I thought it over for a whole day and night before deciding to write this column, because the subject is my own experience. This is a public space, and I never imagined I would, or should, use it to express something personal. I hesitated even more because this is such a personal story, one only my close friends have known.
But I decided to tell you my story, because it may be similar to the story of some family member or friend of yours, or even yourself.
The occasion for this essay is this month's cover story, which focuses on a terrifying illness. It describes the public health aspects of, mainstream and alternative treatments for, and possibilities of combining traditional Chinese medicine with modern medicine to combat, this dreaded illness.
You have guessed right: I am a victim of cancer. I want to tell you of my personal experience, and of the dozens of friends I have met along the way who are also suffering from this disease. I want to tell you of their courage and what I have learned from them.
This is a story of medical treatment, but also of a philosophy of life.
First, you have to understand that cancer is by no means always fatal. The cure rate for cancer, if caught early, can reach 90%. Even if the cancer reaches the third stage, for more than 100 forms of cancer the cure rate is still about 50%. So if you are told you have cancer, don't panic, and don't lose hope. Take on cancer as you would a wily enemy, seek out orthodox treatments from doctors, and reexamine and change your lifestyle.
For myself, the cause of my cancer was probably lifestyle: high stress, an irregular schedule, late nights (and all-nighters) at the office, lots of oily fast food, and-under the stress of publication deadlines-too much alcohol and coffee. Many of my new-found friends who are also victims of breast cancer led similar lifestyles, with virtually all of them sleeping too little and attending too many hard-drinking pseudo-social business dinners. I know that, of these factors, clinical evidence thus far only ties fat and alcohol to breast cancer, but, judging from our collective experience, this type of lifestyle certainly doesn't help.
My illness was diagnosed late. Or rather, because I was unwilling to face reality, I missed the optimal period for early treatment. By the time I went for a formal diagnosis and treatment, the cancer was already in its third stage. Fortunately, I am optimistic, function well under pressure, and have a deep faith in Christianity, so I did not panic. I found out as much as I could about treatment options, chose a specialized cancer hospital, put my trust in the doctors, and followed their treatment advice to the letter.
Along with surgery and chemotherapy, I changed my diet: Less cholesterol, fat, sugar, and salt; more high-fiber fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, out of the many health foods and formulae that people recommended to me, I chose those that I found to be reasonable and convenient. In diet, a key point is to eat as few foods as possible which have been treated with pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Eat more foods that are high in fiber and vitamins. Every day I have been drinking fruit juice made of yam leaves, apple, fructose, and distilled water.
I was also lucky in finding a doctor of Chinese medicine who is both very knowledgeable and very patient. From him I have learned-and have tried to follow-the anti-cancer dietary rules as accumulated over thousands of years of Chinese medical tradition. These include: Do not eat chicken, and eat as little as possible of the following: beef, scaleless fish, shellfish, bamboo, taro, eggplant, leek, and mango.
Moreover, the doctor specifically reminded me that I must go to bed sometime between 11:00 pm and 1:00 am; even if not sleepy, I still have to go to bed and lie quietly, resting.
Besides nutrition and rest, another must for cancer victims is mild exercise. For those who live in a nice area, with clean air and open space, it's good to take a half-hour walk every day. If you don't live in such a neighborhood, then you have to arrange to do light exercise or qigong. Meditation is also good, especially for working on your "deep breathing." Breathing from your abdomen helps you relax, relieves stress, massages the organs, and relieves exhaustion.
Besides these various things you can do that are of benefit to your health, I also think that attitude is very important. Since getting ill I have come to appreciate the beauty of life even more. I have received help and concern from my family, friends, colleagues, and superiors. I treasure even more all that I have, and can draw on an inexhaustible reservoir of strength and courage.
I would almost say that I am grateful for having faced cancer. I know life, and hardship, all the better. And I have the confidence to take the hands of my ill friends and say, gently but with confidence: "Don't be afraid, we'll fight this together. Trust me, you can make it!"
