| My experiences with cancer patients do not | | | | chances were 40:60 (what does that mean?) |
| support the perception that chemotherapy | | | | Jack did not want to do chemotherapy, as |
| guarantees survival from colon cancer -- that is to | | | | suggested by the doctor in Penang. So, he went |
| say, without it patients die. I have seen too many | | | | to Singapore in search for a "better cure." There |
| cases of chemo-failures to believe that. | | | | in Singapore, an oncologist said this to him: "Since |
| I must add, though, that I am not against | | | | you do not want to do chemo, that is alright. I |
| chemotherapy per se. When I started CA Care, I | | | | would only use some chemicals to WASH your |
| insisted that patients go for chemotherapy if | | | | liver." Jack readily agreed. So in July 2002, the |
| asked by his/her doctor. But unfortunately with | | | | Singapore oncologist started this "washing-his-liver |
| time, I gathered more wisdom. I now refrain | | | | procedure" on him. The "procedure" was repeated |
| from participating in patients' chemo-decision. I | | | | five times. On 1 October 2002, it was the end of |
| must say, however, that I am not agreeable to | | | | the "washing." While at home, Jack felt giddy and |
| the "indiscriminate" use of chemotherapy. Even | | | | was unable to eat. He slipped into a coma and had |
| more so, if the cards have not been laid out | | | | to be rushed to a private hospital in Penang. |
| clearly on the table. Unfortunately in some cases, | | | | Emergency procedures were provided and he |
| patients are being misled. A clear example is the | | | | survived and was hospitalized for about a week. |
| story below. | | | | His condition was not good. He could not sit up, |
| Jack (not real name) was a 32-year old male. In | | | | the veins in his back were blue-black in colour, his |
| April 2002, he suffered abdominal pains. A CT | | | | back ached and he was put on morphine. His |
| scan on 26 April 2002, indicated cancer of the | | | | stomach was bloated and both his legs swelled. He |
| sigmoid colon with numerous metastases in his | | | | could only breathe through his mouth. He died |
| liver. He was asked to undergo a surgery and | | | | soon afterwards. |
| chemotherapy. He was told by his doctor that his | | | | |