Hi Pleasure,
When I was diagnosed with cancer (Mantle Cell Lymphoma) I refused all conventional treatments and decided I was going to lick this disease by becoming a vegan and taking only homeopathic treatments. I even learnt a special Chi-gung exercise, known as cancer cure chi-gung, and practised religiously each morning for two hours (more when I could). I ate only organic produce, juiced fruit and veg in an expensive juicer recommended by leading juice consumers, ate raw vegetables as recommended by the Bristol Cancer care Centre, went to faith and Reiki healers (and some came here) and took recommended vitamins and minerals. In short, I did everything humanly possible to eat and live "right".
At first, my disease seemed to be in check and the large tumour under my left arm and in the left side of my neck seemed to have softened -- but it was only the lull before the storm. The disease had insidiously spread throughout my body and, at one point, there was more cancer in my bones than blood cells! I was dying!
After panic attacks brought on through my being unable to breath properly I was admitted into hospital to undergo a pleurodesis (fluid was taken from my left lung). In all, 6 litres (10 pints) of fluid was drained from my lung and I knew time was running out as I was falling apart. The cancer had also spread into my nasal region. No wonder I couldn't breath!!
The doctors told me that I had six weeks to live and that I was rapidly entering the stage when they would have to refuse treatment because to administer it (i.e. chemo) it would kill me becayuse I was so weak. I thought about my Claire. God I love that woman - and my children! My sixteen-year-old son, Dominic was suffering watching me waste away. Claire was suffering in silence and the starin emanated around the house. Even our two dogs looked forlorn. I had to accept the treatment and could only pray it wasn't too late.
Suffice to say, the chemo was murderous on my body and had I had a suicide pill to hand I would have gladly taken it. I just wanted some peace. Some respite from the incessant vomiting and diarrhoea. I was drained, gaunt and almost recognisable. I looked like a concentration camp victim.
I'm here writing this three years into my battle with cancer. I eat virtually everything now - in moderation - because there's nothing on the planet - NOTHING - that hasn't been subject to some form of pollution. Organic food is NOT as safe as the growers would have us believe. In fact, some organic produce is worse than mass produced. Believe me, I've done the research!
Given the choice, however, I prefer to eat organic produce because, in the long term, they'll get it right and wildlife prospers at the same time because no harmful sprays are used. The sad thing is, some funguses that attack organic crops are deadly to humans.
Anyway, the purpose of my writing is to point out that I was an incredibly fit man - ran a mile in 4minutes 5 seconds - and still succumbed to disease. And remember, even some vegetarians and yoga practitioners have got cancer! Bottom line, no one is spared from cancer and other nasty diseases. If one's propensity is to get the disease there's nothing much we can do about it. One can only hope one is blessed genetically with a wonderful immune system.
The Dalai Lama, whom many forget is actually a Buddhist monk primarily, didn't eat meat because of his strong convictions as to not play any part in the suffering of animals. Eventually, he deteriorated and was severely ill. Tibetan and Indian doctors told him he must start to eat meat or die. He suffered from hepatitis and is now a meat eater (in moderation, of course).
Look around and you'll find everything seems to live on something else. Suffering abounds, but, unfortunately, that's life. The best we can do is to keep fit and eat a well-balanced diet, which includes meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. And a nice piece of chocolate occasionally is a wonderful treet!
Best wishes,
Ian
