Tan (M-73) was 50 years old when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Before his diagnosis, Tan had been shedding blood in his stool. He took various types of herbs but they were not effective. In December 2002, Tan arrived at a private hospital in Penang and underwent a colostomy operation. A temporary “bag” was placed. After five months, in April 2003, a colostomy reversal operation was performed in which the colon was reconnected and there was no longer a need to use the pouch.

Histopathology report of December 19, 2002 indicated: moderately differentiated rectal adenocarcinoma, Duke stage C (pararectal lymph node infiltration). Resected margin: clear. Pararectal lymph nodes: metastatic adenocarcinoma (1/5).

The surgeon suggests that Tan undergo radiation therapy. She rejected it. He also did not want to undergo chemotherapy. Tan opted for herbs.

Three months on the herbs, Tan reported improvements in her health. It looked better and it felt better. Before taking herbs, I had difficulty defecating, but with herbs there was no problem. An ultrasound performed on July 4, 2003, showed normal results.

Tan comes to Penang every year to see his doctor for a routine checkup. So far, nothing happens. On July 3, 2009, Tan reported that everything was fine. He has been taking herbs for more than 6 years. The following are excerpts from our video conversation.

First visit: April 18, 2003

Tan came with a partner and it is his partner who spoke to us.

Companion: The doctor wanted to do radiotherapy. She rejected it. He also refused chemotherapy.

Second visit, after 3 months with herbs: July 4, 2003

Tan came with a partner and it is his partner who spoke to us.

Question: After 3 months with the herbs, was it okay?

Partner: He’s better.

Q: Do you have more energy?

Com: Sure.

Q: Did you feel better, without pain?

Com: Yes.

Third visit, 6 months with herbs: November 21, 2003

Tan came with a partner and it is his partner who spoke.

Q: When did you do this (referring to X-rays)?

Partner: Today.

Q: What did the doctor say?

Com: Good results.

Q: Watch your diet. Also continue taking the herbs.

Fourth visit, 5 years on herbs: July 4, 2008

Tan came alone, without her companion.

Q: Wah, it’s been 5 years …

Tan: Six years (after your diagnosis).

P: No radiotherapy, no chemotherapy … Did you watch your diet?

Tan: Yes.

P: You went to see your doctor, what did he tell you?

Tan: Alright … it’s been 6 years (after your diagnosis).

P: Did the doctor know that he is taking herbs and that he did not receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy?

Tan: Yes, I knew. When I took the herbs, I felt good. I take the herbs every day.

Q: Let me tell you this: if I were you, I would continue to do what you have been doing, don’t change. Now you feel fine, but we won’t know when the cancer will return.

Fifth Visit, 6 Years on Herbs: July 3, 2009

Tan came alone, without her companion.

Q: How long now?

Tan: Seven years (since diagnosis).

Q: Did you come here to see your doctor?

Tan: Yes, I saw it just now. The doctor said: Good. He did not give me any medication, but asked me to continue taking the herbs. The doctor said that herbs are already my medication.

P: Did the doctor say that? Didn’t he scold you for taking the herbs?

Tan: No, no. I showed him the herbs.

Q: As a person, are you okay? Any problem? Did you watch your diet?

Tan: Sometimes, I get a little lost. I ate some chicken meat. Then I’ll take herbs after that.

Q: What if you don’t take the herbs?

Tan: I felt like having a bowel movement. With the herbs after eating chicken, I felt good.

Comments:

This is stage 3 cancer. The normal convention is that Tan should undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy as suggested by his surgeon. But he refused further medical treatment. There is no recurrence or metastasis at the time of writing this article. The question to ask yourself is: Why did the doctor ask you to have radiation therapy in the first place? Was it just a procedural tip, to comply with medical convention? Let’s ask this question: What might have been the outcome if Tan had undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy? Would these treatments be more harmful and cause suffering in your life?

It should be emphasized that Tan’s healing is not due to herbs alone. Your diet is equally important. We ask patients to refrain from consuming meat, sugar, table salts, dairy products, and oil. To do well, patients must switch to a healthy diet and lifestyle.