Hello,
I would like to ask for your help with a crucial decision I'm about to
make. Next Tuesday 4/8/03 I'm scheduled for a biopsy of the lymph nodes
in my chest. It all started with an initial chest x-ray that showed a
nodule in my right lung that measured about .5 inches in diameter.
Subsequent to the chest x-ray I had a PET scan and a CT scan that
diagnostically confirmed the presents of the malignant lung tumor and
also showed additional cancer activity in my chest lymph nodes.
To make things even more challenging, three years ago I had open heart
surgery to replace an aortic valve that was deformed from birth with a
St. Jude mechanical valve. As a result I take Coumadin to prevent this
valve from being rejected by my body. The rejection involves the
formation of blood clots around the valve which could cause severe
stroke and other very dangerous complications.
The Coumadin also thins my blood and causes excessive bleeding when I
get cut or have any surgery. In order for me to be operated on I have
to stop taking the Coumadin for 4-5 days prior to the surgery. I'm
scheduled to be admitted to the hospital the day before the surgery and
receive heparin IV treatments. After the surgery I will immediately go
back on the heparin IV and start taking the Coumadin again.
This complication adds additional risk of post operative internal
bleeding and creates more worry and stress for me. I have also been
told that if they confirm the presents of cancer in my lymph nodes they
will immediately recommend either chemo or radiation treatments. If the
treatments are successful, I will go back in the hospital for the
removal of the upper and middle lobes of the right lung.
I'm very seriously considering canceling ALL Western medicine treatments
and surgery. If I do this I'm evaluating four separate treatments as an
alternative. These treatments include Dr. Budwig's diet, acupuncture,
oxygen treadmill therapy and "Directed Mental Imagery Healing" (DMIH) a
specialty form of hypnosis. In reviewing the Budwig diet many questions
come into play. I would greatly appreciate your experience with the
diet. Please review the questions below.
1. How strict is the Budwig diet?
2. Can I eat things like fish or organically raised meat?
3. How much of the mixture should I take in the beginning?
4. Will I need to stay on this diet for the rest of my life?
5. Are the portions of food restricted?
6. Would any of the other treatments interfere with the Budwig diet?
Thank you in advance for all your help!
Jerry
