting. To circumvent this problem, she would eat immediately after the radio session, take a bath and then sleep it off. What ingenuity!
but she's also malnourished now.

We are doing what we can but simply the radiation is really hard on her frail body. What can we do, eventually its still her choice either to keep up the fight or surrender outright.

Another one bites the dust

As i write this entry, my patient of 3 yrs whom I have had a wonderful time being with is slowly passing away, entering the kingdom of Heaven awaited by all his loved ones.

Its very difficult for me to see him in distress, much more to see the agonizing slowness of draining of the very life of him.

I remember my school days where the doctors tell us to keep a certain distance so that we wont be too much affected and therefore objectivity is maintained. Well, tell that to someone else, coz its really hard for me, especially for this patient who has showed me what generosity really means.

As he passes away, I look now into the future and begin another chapter in my little small insignificant life, compared to the life he will have.

Its hard to say goodbye, especially if until on their death bed, they expect you to bring them back to life.

So my friend, My Good bye to you, see you again in the next life. I will miss you so much

Passed away

After battling and surviving 7 years with liver cancer, he has passed away quietly. All the doctors told him when he was first diagnosed with cancer that he will die within 6 months.

He celebrated his 7th yr anniversary of the diagnosis with vigor and enthusiasm of making it for another 7 years.

But at last, God may have other plans for him.

I salute you my friend, see you again in the next life!!!

End of days

Its heart-rendering time for me. Both my patients with cancer are slowly losing their grip with life.

Each of them clinging now in their death beds, wanting only peace now, but only to face the fear of death.

How do we as doctors, family, friends comfort them what is past this life, if we ourselves have no inkling what is it all about?