The Trouble with Miracle Cures

I've tried to cut down on the cancer posts a bit.  Cancer tends to dominate your life once you have it and one way of not letting it not dominate your life is to talk about other things so I've been back on some of the other stuff lately.  But I came across a post from David Darlington over at In The Agora today that I needed to share.

David is also dealing with cancer and, like most everyone with cancer I suppose, is also dealing with a steady stream of friends offering miracle cures.  It would have taken me thousands of words to say what he said here succinctly.  He has given me permission to reprint this post so please read this and carefully consider his words if you know someone who has cancer or some other serious illness.

Greetings! I hope this letter finds you well. I’m dropping you a quick note today to express my appreciation for all you’ve done for me during my cancer trial this past year. Your love and support means more than I can express in words, and your actions have lifted me up in my time of need.

But if I may be so bold, there is has been one area where your assistance has been more of a distraction than an aid. I am speaking of your passing along of miracle cures and alternative therapies you’ve heard about or read on the internet. While I appreciate the intent behind you sending me these things, they have generally been of little constructive use. Cancer patients are bombarded daily with helpful suggestions about beating their disease, and separating the wheat from the chaff is so often an overwhelming task, especially as most alternative cures have no scientific evidence that they contribute to one’s well being.

Since President Nixon declared War on Cancer in 1971, the government has spent hundreds of millions of dollars fighting this disease, with about the same level of success that it has had in its other “War on…” efforts, like Poverty, Drugs, or Terrorism. That is to say, marginal. Yes of course, there have been some significant breakthroughs in chemotheraputic drugs and, more recently, biologic agents like Avastin. But there is still a ways to go. As my friend, you know my general skepticism towards government spending and of the government’s ability to bring about massive advances in science and technology. But, if cancer could really be cured by that asparagus diet email that was sent around, or that cottage cheese and flaxseed diet Dr. Google recommended, do you really think the government would have spent all this money fighting cancer? Don’t you think that if these common foods could really cure cancer magically, we’d know this already?

And another thing—supplements. I read your most recent issue of Life Forever magazine (or whatever it was called). I’ve kept an open mind about these things, but if an article about the benefits of a certain supplement is accompanied by a full page ad for that supplement brought to you by Life Forever Inc., doesn’t that get your skeptic sense tingling just a little? Aren’t you the least bit concerned that they’ve cherry-picked the scientific studies that showed their supplements in the most favorable light?

Now please don’t call me a hypocrite on this issue. You’ve been to my apartment and seen the vitamin bottles on top of my refrigerator. The first is your standard supermarket multivitamin. Doctors’ opinions on these things range from positive to “meh.” Most will tell you that you don’t need them if you have a good diet, but most Americans’ diets are so poor that taking a vitamin supplement as an adult is not a bad idea. The next bottle, fish oil supplements loaded with Omega-3s, are hot and trendy right now I know, but there is some evidence that this “good fat” helps with inflammation and other heart issues. And since most Americans don’t eat a lot of fish—I can’t blame them, as our fish stocks have enough mercury that Soviet Russia would be proud—having fish oil supplements doesn’t seem like a bad idea. The next bottle contains Vitamin D3, which has been proven to help cancer patients, as tumors tend to suck the vitamin away from other parts of the body.

So my friend, before you forward me something, please think first. Don’t just send it along because it might be “helpful.” Consider whether or not there would be any logical or scientific reason for your suggestion to work. You know how sore I was when, the very day I was diagnosed, my primary internist tried pushing the Mediterranean Diet, and how relieved I was when my oncologist said basically, “dude, you already have cancer. Eat whatever you want as long as it doesn’t make you sick” (BTW, still love Dr. Marshall).

Despite my comments above, I appreciate the support you have given me the past year. I appreciate the free dinners, the prayers, the nights in together, and the rides to Georgetown for treatment (and yeah, I’m aware that parking at GUH costs more than parking at an NHL playoff game. They should make it health insurance deductible). I’m starting a clinical trial in a couple weeks, so your continued prayers would be appreciated. Thank you for all you’ve done.

Much love and warmest regards,
DMD

Comments

[Paul Dawn]

As a cancer survivor I just want to say thank you for sharing this!

He express my thoughts very well, I too was overwhelmed with so much information.

Again, David, thank you, Paul

[George Fletcher]

How about following the scripture on eating? Forget pills; eat raw or lightly cooked, nothing processed with chemicals your great-grandmother never heard of. The govt and cancer societies haven't found the cure because the gravy train would be gone; they'd have to find real work. I'd favor the Mediterranean diet over what the doc said... what he said is like saying, "dude, what you've eaten has already given you cancer, so go ahead and eat more of it so you'll continue to be a patient of mine until your body is overwhelmed by the poisons I'll give you." [But, in his defense, he really doesn't think what we eat has anything to do with cancer.] Google baking soda and cancer. Consider Kanga water machine or something to change the ph of the water you drink.

I can understand cancer patients getting overwhelmed with this sort of stuff and not knowing which way to turn. But I don't understand Christians with cancer devoting themselves without question to practitioners of modern medicine who were taught by those who think we evolved from a lifeless chemical soup. We who believe in creator God should look to the principles in his Book for physical healing as well as for the salvation He bestows.

[Nancy]

George

You are exactly the type of person the above blogs are referring to. Your "advice" is less than useful.

A couple of years ago an otherwise intelligent couple that are acquaintances of my husband and I, told us that the wife's father had been "cured" of prostate cancer by a paste that "draws" the cancer out. They claimed it would cure any type of cancer anywhere in the body including brain cancer. They implied that there is a conspiracy in the medical profession to keep cancer cures from the public in order to make money. They basically said anyone using chemo was being lied to by their Drs. (Obviously they don't know that many Drs. have either had cancer themselves or a family member has had it, and they too undergo the traditional treatments).

I was incredulous that anyone could claim a paste would cure someone of cancer, so I did some research and came up with some type of black paste from India that is supposed to be used only for skin cancer, and it even fails at doing that. The articles I found showed people who had used it on their faces, and it had eaten down to the bone.

Eating a healthy diet is fine, but it doesn't guarantee that you won't get sick (and conversely some people who never concern themselves about what they eat live to ripe old ages). And remember that Jesus made all food clean (cf. Mark 7:19b), so eat with gratitude (cf. 1 Timothy 4:3).

Stop putting a burden on people who are sick as if somehow they have cancer because they didn't do ----- (fill in the blank), and now they would be cured if they did ----- (fill in the blank).

Pastor David,
I've been reading your blog for awhile and praying for you. A wonderful lady in our church has stage 4 (spread to her liver) colon cancer also (she's in her 40's), and she's been receiving chemo and now some oral drugs that have her in remission (she had a PET scan yesterday to see where things stand, but I haven't heard the results yet). She knows the Lord is sovereign over her life (including her cancer) and she's holding on to Him knowing that whatever He has for her future is in His loving care and working for His glory and her good in the end.

In Christ,
Nancy

[EAJ]

Amen, Pastor Wayne. I find that praying over my food has become more important to me, especially in light of how others stuggle with enjoying it and needing to eat to survive. I am more grateful than ever that I can eat what ever I want and have the freedom to make good choices and can still enjoy them. That alone humbles me. In the past ten years I have watched people I love struggle with the idea of food. I watched my husband,who had Lukemia struggle - the idea of eating was difficult for him - food was a burden. And now I watch my aging 90 year old mother loose interest in eating altogether. It's difficult to make meals for her that encourage her to eat. Food and eating putting that in perspective takes prayer for me now and I expect it always will from now on. Saying Grace at a meal for me is no longer soemthing I do without a thought. So Pastor. Amen about just eating what you can when you can. May what ever goes in stay in and may the Lord work a miracle and put in whatever may not be there into every bite. He can do that, he can put everything we need into broth if that's all we can manage to eat. So I pray for that miracle if you need it. You continue to be an inspiration to me. I eagerly pass on your words to others.

[Lesley Bateman]

David, thanks for your comments and repost!

On another note, we have a friend w/ a life threatening disease and the spouse is praying for healing. The spouse leans toward the "God's plan is for us to be well and not suffer physical disease." A mutual friend commented to me that this attitude implies that death is defeat--when actually, to a believer--death is victory. Any insight for me?

[DMD]

As an answer to George, GOD gave us the vocations of doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and so on to help fight cancer. To discount them as in it for the gravy train is just as bad as ignoring any advice the Bible might have on these matters.

[David Wayne]

Thank you for illustrating David's point, and mine, George, and thanks Nancy for saying what I would have said in response. Many thanks to you EAJ for your prayers and your insight about food. I have been thinking a bit about that in relation to the Lord's Prayer. I don't know where I heard this but someone mentioned that the prayer for our daily bread is the one that, for those of us in the west, is always answered, we get our daily bread whether we pray for it or not. We pray to recognize that it came from God. I am sorry that you have had to watch your husband and mother struggle with this - I know I have had times where I didn't feel like eating and that has helped me to see what a blessing a simple meal is.

Lesley - thanks for stopping by, I'm glad we have reconnected after all these years. I think your friend is basically right - the thing is that all have to confront death sooner or later. God hasn't promised us long life. I would rather prepare myself to die then give God thanks for every day I live than expect God to give me longer life. I can't see that it is God's plan for us not to suffer physical disease. Some of us may die suddenly in an accident or from a sudden heart attack or aneurysm or something like that, but that happens to very few. Most of us will live long enough that our death will come at the end of some kind of bout with disease. I am wondering if people who say we should not suffer physical disease ever say that to people in their 80's or in nursing homes. We understand it then, but not when disease strikes younger people. But that assumes that God owes us a long life. Christ didn't have a long life, why should any of us? Christ died from an excruciating physical experience, why am I immune. Paul's life was one physical ailment after the other. Does it make a difference that Paul was physically beat to a pulp many times, but he doesn't record any bouts with disease. Whether it comes from repeated beatings or a virus or a cancer, these are still physical ailments. Why should any of us be immune?

But, I think the bottom line is that God doesn't owe any of us a long life. I read something awhile back by the puritan Richard Baxter where he spoke of the evils of expecting a long life. Those who expect to live a long time subject themselves to many worldly temptations. And to live is Christ to die is gain.

And, amen to DMD's comment.

[Richard]

Thank you, Pastor Wayne. Another story those who are going through it do NOT want to hear is the miracle stories of those who beat their diseases through their "faith" or positive confession. The day I brought my wife home from brutal cancer surgery, I turned on TBN and Joel Osteen for some comic relief. Joel told the story of a friend of his who "thought away" his cancer cells through positive thoughts. My wife and I could only sit back and watch in amazement at this--Luther calls it the "theology of glory," which sees no point in suffering. I see Michael Horton has re-issued his book, "Too Good to be True"--I highly recommend this for a theology which speaks to those who are suffering.

[J.]

Christopher Hitchens (an atheist I should mention) has cancer, and has some thoughts on this subject here:

http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2010/11/hitchens-201011

and here:

http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2010/12/hitchens-201012

[Nancy]

I meant to recommend this book to anyone battling cancer or who knows someone who has cancer. I gave this book to the lady I referred to in my comment above, the one from my church who is battling stage IV colon cancer. She said it is her most highly recommended book (other than Scripture, of course), and she has passed it on to others. It is recommended on the cover by Sinclair Ferguson and Alistair Begg.

http://www.amazon.com/True-Lessons-Learned-Along-Cancers/dp/1848710445

Many blessings!
Nancy

[GL]

Good stuff, David. Call me and let's catch up.

[Bobby Grow]

As you know, David; I've recently come through a cancer, by God's grace, that is very deadly! I did the hardest core chemo you can do, went through hell with side-effects, surgery and the rest (still have neuropathy in my feet). But let me say something in regards to your friend's post here; I truly understand it's sentiment, and each person has the right to choose exactly what they're going to do in this regard . . . no has anything to say, it's the individual's choice. That said, some of the logic used by folks here in re. to "alternative" treatment is just plain old flawed. On the "logic" what folks should do is not do anything, at all; that means traditional medicine too. I did the trad, as you know, brother; but I am now doing alkaline, drinking alkaline water, eating alkaline (it's not that hard), doing things for my immune system, etc. I'm following the Bill Henderson protocol (I've recommended that to you before). There are way way way way too many folks who have become alkaline, who were "terminal" (and in terrible shape), and now years later are alive and cancer free. This cannot be easily discounted. I know a couple of people personally who never did chemo and just became alkaline (they were "terminal") and they are alive. This "scientific" appeal, by some, and inherent trust in pharmaceutical companies is just mis-placed; nobody is trying to impugn the "motives" of our oncologists --- but they, in general, don't have a clue about nutrition (neither do the oncology nurses, I know this first-hand). I always find it ironic, when someone is diagnosed with a heart issue, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc. nobody has a problem with a "diet" change then; but for some reason, cancer operates out of its own separate sacrosanct physics (where diet doesn't apply).

As far as the "all food is clean" argument, that's true; but that doesn't mean we have to eat "all food," the whole premise of the book of Proverbs is prudence. Again, it's interesting that we all know that eating donuts everyday wouldn't be good --- so most don't --- but when it comes to cancer "all food is clean."

As far as "long life" and a "theology of suffering," I don't really understand how trying to get better from cancer and that logic apply? Again, the "logic" being used here, if consistent, says that any treatment should be abandoned.

The bottom line is clear, if the LORD wants us "home," we're going; but we still operate out of a matrix where the LORD also gives us "choices" everyday, some choices are smart, some are non-smart. My thinking is, is that I am going to exhaust every and all means --- both trad and alternative --- to deal with my cancer. I really don't understand folks who don't want to at least try. Becoming alkaline, drinking alkaline water is simple (like George said). You just put a 1/4tsp of baking soda in a half liter bottle of water, simple.

Like I started out, this is a personal choice; and that's one way or the other, nobody can force one way or the other. But that holds true on this end to, in other words, I almost sense a mocking attitude towards those of us who are doing the "alternative." I say, do it all!

Having said all of this, David; you know I love you, I continue to pray for you, daily! I can't stand to know you're still going through this! I wish you would consider the "alternative" route (they aren't all equal, we should engage in reductionistic thinking on this stuff and relegate all alternative to the same flavor, it's not!), but you know what, that's totally up to you. I don't think it could be said that I've ever badgered you on this, just know that if you ever change your mind you can always email me; and I would be really happy to help you out with the implementation of the alternative route.

Love you brother,

Bobby

ps. my email: [email protected]

[Angela Grow]

There's so much I could say, I just don't know where to start...I am Bobby's wife, Angela. When we found out that Bobby had cancer, I knew that something would have to change regarding his/our diet; if for no other reason but to strengthen him for the coming onslaught of chemo. I didn't know much, but I knew that cancer cells feed off of sugar...so we immediately cut out all sugar. I also started incorperating more raw vegies, less dairy and less meat (btw, there are other AMAZING sources of protein besides meat).So far, nothing about what I am saying is "miracle cure-ish"...it's just common sense. Yes, it takes work and it takes research and "de-programming" and self-control. Currently, 4 out of 10 American's will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. It is projected that by 2020 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer. So why would so many American's be plagued by such a disease? The common denominator is the crappy (pardon my french) American diet. Most Americans eat a processed diet. Cancer is not the only chronic disease that plagues Americans, heart disease, diabetes, depression,autism (yes, it can be cured by diet) etc...are all chronic diseases that can be reversed by eating...a healthy (and I mean super healthy) way of eating. It is not a miracle cure!!! It is a complete lifestyle change. It is work. No more throwing a frozen lasange in the oven, no more calling Dominos, no more going thru the McDonald's drive through. I may step on some toes, but I think most of us are pretty lazy when it comes to our diets...and I am speaking to myself as I used to do all of those things (ie frozen dinners, boxed snacks, junk food etc). The more I learned the easier it got. My goal was to come up with 10 dinners that I could rotate thru, and now I have way more than 10...Bobby used to snack on Hostess fruit pies and now he snacks on a plate of brocolli dipped in a healthy dressing (healthy oils, herbs etc). He really enjoys it! NO LIE! Bobby is very disciplined person and it has not been hard for him to adjust to his new lifestyle. Also, as a bonus, our kids are eating healthier. I am eating healthier. Let me repeat, this is not a "miracle cure"...it is a way of life. I believe that God gave us all we need in nature to heal our bodies. I don't think doctors are evil, but I believe that God has given us food as a healing instrument. Of course, us humans have poisoned our food supply.

On a different note: why haven't researchers come up with a cure for cancer? because chemo therapy drugs are amazingly expensive. The average cancer patient will make $1.2 million for doctors and pharm companies. Why is there no "cure"...because there is NO incentive for doctors/researches etc. Chemotherapy DOES NOT CURE cancer! Yes, chemo kills "rapidly dividing" cells, but it also kills your immune system. The only reason some people survive cancer/chemo is a testament to the human immune system which GOD designed. If God had not designed the human body to heal itself, chemo would not be possible. Why do you think so many cancer patients have a recurrence of cancer? Because their immune systems have been so destroyed by the chemo that they have nothing left to fight with once the chemo is removed. Big Pharm only wants to make you "aware" of cancer and have you get your screening (so they can catch it early)...what good does "raising awareness" do? Zip.Zero.Zilch. I agree with my husband, if you have a problem with "alternative medicine" because "we are all gonna die anyway" and "we need to suffer"...then you need to consistant and NOT do any kind of "medicine", alternative or otherwise. Again, there's so much more I could say. Really, there is so much wisdom in eating a healthy diet. If you want to know more about eating healthy I recommend, "The Ultimate Ph Solution" by Dr Schroffro Cook; Healing Cancer, by Bill Henderson, The Life Force Diet, by Dr Schffro Cook and anything written by Dr Budwig. By the way, Dr Budwig was a brilliant physician who cured over 1000 terminal patients of cancer. She worked with Dr Warburg (who won the Nobel Peace Prize for discovering how cancer is caused in the body). She developed a protocol that gets good oils into the cells, thus oxygenating them. I just don't get why someone would "bash" something that they haven't even tried or barely researched. If you are too afraid to not do chemo (and I get that), at least combine it with a vegan, whole grain, lots of vegis (way more than you are used to eating) way of life? Why not??? As a bonus, Bobby's acid relux has gone away, his allergies are better and he has a much improved quality of life. It makes so much sense to me that what we put in our bodies can make us sick or it can make us healthy...cancer is same as any other disease but for some reason, we have all been brainwashed to think otherwise. Go to the doctor and find out you have diabetes or heart disease and they will counsel you to change your diet and exercise, but with cancer...you get NO health advice...just poison that makes you sicker. Well, I've written enough. It really is a personal decision, no one can force you to change or try something new, it has to be a personal conviction. But I would challenge you to do some research on how much money etc is made by Big Pharm off of chemo/cancer drugs etc... it is awfully ironic how much money they've gotten over the years and how they've made almost no headway. AIDS was supposed to be "uncurable"...but now, it is not the death sentance it used to be. If they can find "cures" for other diseases, why not cancer? Why? because it's BIG money.

[J.]

Thanks for the reminder, Bobby and Angela. I think if we all connect fruits and vegetables with 'strengthening immune system' we'd all eat more fruits and vegetables. Not a miracle cure for anything, but the immune system needs to be stocked with vitamins and minerals and everything else it needs to work well.

[InRussetShadows]

Getting screened for cancer is helpful because it gives you information, and information helps you make decisions. Why would you not want to know what is going on with your own body? I don't understand that. Even if it did make someone else richer, so what? Why be envious of or angry about their wealth, if they obtained wealth providing you a service?

There is NO one-size-fits-all cureall for cancer. None. Some people's bodies respond to this or that; some cancers respond to this or that; some things work for some people, etc and etc. It is utter foolishness to think that we know how all cancers work, and it is foolishness compounded to think that we know everything but a jealous few people are hiding the information. (Yet, somehow, someone has this secret information...yeah, I know the drill, ok?)

Should we eat better? Yes, that's generally helpful. Should we strive to eliminate unnatural substances in our food (like say, Nutrasweet and corn syrup)? Yes, that's generally helpful. But is it Christian to become the food police for your brother? No!

[Cheap Jordans]

I have a dream that even the state of Mississippi, a desert state sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

[EAJ]

Pastor Wayne I fully respect your decision but I am also sad to hear of it. I came to discover blogs and the many writers who use the opportunity to share a wisdom, either theirs or in the best of cases God working through them to others. Such is the case with you. Yours was the first blog I followed. I even have quotes from you on my facebook page. When people, friends and family, look up my profile they will see a quote from you. I shall miss your insights and wisdom as you put them to words for us. I hope you continue to share them on the other site and with greater frequency. Perhaps a book will be inspired in you from you recent journey. By the way. I lost my husband to Leukemia in 2001. Praying for you was in many way restorative for me. I hope that doesn’t sound selfish. I simply felt I finally can use my journey and my experience to really understand how to pray for someone else walking the same road as my late husband and especially for their family members and what they go through as well. Nothing excites and pleases me more to hear you are stable now and even sound better and more positive. This has been, in part, my prayer for you. Finding a peace and joy in the worst of times is I believe how we witness about God’s great love for us during such times. He doesn’t always heal the body, but he gives us a profound peace I believe that provides a witness that sometimes miraculous healings never do. Still I do pray for this as well. I most ardently pray that for you, you will never now how hard that I do. Thank Pastor for helping me and I feel you will continue to write again. You have so much to tell us. And if the Lord leads you in another direction well then that is what he will do. I hope I hear about it. – Yours in Christ, Ellen Jervis