Two Cancer Case Studies With Vastly Different Outcomes

The Challenge of Studying Radical Remissions

Studying radical remissions in cancer patients is a complex task. Conducting controlled experiments on humans is not ethical, whereas laboratory experiments with mice allow researchers to control various factors that could impact health outcomes. To truly understand the effects of particular interventions, all variables would need to be identical. However, humans are not easily cooperative in such controlled experiments. Nonetheless, by identifying health outliers who have achieved better-than-expected outcomes and interviewing them, we can gain some insight into potential factors influencing these remissions.

Meet Diana and Emily

Jeff, author of this article, knows two individuals who represent the different outcomes that can arise from the same cancer diagnosis. Diana and Emily, both non-smokers, were diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer at a similar age. They lived in close proximity, drank the same well water, and had access to the same medical care.

Different Approaches to Treatment

After their cancer diagnoses, both Diana and Emily prioritized their diets, focusing on foods known for their immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-fighting properties. However, their psychological approaches to their diagnoses varied significantly.

Emily's Acceptance and Focus on Quality of Life

Emily, faced with a death sentence from her doctor, accepted her prognosis without resistance. At 60, she believed she had lived a fulfilling life and opted not to pursue the recommended chemotherapy regimens. Instead, she devoted her remaining time to focusing on her quality of life.

Diana's Denial and Faith

On the other hand, Diana refused to accept the severity of her prognosis. Despite her delusional conviction that God would cure her cancer due to her lifetime of piety, she reluctantly agreed to undergo palliative chemotherapy. Diana and her husband placed great importance on their faith and prayed extensively for her cure.

Differing Perspectives on Childhood and Adult Experiences

Emily and Diana also viewed their childhood and adult experiences through contrasting lenses. While Emily acknowledged the controlling nature of her mother, Diana vehemently denied any abuse in their family. Diana had been the golden child and main enabler in a narcissistic family system, while Jeff, as the oldest, had been the scapegoat. Diana's denial and defense of her parents' actions persisted throughout her life.

Emily's Healing Journey

Emily sought therapy to address the trauma she experienced in her abusive marriage and childhood. She allowed herself to feel and process her emotions, eventually setting firm boundaries with her husband. With the help of her therapist, Emily confronted her past pain, released emotional burdens, and gained freedom from her husband's coercive control.

Diana's Avoidance and Spiritual Bypassing

Diana, however, chose not to engage with her trauma during her lifetime or admit that she needed therapy. Instead of facing her emotions and past abuse, Diana and her family relied on spiritual bypassing and denial to avoid confronting their traumatic experiences.

Divergent Outcomes

A year after her diagnosis, Emily underwent a CT scan, which revealed no evidence of cancer. She remarked that she had never felt better in her life. Meanwhile, Diana's cancer progressed rapidly, causing intense physical and emotional pain. In her final days, she experienced severe anxiety and required pain medication to manage her symptoms. Diana passed away in hospice care a year and a half after her father's death.

Reflections and Respecting Individual Journeys

Studying cases like these can be challenging, especially when family members do not embrace interventions supported by research. It can be disheartening when loved ones reject potential avenues for healing. However, it is crucial to respect each person's journey and refrain from imposing one's ideas about healing on them. Good boundaries are necessary when someone you care about is facing a serious illness.

Seeking Hope and Education

While it is inappropriate to pressure individuals to try specific healing methods, it is ethical to extend invitations for hope and education. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are welcome to join an upcoming online workshop led by Jeff and the author of this article. The workshop aims to provide hope and guidance for those seeking healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a holistic medicine doctor?

Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to treating patients. They might use traditional techniques such as herbs or acupuncture, but they also integrate them into western medicine.

They are not interested in treating symptoms but rather a disease. After treatment, the patient should feel better.

The doctor should not only treat the disease, but also prevent it from happening again.

The term “holistic” refers to considering all aspects of one's life.

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: Is it Evidence-based?

The evidence base for complementary and alternative medicine is still evolving, but there are many reasons why people choose these therapies. They might have tried other treatments, but they were ineffective. Or they may prefer to try alternative therapies because they offer more benefits than traditional care. Alternately, they may look into complementary and alternative medicine as part of a holistic approach for health. Patients should always check if any complementary and alternative medicines they use are supported by scientific research. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if in doubt about the effectiveness of a particular treatment. This could save you time and money in the long-term.

What is the difference between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicine?

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs and surgery as its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.

Naturopathy, on one hand, can be used to complement traditional medical practices. It treats the whole person, including mind and soul. There are many forms of naturopathy: Ayurveda and Traditional Native American Medicine as well as Functional Medicine.

It is important not to forget that some CAM modalities overlap or complement conventional medicine. For example, herbal remedies can be prescribed by doctors and naturopaths alike. However, naturopaths prefer lifestyle changes to prescription medications.

Naturopathy is often called “complementary” or “complementary”, because it works with traditional medicine rather than replacing it. Naturopaths may prescribe medication as needed.

There are some differences between naturopathic and other CAM modalities.

Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
Naturopaths work with the patient's family physician and may refer outpatients to specialists if necessary.
Naturopathic physicians are regulated by provincial licensing boards, whereas CAM practitioners are self-regulated.
Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and well-being while also educating about diet and exercise.
Naturopaths place a strong emphasis on lifestyle factors. These include nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, nutrition, and mental well being.
Naturopharmacists specialize in the use of botanicals and minerals to treat specific conditions.
Naturopodists have the ability to offer individualized care that is tailored to each patient's needs.
Naturopaths are licensed by regulatory bodies like the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario.
The provincial regulatory bodies issue licenses to naturopatrists.
Naturopaticians can be registered with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia licenses Naturotherapists.
The United States National Board of Medical Examiners has licensed Naturobiotic Therapists.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency entitles homeopaths.
The concept of “holistic” is a belief that all aspects – spiritual, emotional, and social – should be considered when making decisions regarding one's health. Holistic doctors will take into account all aspects of life, rather than focusing on one.

How safe are holistic medicines?

Holistic medicine is safe because it does not contain harmful drugs. It is a natural treatment for people who have been using it for centuries.

They have been shown in many cases to treat conditions such as arthritis and chronic pain, asthma.

Holistic medicines are also used by millions of people around the world who suffer from various kinds of diseases. They include homeopathy. It also includes chiropractic care. Herbal treatments. Massage therapy. Yoga. Meditation. Hypnosis. Nutrition. Counseling. Exercise. These therapies target the whole person and not just the symptoms.

Statistics

A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

What is it that a holistic doctor does that a conventional doctor doesn't do?

A holistic doctor offers a wider range services than a traditional one, including nutritionists, massage therapists, naturopaths and homeopaths.

Holistic doctors work with patients holistically. They look at each person's lifestyle and environment, and treat the root causes of any health problems, rather than treating the symptoms. This approach helps them identify underlying causes and work towards long-term wellness and preventative measures. Holistic doctors use natural remedies such as herbs and essential oils alongside conventional medicine to help treat illness. They also provide nutritional supplements and advice for healthy living.

The holistic doctor also offers therapies such as reflexology and acupuncture, reiki, yoga, meditation, shiatsu, shiatsu, shiatsu, reiki, reiki, shamanic healing, hypnotherapy, craniosacral, and many other treatments.

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