剛被診斷時

抗癌基本觀念

在談抗癌計畫之前應先澄清幾個重要的觀念： 根據美國、台灣、大陸的癌症機構及衛生署統計，癌症位居華人死亡原因的首位。以台灣為例，每四位死亡者，就有一位因癌致死；在一生當中，每四人就有一人會罹患癌症。癌症的主要成因是不良的生活習慣（例如：抽菸、酗酒、嚼檳榔），不好的飲食習慣（例如：經常食用高脂肪的肉類、醃製、燒烤炸的食品，少吃蔬菜、水果），傳染病毒（例如：Ｂ型及Ｃ型肝炎病毒和人類乳突病毒），和工業環境污染。而各地華人罹患癌症的機率正在逐漸上升中，因此我們要破除一些錯誤的觀念，積極地抗癌。免得在罹患癌症時，反而更加閉鎖，而失去尋求外界幫助的勇氣。

1. 癌不會傳染 癌細胞是病人自己身上的細胞因基因突變，不受控制的成長，並且會從原來發生的器官，循著血液或淋巴系統轉移到其他重要的器官（例如：腦、肺、肝、骨頭等處），而對病人生命造成威脅。癌細胞不會藉由餐具、體液或親密的接觸而傳給別人，因此癌不是一種傳染性疾病。有些癌症病人以為癌症是傳染病，所以就把自己孤立起來，也不敢尋求別人的幫忙。旁人若有這種錯誤的觀念，也不敢去接觸癌症病人，因此疏遠了關係。

2. 罹患癌症並非是天譴或報應 有些癌症病人有這種錯誤的觀念，因此，自尊心大受打擊。而且也怕其他人知道他罹患癌症，因為擔心別人會排斥他。有這種觀念的人比較不容易以積極的態度面對癌症，因為他可能認為這既是報應，他只好默默地忍受。旁人如果也有這種錯誤的觀念，心裡面也會拒絕與癌症病人接觸。

3. 罹患癌症並非是命中注定 如前言所說明的，癌症是一種因長期處在不好的飲食、生活習慣、感染病毒、或污染造成的。有些人對癌症認識不清，以為得了癌症是命中注定或是天意，因此只有自認衰運而不積極尋求治療。有些人甚至到處求神拜佛，以為佛祖菩薩可以保佑。這種宿命論使患者和家屬覺得很無奈，甚至怨天尤人。

4. 偏方或某種獨特的飲食方法或產品不能治癌 有些癌症病人或家屬對於正統的治療方法有錯誤的見解（例如：化療的副作用難受），而選擇相信江湖郎中的吹噓，去使用偏方或某種獨特的產品。其實這些方法都未經嚴格的對比試驗證實，但卻被人宣傳成沒有副作用的「治療仙丹」。可惜的是，有些癌症病人寧可把自己當白老鼠作試驗，而不願相信那些已經用白老鼠試驗而證實有效的正統療法。可悲的是，有些不法商人藉著癌症病人或家屬在「病急亂投醫」，或無法冷靜思考研判的情況下，以不實或誇大的廣告來推銷他的偏方或產品，藉機歛財。而癌症病人和家屬也有一種「飢不擇食」的心態，好像不願錯失任何一個可能有效的方法，所以就像賭博押注一樣，每樣偏方或產品都要試一試。結果就因忙著嚐試這些未經科學證實的另類療法而錯失治療先機，等到再回頭時，已病入膏肓了。倘若癌症病人選擇使用中醫藥來作為輔助療法，他也應當尋找那些受過正統訓練和有豐富臨床經驗的中醫師。切忌聽信那些誇大的廣告和道聽塗說的治癌偏方。並且也要注意中藥與化療藥物是否會造成藥性衝突，免得減低化療的效果或傷害身體。

5. 癌並非是死亡的同義字 只要有活下去的意念，有決心與癌一戰，仍有得勝的機會。雖然癌給生命帶來很大的威脅，但是癌的威力也足以徹底改變我們生活的每個層面，它造成極大的危機，但也可以帶來轉機。許多癌症病人因病而重新調整生活的秩序，戒掉多年的惡習，去除拖延的習慣，更懂得去關懷和付出愛，更知道親情和友誼的可貴，學會饒恕別人，也接受自己的不完美。朋友，無論癌所能帶來的變化如何，若是不戰而先放棄，自然是一個失敗者。

6. 不要讓統計數字嚇到 統計數字是用來幫助我們選擇最合宜的治療方法，一旦方法決定好，這數據就不再適用於個人身上。每個癌症病人都是獨特、不一樣的，有些人有相同的病，也用相同的藥，但是得到的結果卻是大不相同。因此不要去比較別人的結果，因為可能你有比較積極的態度，可能你的體質比較好，可能你得到的關懷和支持多，也可能你的生活習慣比較健康等。有許多因素可以使你的康復機會大大的改善，勝過那些統計數字。何況病治好了就是一○○％的好了，沒有治好就是○％，並沒有治好一半的五○％，是不是？根據報導，越來越多的癌症病人，包括末期者，因為積極參與治療的過程，吸收正確的醫學知識，改變生活方式和飲食習慣……，因而突破現有的統計數字，也突破醫生的知識範圍。這些人抗癌到底而完全康復的故事非常鼓舞人心，已經引起廣泛的注意和研究的興趣。我希望你也可以成為一個特別的得勝者。

7. 無論所得的癌有多嚴重，都有機會找到合適的控制方法，並提供較好的生活品質 幾十年來治療癌症的方法不斷地改善，也增加許多新藥和新的療法。有些新的治療藥物已被發展成專攻癌細胞的「精靈炸彈」（Smart Bomb），因此可減少一般化療藥物對正常細胞的傷害。同時，將來有些治療癌症的方法也將從修理受傷的基因或DNA（去氧核糖核酸）著手，因此治療癌症的效果將顯著上升，並且副作用將會大幅降低。因此以前是醫生束手無策的病況，現在已經可以有效地控制了。因此不要道聽塗說，或者和以前的病人相比較。有人因為曾經看到某親人得到相同的病而且被治得很慘，自己就覺得害怕，認為沒有希望而先放棄，這是很可惜的。

8. 明白癌是一個影響全家的疾病 這兒並不是指遺傳，而是指癌症所帶來的衝擊直接影響到每一個家庭成員，包括配偶、子女、父母，甚至兄弟姐妹。每個人都需要在生活上、情感上，或經濟上做一番調整和適應。因此每個家人都應當知道病人的病情，了解病人的情緒波動。同樣的，家人也應當可以把他們適應上的困難表達出來。抗癌是長期性的，互相扶持，不斷的學習，努力協調，可以使大家的生活順利地步上正軌。「隱藏病情」或是「強顏歡笑」原本是出於保護對方的好意，但通常只是會引起更多的猜測、不信任，浪費大家更多的力氣，而且不能真正地互相鼓勵與支持。況且在抗癌的過程中有許多的治療選擇要作決定，時常需要大家共同討論的。癌症病人是否被告知實情，有時是一個不容易回答的問題。家人如果不願意將實情告訴病人，通常是擔心病人承擔不了或意志消沉。其實一般而言，病人都會猜想他是否罹患了什麼病；並且他自己也有能力面對實情，並且使用他的自主權選擇他的生活方式，治療方案，完成心願，交代後事，或坦然面對生命的終點。當病人有充分、正確的知識來行使自主權，並對自己的決定負責任時，他才不會覺得是一個任人擺佈、無用的人。

 

抗癌的計劃

當醫生宣布是癌時，大多數的病人都處在極度的震驚之中，往往是茫然失措，醫生的話根本無法聽進去。因此，最好有家人或朋友與你同行，或者再安排第二次的會面，帶著你事先寫下來的問題。若是在美國甚至可以徵求醫生的同意使用錄音機錄下面談的內容，這對言語上有困難或對醫學名詞不熟悉者是很有幫助的。接下來就是在混亂中竭力保持清醒和冷靜以便做各樣的決定。選擇治療的過程包括：

1. 明白病情 請醫生告訴你癌的部位、大小、種類。弄清楚癌有沒有擴散至附近的淋巴或其他器官？這癌是處於第幾個階段？化驗的結果是否可靠？是否需要更進一步的檢查？

2. 明白現階段可以選用的治療方法 正統的治療方法有手術、放射線治療、化學治療、荷爾蒙療法、骨髓移植、免疫療法等。依照癌的種類、病人體況和病情需要，醫生會做不同的選擇，有時只需用一種方法，有時則要幾種並用。不妨請醫生解釋各種方法的優點和缺點，再聽這位醫生建議的是哪一種治療方案，明白將要使用的是什麼藥物？療程有多長？治療過程中會有哪些危險性或者副作用？如果正統的治癌方法無法有效地控制你的病情，是否尚有正在實驗階段（clinical trial）的藥物和治療法可以考慮？若是醫生無法完全回答你的問題時，可請他建議適當的書籍或資料讓你回去研讀。在美國 National Cancer Institute-Cancer Information Service（ Tel: 1-800-422-6237, http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo ） 也提供許多免費的英文抗癌資料給癌症病人。其中 PDQ（Physician Data Query）資料庫更提供給病者和專業醫生最先進的治療方法、藥物選擇以及各種實驗階段中的治療資訊。若在台灣則可以向國家衛生研究院癌症研究組、台灣癌症臨床研究發展基金會、各癌症醫院及治療中心，或者向中華民國癌症希望協會索取合適的抗癌資料。（附錄「癌症資訊」裡有這些單位的通訊地址、電話和網站。）

3. 詢問其他治癌專家的第二意見 有第二個意見並不表示第一個意見是不好的，只是你有權力知道你的治療方法是否正確，有沒有疏漏的地方。全美有許多癌症治療中心，各有專長，可以打電話去查詢或徵求比較有經驗的專家的意見。因此尋找第二個醫生的意見時，不要被局限在當地而已。為了爭取時效，當你尋找其他專家的意見時，最好把所有的病歷及檢驗結果收集齊全，並將Ｘ光、電腦斷層及超音波或掃描的片子加以拷貝，以提供醫生做參考。你可以把散在各診所或醫院的病歷全部收集起來訂成一大本，因此去看第二個、第三個醫生之前就先把完整的病歷寄過去，這樣可以省去許多分別調病歷的麻煩，面談的效率也提高許多。

4. 選擇合適的醫生 病人對醫生的信任和病人與醫生之間的關係可以影響整個治療的過程。有些醫生除了有豐富的治病經驗外，也關心病人心理上的需要，肯花時間與病人談話並解釋各種疑問。這可以減輕病人許多無謂的煩惱。醫生的實際經驗是非常重要的。在選擇醫生時，可以問他是否治療過與你相同病例的病人。如果經驗不多，還是另找高明為妙。因此如果可能，盡量安排在短期內多看二、三個醫生，再選定最適合你的醫生和治療方法。在美國，若打電話給 National Cancer Institute─Cancer Information Service，他們也可以幫你列出有經驗的醫生名單。抗癌的路上醫生要與我們同行一長段日子，你有責任和權力選擇最適合你的醫生。

5. 與醫生保持暢通的溝通管道 治療期間，每個病人的反應不同，許多時候醫生要求病人詳細地告訴他身體各樣的變化，以做為他判斷治療效果的參考，必要時可以調整藥量，甚至換藥。相對的，病人也需要由醫生那兒知道可能產生的反應和暫時性的副作用。以免病人誤以為病情惡化、治療無效而灰心喪志。醫生對治療方法的態度和信心，經常在無形中影響著病人對治療的反應，而病人對醫生的信任，又是建立在醫生對他的病情的了解和全人的關懷。因此當把握每次赴診的機會，與醫生保持良好的溝通。中國人通常比較敬畏醫生，一般都是很合作、聽話的好病人，也常因此不好意思問太多問題。但在美國所作的統計，較主動、肯提出意見、問題多、要求知道每個細節，所謂「較麻煩的癌症病人」反而抗癌成績較好。謹在此提供大家參考。

6. After clarifying medical insurance and medical costs, and choosing a doctor and treatment plan, if it’s not a standard treatment (i.e., still in the experimental stage), it’s best to contact the insurance company first to obtain their approval to avoid future complications and financial burdens. If necessary, hire a lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company. If you don’t have insurance, don’t be discouraged, as many large medical institutions have various clinical trials. If your condition matches their research program, they may provide some medications free of charge, and some cancer associations can even teach you how to raise funds for your medical expenses. Furthermore, if necessary, you can seek help from hospital social workers to arrange medical assistance, which is feasible in the United States and Taiwan. In short, don’t give up easily or delay treatment because of medical costs.

7. Understanding the impact of mood on treatment side effects: Everyone reacts differently to treatment, and sometimes a patient’s mood can significantly influence the severity of side effects. Our thoughts can sometimes be reflected in the side effects, so approaching treatment with a more positive attitude may reduce much unnecessary suffering.

8. Strive to complete the entire course of treatment. Any treatment method is time-consuming and laborious, and the side effects can sometimes be unbearable. Some experience vomiting, some diarrhea, some baldness, some excruciating pain, some unbearable itching, some weight loss and weakness, some obesity and swelling, some loss of appetite, etc. Furthermore, due to insufficient blood cell count, patients are susceptible to various viral infections and are forced to stay home. However, such suffering is meaningful on the road to recovery; one must persevere and not give up halfway.

9. Be Cautious About Using Unorthodox Alternative Medical Methods to Treat Cancer. Besides orthodox medical treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy, there are unorthodox alternative treatments, such as: dietary therapy based on whole grains, raw food therapy emphasizing detoxification, wheatgrass therapy, Ganoderma lucidum therapy, shark cartilage powder treatment, and high-dose vitamin and mineral therapy. There are many types, some of which are prohibited in the United States and may even require treatment in clinics in Mexico. Chinese people also have many secret remedies, and advertisements for cancer drugs are everywhere in newspapers. It seems everyone is profiting from cancer patients. Cancer patients should not rush into treatment without proper guidance. Unorthodox methods generally lack complete scientific evidence, often using the same method for all diseases, and most people only resort to unorthodox methods when orthodox methods have failed. Therefore, there is a lack of reasonable statistical data on their effectiveness. Generally speaking, these methods involve more risk, require out-of-pocket medical expenses, and sometimes necessitate travel to other places for treatment, lasting from a few days to a month. Therefore, if you decide to use unorthodox methods, you should do more research. It’s best to discuss with your doctor whether it’s possible to use both methods together for better results. If you first try unorthodox treatment and it becomes ineffective, switching to orthodox treatment later could delay the spread of cancer and cause you to miss the best time for treatment. So please consider this carefully. Even if your doctor declares that orthodox treatment is ineffective, you should still be cautious when considering unorthodox methods. In the United States, the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine can provide you with more comprehensive information. If you are proficient in English and using the internet, please visit  http://nccam.nih.gov for more  information.

 

Comprehensive Cancer Prevention: Taking Stock of Your Equipment

1. When the doctor announces it’s cancer

I understand that cancer and death are not synonyms.

I will embrace challenges with a positive attitude.

I believe my illness can be controlled, and I don’t compare myself to others.

I refer to statistics, but I intend to go beyond them.

• I know I need help, and I won’t shut myself off.

I’ve stopped thinking, “Why me?”

I no longer waste my energy regretting, “Why didn’t I discover it sooner?”

I no longer dwell on “How did I get this disease?”

I am determined to fight cancer and recover my health.

 

2. Choose a treatment method and a suitable doctor.

• I need to understand my current situation, the type, location, and stage of my cancer.

I need to seek a suitable treatment plan as soon as possible.

I need to find a qualified, experienced doctor who is confident in treating my illness.

I asked the doctor to be completely honest about my condition.

• I asked the doctor to answer all my questions or provide me with accurate information so that I could have a clearer understanding of cancer.

• During my treatment, I can call the medical team for help at any time if I encounter any difficulties or have any questions.

I have complete trust in my doctor.

• I consulted other cancer specialists for their second opinion and confirmed that my choice was correct.

• I have called the National Cancer Institute (NCI) 1-800-4-CANCER or other reliable cancer institutions to inquire about all the most advanced treatment options.

I have confidence in the chosen treatment method.

I will do my best to cooperate with the doctor and persevere to the end.

• I wrote down all my problems and detailed responses to treatment so I could discuss them with my doctor.

I asked a family member or friend to accompany me to the doctor’s appointment.

• I diligently study cancer information relevant to my condition.

• I contacted the health insurance agency to discuss payment for the treatment costs.

• I will carefully choose non-traditional complementary therapies when necessary.

 

3. Organize an anti-cancer support team.

• I asked my family and friends to fully support my fight against cancer and to respect my decision.

• I let my family or friends know that I appreciate their care and that I need their support.

• I let my family or friends know about the entire progression of my illness.

• I honestly share my feelings with family or friends.

I am willing to discuss the problems that are bothering me with my family or friends.

• I implore my family and friends in church to pray for my illness. • I will actively participate in cancer support groups and continue to learn.

I want to fully enjoy this wonderful time with my family and friends today.

• I personally let each member of my family know that I love them deeply.

• I care about and help each family member adapt to new challenges, especially the underage children.

I am willing to take the time to explain the illness to the child in words he can understand and to answer his questions.

 

4. The ability to engage in physical combat.

I give my body plenty of rest and never overexert my precious energy.

• I changed my unhealthy eating habits and gave up sweets, fried foods, junk food, etc.

• I eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. • I eat a balanced diet to replenish my energy.

• I tried to eat highly nutritious foods during my treatment to maintain a normal weight.

I quit smoking, drinking, drugs, and other harmful habits.

I exercise every day.

I try my best to learn how to handle the pressures of life.

• I pay attention to strengthening the function of my immune system.

• During chemotherapy, I avoided crowded places and washed my hands frequently to reduce the chance of being infected by germs.

 

5. Maintain mental health

Even in my illness, I can still be joyful and give thanks in all things.

• I am aware of my emotions. I do not hide or suppress them, but I also do not let them control me.

• I told myself, “I can beat cancer, I will get better day by day.”

• I did things I enjoyed, such as reading a good book, completing a painting, and others…

I learn and cultivate a sense of humor, and laugh heartily every day.

• When I feel sorry for myself and depressed, I leave my room and go out to do something fun.

• I don’t let myself get discouraged; I set short-term goals and strive to achieve them.

• I stay active and try to live a normal life within my physical capabilities.

• I set aside some quiet time each day to meditate on God and His word.

• I examine my thoughts daily and immediately clear away any unhealthy ideas.

• I forgive those who have wronged me, I release the hatred in my heart, and let warm love fill me.

I believe this suffering has been beneficial to me, making me more mature and experienced.

I no longer dwell on what I’ve lost; I’m grateful for everything I still have.

• I go out to visit those who are in greater need of help in their distress and share my experiences with them.

• I strive to find the truth of life, for if I seek, I will find it.

I am not afraid of death, for I have the hope of eternal life.

 

Organize anti-cancer support troops

Patients should actively participate in the entire treatment process. Fighting cancer is not a solo act by doctors, nor are patients mere medical guinea pigs. On the contrary, patients themselves are the true “commanders-in-chief,” needing to be strong and take charge of the overall cancer-fighting plan. Medical staff are only one part of the fighting force, meeting only once every few weeks. However, the battle against cancer is a daily affair, isn’t it? Methods for organizing a cancer support team include:

1. Invite family, friends, relatives, colleagues, and neighbors to help you fight cancer. The road to fighting cancer is a long and arduous battle. When you are sick, you are not only physically weak and exhausted, unable to take care of many things in daily life, but you also often need support, understanding, encouragement, and comfort. When you are discouraged and exhausted to the point of collapse, you need someone to pull you up. Dear cancer patients, don’t fight alone. Honestly let your supporters know about your difficulties in life, your physical discomfort, and your various practical needs. Let them clearly know how to effectively help you fight cancer.

2. Finding a Suitable Cancer Support Group A support group doesn’t necessarily have to be a formal organization. When two cancer patients care for each other and exchange experiences, it already forms a supportive community. However, many cities have more formal cancer support groups with regular meeting times. In these groups, you can meet experienced individuals who have walked the same path we are currently on. They understand our pain and suffering, and can offer comfort and encouragement. It’s easy to get to know each other quickly and easily, and suppressed emotions can be released. More importantly, you no longer feel alone. However, not every cancer support group is suitable for you. It’s best to find groups with patients who have the same disease and are undergoing the same treatment, as you may receive more help. The American Cancer Society has cancer support groups in various locations, and there are Chinese chapters in New York and California (please refer to the addresses and phone numbers listed in community resources). You can contact them to obtain information.

3. Accept others’ prayers for your illness. The Bible says, “A joyful heart is good medicine.” Fighting cancer is not only a physical battle, but also a great spiritual challenge. When the spirit is weak, faith is lost, and one begins to be bound by sorrow. The immune system gradually shuts down, and physical health declines. The Bible also says, “Rejoice always and pray continually.” Prayer can help us overcome the powers of darkness, and it can bring unexpected peace.