CHEMO HISTORY

So my dear readers, I am home from the hospital and recovering from flu and pneu. In this my leisure time, I am sharing some cancer treatment history. Somewhat lengthy, but fascinating!

We find that using poison to fight illness has quite a history! Some feel that the use of small amounts of strychnine for some diseases may have been the first attempt - before cancer and 'cells' were really understood. Then, there


was a discover that the chemical agent 'mustard gas', so deadly in WWI & II, actually helped to shrink tumors. Over the last century, researchers have played around with various toxic substances to attack those aggressive cells - finding success first with leukemia and other childhood cancers.





Interestingly, Joseph Burchenal of the newly founded Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute was interested in plant based chemicals and discovered that a successful chemical could be found in Madagascar Vinca (see this gem at right) - later researchers identified another effective plant based chemical in the Pacific Yew tree.



For those interested in alternative therapies, a plant called Essaic was discovered by a nurse in the US who used it successfully with cancer patients, but she could not get research funded, and today there is no official medical use. The official medical world sometimes recommends complimentary use of alternative therapies, but the chemo train rumbles on.

Today, the common chemicals used for my cancer include taxol (a taxene chemical) and carboplatin, a chemical with metal properties. I am fortunate that through experience, these chemicals are now complimented by drugs to combat side effects (especially nausea) and the doses are controlled so that side effects are not dangerously toxic for most. Some of my readers know that I was in line for an experimental treatment using so called 'biologics' - developed through nuclear medicine, that actually are designed to invade the cancer cell and induce the famous apoptosis. But my body won't cooperate, so I'm on the taxol-carboplatin regimen.

Will these harsh chemicals go the way of bleeding and other so called remedies? We are all guinnea pigs - but using meditation and planning for the future to carry us through. Any other info from my audience? All very interesting, my good friends. xSal