< previous page page_293 next page >

Page 293
by itself, puts an enormous stress on the system and contributes to a loss of health and emotional well-being. Studies are beginning to appear that demonstrate how the stress of a cancer diagnosis negatively affects an individual's overall vitality. 4 If nothing is done to address this, the individual may be at high risk for cancer recurrence or even for developing a new type of cancer.
Everything we do affects our vitality index: the fried potato chips or piece of cake we eat; the lack of sunlight, clean water, and fresh air; mental stress, anger, and worryall add up to a decline in vitality. Suppose a person becomes unable to sustain normal cellular health. This individual develops cancer and has a vitality index of only 5 on a scale of 1 to 10. If it is successful, conventional therapy may eliminate all traces of abnormal cells, but it is likely to bring the vitality index down still further. With vitality even more impaired than before treatment, this individual is now at risk for cancer to recur, perhaps even a metastatic life-threatening cancer that is resistant to the chemotherapy that worked before.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were a different scenario! What if, during and after the elimination of abnormal cells, the patient's vitality could be built up to 8 or 9. Cancer therapies would be more effective and health would be enhanced, giving the patient the greatest chance for a cure.
Resources to Help Make the Necessary Choices
The following resources can help you make the choices that are best for you regarding treatment for cancer.
Onotech
Onotech is a lab located in Irvine, California, that tests chemotherapeutic drugs for their efficacy in killing particular cancer cells (phone: 1-800-662-6832). Most physicians do not think its testing is reliable, but for those who are not sure which drug to use, it might be helpful. Test results are returned with a chart showing the various drugs and their sensitivity to your particular cancer. Although this test is controversial, I recommend using it to assist in the decision-making process.

 
< previous page page_293 next page >

If you like this book, buy it!