Diary 174: E-mail on Prostate Cancer

This is the email I received from CN on 21 September 2010 that I like to share with you.

“Dear Dr Lim,

Hello, this is CN from Kelang. I read your book 'Eating for Good Health' last year.

My father in law was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, Oct 2009. He is now on medication for his high blood pressure and cholesterol.

The doctor (urologist) had advised that he goes for radiotherapy to kill or stop the cancer cells from spreading.

However, we were worried about his age (71 years old) and side effect of the therapy, so instead of following the doctor's advice, we let him take Chinese medication once a week and fruit juice every morning.

I am very worried about my father in law's health and I do not know how long he could last going on like this. He used to be a very chatty and cheerful man but now he keeps to himself and seldom talk like before.

I really hope you can help us.”

My thoughts:
1. Prostate cancer is relatively easier to handle compared to other cancer.
2. It is a man’s problem. Once you are above 50 years old, your chance to get
this cancer increases if you do not take care of your health.
3. Whether a cancer patient goes for treatment or not, if he wishes to live
longer and suffer less, he has to change his diet from unhealthy food to
healthy food.
4. He has to inhale lots of natural oxygen as cancer cells cannot survive in
an oxygenated environment.
5. The next thing for him to do is to adjust his mind-set (mental) on his views
on life. Do not allow emotions to deteriorate the cancer situation. He has
to let go many things in life.
6. Spiritual development is important to keep the mind calm. Follow your own
religious practices to achieve this.
7. If the patient is willing to adjust his diet, mind-set and develop
spiritually, his chance of lengthening his life is very much higher.
8. A cancer patient can lead a happier life if he chooses to.