Asparagus for cancer
My Mom had been taking the full-stalk canned style asparagus that she pureed and she took 4 tablespoons in the morning and 4 tablespoons later in the day. She did this for over a month. She is on chemo pills for Stage 3 lung cancer in the pleural area and her cancer cell count went from 386 down to 125 as of this past week. Her oncologist said she does not need to see him for 3 months.
THE ARTICLE:
Several years ago, I had a man seeking asparagus for a friend who had cancer. He gave me a photocopied copy of an article,entitled,
`Asparagus for cancer’ printed in Cancer News Journal, December 1979.
I will share it here, just as it was shared with me:
‘I am a biochemist,and have specialized in the relation of diet to health for over 50 years..Several years ago, I learned of the discovery of Richard R. Vensal, D.D.S. that asparagus might cure cancer.
Since then, I have worked with him on his project. We have accumulated a number of favorable case histories. Here are a few examples:
Case No. 1, A man with an almost hopeless case of Hodgkin’s disease (cancer of the lymph glands) who was completely incapacitated. Within 1 year of starting the asparagus therapy, his doctors were unable to detect any signs of cancer, and he was back on a schedule of strenuous exercise.
Case No. 2, a successful businessman 68 years old who suffered from cancer of the bladder for 16 years. After years of medical treatments, including radiation without improvement, he went on asparagus. Within 3 months, examinations revealed that his bladder tumor had disappeared and that his kidneys were normal.
Case No.. 3, a man who had lung cancer. On March 5th 1971, he was put on the operating table where they found lung cancer so widely spread that it was inoperable. The surgeon sewed him up and declared his case hopeless. On April 5th he heard about the asparagus therapy and immediately started taking it. By August, x-ray pictures revealed that all signs of the cancer had disappeared..
He is back20at his regular business routine.
Case No. 4, a woman who was troubled for a number of years with skin cancer. She finally developed different skin cancers which were diagnosed by the acting specialist as advanced. Within 3 months after starting on asparagus, her skin specialist said that her skin looked fine and no more skin lesions. This woman reported that the asparagus therapy also cured her kidney disease, which started in 1949. She had over 10 operations for kidney stones, and was receiving government disability payments for an inoperable, terminal, kidney condition. She attributes the cure of this kidney trouble entirely to the asparagus.
I was not surprised at this result, as `The elements of materia medica’, edited in 1854 by a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, stated that asparagus was used as a popular remedy for kidney stones. He even referred to experiments, in 1739, on the power of asparagus in dissolving stones. Note the dates!
We would have other case histories but the medical establishment has interfered with our obtaining some of the records. I am therefore appealing to readers to spread this good news and help us to gather a large number of case histories that will overwhelm the medical skeptics about this unbelievably simple and natural remedy.
For the treatment, asparagus should be cooked before using, and therefore canned asparagus is just as good as fresh.
I have corresponded with the two leading canners of asparagus, Giant and Stokely, and I am20satisfied that these brands contain no pesticides or preservatives.
Place the cooked asparagus in a blender and liquefy to make a puree, and store in the refrigerator. Give the patient 4 full tablespoons twice daily, morning and evening.
Patients usually show some improvement in from 2-4 weeks. It can be diluted with water and used as a cold or hot drink.
This suggested dosage is based on present experience, but certainly larger amounts can do no harm and may be needed in some cases.
As a biochemist I am convinced of the old saying that `what cures can prevent’. Based on this theory, my wife and I have been using asparagus puree as a beverage with our meals.
We take 2 tablespoons diluted in water to suit our taste with breakfast and with dinner. I take mine hot and my wife prefers hers cold. For years we have made it a practice to have blood surveys taken as part of our regular checkups.
The last blood survey, taken by a medical doctor who specializes in the nutritional approach to health, showed substantial improvements in all categories over the last one, and we can attribute these improvements to nothing but the asparagus drink…
As a biochemist, I have made an extensive study of all aspects of cancer, and all of the proposed cures.
As a result, I am convinced that asparagus fits in better with the latest theories about cancer. Asparagus contains a good supply of protein called histones, which are believed to be active in controlling cell growth. For that reason, I believe asparagus can be said to contain a substance that I call cell growth normalizer. That accounts for its action on cancer and in acting as a general body tonic.
In any event, regardless of theory, asparagus used as we suggest, is a harmless substance. The FDA cannot prevent you from using it and it may do you much good. It has been reported by the US National Cancer Institute, that asparagus is the highest tested food containing glutathione, which is considered one of the body’s most potent anticarcinogens and antioxidants.
Please spread the news… the most unselfish act one can ever do is paying forward all the kindness one has received, even to the most undeserved person.
Dry mouth?
This article explains how to deal with a lack of saliva – a very common problem with Throat Cancer sufferers.
Scanned in article from the Daily Mail
Treatment without CHEMO
An interesting article form the Daily Mail in the UK about a new development in treating throat cancer without Chemotherapy and using laser technology. I hope this helps you.
Click the image to read the article.
Nebulizer
Viv takes a tug on his latest toy – the nebulizer. It is used in this case for lubricating the airways and producing liquid to act as saliva. With Viv’s saliva production almost completely packed up this is a vital part of day to day life.
Cancer Support Pack
Here is a great pack containing all kinds of help and assistance. Contact the South African Cancer Association for their Cancer Coping Kit.
Viv’s Daily Intake
- 2 x mugs of Ginseng tea – apparently helps immune system
- 3 x 200ml of water with oxygen cell food drops
- 3 x litres of water to help flush his system
- 3 x glasses of 100% fresh carrot juice prepared by Avril
- Vitamin B and C pills
- Herbal ‘triple immune’ tablets
- 1/2 tea-spoon of sea salt mixed with water
With the exception of the 3litres of water and carrot juice which are considered essential by the medical team, everything else is out of Viv and Avril’s choice. As Viv says, “let’s face it, they can’t do any harm. “He also feels that taking these things does help deal with the onset of the side effects. Who knows?
He was also taking zinc tablets which are meant to help with mouth ulcers, but according to the specialist zinc has a bad reaction with the radiation, so they were stopped.
With all these bloody requirements Viv complains that as his medication intake escalates he hopes he can find the time to go to the bog during the day!
Preparing Each Morning
Each morning Viv goes through the following routine:
- 200ml of water with 10 drops of oxygen cell food.
- Brush teeth with special toothpaste to protect teeth from radiation (has to be done 2 x a day) After brushing the paste has to stay in your mouth for 10 mins (Viv cleverly coincides this with “sitting on the bog, showering and shaving.”)
- After this the area damaged by the radiation has to be carefully cleaned – for Viv it’s the sides of his face, his neck (front and back), his chest, shoulders and ears.
- After breakfast more mouthwash has to be used (this is done 4 x a day or after eating)
- Afterwards, Avril’s prepared breakfast of chopped fruit, soft boiled eggs, yoghurt, or porridge (after 10 years of boarding school Viv hates breakfast, especially porridge!) But watching the sun rise each morning had become very enjoyable.
This process takes Viv about 1 hour 30 mins.
- Finally, on the journey to work Viv has to keep a special syrup in his mouth for as long as possible, gargling it and swallowing it once he’s completed the ten minute drive to the office.
Viv setting off for work
Viv is taking well to his treatment and is still going in to work every day, albeit with a cute little lunch box that Avril managed to buy. At work no one is allowed to snigger at this important item of equipment 
It’s great to see Viv doing so well in his fourth week of treatment.
Famous people with Cancer
On doing some research for Viv, I found out that poor old Geoff Boycott was diagnosed with Throat Cancer
He survived and says: “My message to people is don’t delay and don’t think your symptoms are going to go away as if some fairy has waved a magic wand”.
Diagnosis & preparing for treatment.
The following post is what Viv related into his dictaphone and was typed out and displayed here. It is an overview to date of his story.
At the start of 2006, the move to Portugal was still fresh and although it was an incredibly stressful and tumultuous time, things were now beginning to take shape. The business was moving, expanding. The staff that had committed to the move had become settled just as the new staff had settled into the team. It was everything that everyone had hoped for, especially Viv. A new, relaxed lifestyle with the sun shining everyday and the golf courses just a short drive down the coast.
It was as these idyllic times were settling that the cancer was diagnosed.
It began sometime in late February/early March when Viv noticed a lump on the left side of his neck. With no noticeable pain, he initially thought it was a swollen gland and did not worry about it.
On 26th of June returning from New York on a business trip, the lump was bigger and Viv decided that somebody should have a look at it. Viv’s wife Avril arranged an appointment with Dr Julio Trivino of the Tavi-clinic in Tavira. Viv had trusted Dr Trivino from the start being that he is the namesake of Viv’s golfing hero Lee Trevino. Although I doubt this was on his mind when Dr Julio took one look and said the lump was not normal and he was very concerned, he arranged a scan for the next day.
Viv was scanned at the radiologists in Tavira. During the scan Viv could see the screen behind him, in his words the area around the lump being scanned was “dancing red” and “looked absolutely terrifying”. Viv needed no more confirmation that something was wrong than when the radiologist suggested and proceeded to perform an immediate biopsy.
The results were due on the 4th of July. Viv, being as strong as an ox was on location working from the 1st to the 15th. The results were collected that evening, one which Viv will never forget. The mixed feelings he had, the uncertainty, the absolute horror. He asked the doctor to repeat the results several times as he could not understand what was going on. “I just remember sitting there thinking I’d had a death sentence passed on me but I was innocent” What had I done to deserve this? Why Me? The questions keep coming back. The doctor explained that it was very possible it was brought on or caused through very heavy smoking in his youth and very possibly stress. The fact that he had quit cigarettes 25 years ago didn’t seem to matter.
Something that immediately lifted Viv was that from the moment his medical care began, every member of the field seemed to go out of their way to help him. It began with Dr Trivino and has not stopped yet. The day after the results, an appointment for additional scans was made, the results of these take typically up to 5 days to process but Dr. Trivino was able to make special arrangements for the results to be completed and sent back that evening. Dr. Trivino made an appointment to see an Ear Nose and Throat specialist at Faro hospital, the next morning at 9-00am sharp. They were first in the queue, quite amazing.
The 6th of July and Viv spent the day in the hospital being inspected, studied and prodded by four different E.N.T specialists. They explained that the lump on the side of the throat was the secondary tumour and were concerned where the primary tumour was. Viv was constantly asked if he had problems with his throat, swallowing or any pain. As we know, Viv is hard as nails and the doctors could not understand why he was experiencing no pain in his throat at all.
The specialist Viv was seeing thought matters were urgent enough to perform a second biopsy there in the consulting room. A great phobia of Viv’s was awoken as Lab technicians came with huge needles to insert in his neck.
“You have to understand that I absolutely hate needles and injections. I have an absolute phobia about them. Anybody comes near me with a needle, I’m ready to pass out.”
It would be 10 days before the results would be available but Viv was admitted to hospital immediately. He was in shock at what was happening, why and how quickly. The last thing Viv wanted was to be stuck in a hospital but blood tests, x-rays and electrocardiograms had to be performed. Oh yeah, and there were some more needles! Another helpful and very attractive ward nurse arranged for these post haste and Viv was able to return home for the night.
The next day Viv was put under a general anaesthetic for exploratory surgery. More needles as he was put on a drip – “they never seem to find my veins, perhaps this is why I hate it so much”. Every time a nurse enters the ward she looks like she’s ready for the next injection. One time a nurse came to inject a sedative and Viv went berserk saying he cannot have any more of those things. “What are you worried for? She said “It’s just going in the intravenous section, the injection is already there.” He felt like an absolute idiot.
At midday he was wheeled to the operating theatre where the reassuring sight of the four E.N.T specialists from the previous day could be seen. Viv’s appreciation for the staff is immeasurable; he has been amazed by their service. He was especially impressed that there was always a fluent English speaker nearby to explain exactly what was going to happen to him. Nothing is too much trouble to ensure he’s at ease and fully informed.
Their prices are not bad either… For the second batch of scans and reports to be returned the same evening there was a €300 fee. This is a relatively expensive fee in Portugal and it caused embarrassment the next day at the Faro hospital reception. The receptionist had taken Viv’s details and she requested a fee of “2-75”. Viv dropped a €500 note on the receptionist who with a shocked look, speeds off to get change. She returns unsuccessfully and asks if Viv has anything smaller, maybe some coins. Viv thought the charge was €275 but it was €2.75!!! This fee covered the four E.N.T specialists examining him, a second biopsy, blood tests, x-rays, electrocardiograms, a dozen injections and exploratory surgery!
As Viv came to from the general anaesthetic he could hear them talking. The exploratory surgery had gone well and they had found the primary cancer. Obviously Viv was still extremely worried as he did not know yet where it was. His biggest fear was “was it in my throat?” As Viv was recovering the results were given to Avril and when she told him it wasn’t he just said “Thank God! At least I have a chance.” But how little did he know then about anything…
That Friday evening Viv returned home groggy and with a rather sore throat after having cameras and goodness knows what else shoved down there and up his backside. As he explained, “my throat feels like somebody has pulled a barbed wire fence through it” At this stage the good news was that from the neck down he was clear. He had no cancer in his body.
But now the cancer was beginning to catch up with him in a way that it could no longer be kept from his friends, colleagues and employees. Travelling back and forth from doctors, hospitals, tests, needles and examinations, Viv found himself coming back with plasters all over him, including a huge one on his neck from the biopsy. It was time to tell his staff.
Viv was terrified that it would have an adverse affect on the staff. They had come from England to Portugal with him and he had promised to look after them. Without Viv the company has no name. Without Viv, there is no final say. Or so it may have seemed…
A meeting had been arranged on the location he was still working at for the following Monday. Everyone gathered with some drinks and a barbeque and Viv fought with himself to drop the news, all that he knew at that point. The relief he felt as that one word beginning with ‘C’ came out his mouth to his staff was tremendous. You could physically see it. Something that impressed Viv was that his staff took the news very well, obviously deeply concerned they managed to carry on, not treating Viv as an invalid and maintaining humour with him. Life went on as normal.
With an extremely sore throat Viv speculates that the staff were actually very grateful that he couldn’t talk much because he is by his own admission a “rather loud bugger”.
On the 15th of July the location was finished and Viv flew to London for some pending business matters on the 18th and 19th. It was a very welcome break from all the rushing around and the needles. Viv also took the opportunity to get completely shit-faced with some buddies and returned much better for it, feeling refreshed, calmer and perhaps a little more philosophical.
On the 21st July, Viv travelled to a top specialist in Lisbon, which had been arranged by Dr Trivino the previous day in Tavira. Uncertain of so much but specifically if they would return that night or remain in Lisbon should they operate, Viv and Avril packed overnight bags. They presumed an operation would be the next step. In Viv’s words: “How naïve can you be? We knew nothing about this disease”
In Lisbon, another exemplary member of medical staff studied all the documentation and scans available. He was a quiet, young man who gave no bullshit – right up Viv’s street. He performed another examination with a camera in Viv’s throat. What was particularly shocking to Viv was that in order to get the camera and other instruments down his throat the specialist had to literally pull Viv’s tongue with his fingers to extend it sufficiently from his mouth. Viv seriously thought he would choke to death.
The specialist took a moment and sat down with Viv and Avril and asked:
“So what have they told you in Faro?”
Viv explained that the secondary tumour was the lump on the side of his neck and the primary was somewhere below his ear.
“That is not exactly correct” he replied “The primary is in the base of your tongue, in your throat”
Viv’s worst nightmare.
I cannot imagine the despair he felt. He has never heard of anyone surviving throat cancer, again he feels the death sentence looming over his head. But how wrong he was. It is not a death sentence. It just isn’t. There is life after throat cancer.
Viv asked and his chances were spelled out to him: the radiotherapy has a 30 – 40% chance of totally curing it. Radiotherapy and surgery has a 70% chance of recovery. But he explains that the surgery is very drastic, depending on the size of the tumour that has to be removed from the tongue one could lose the ability to talk and to swallow completely, for the rest of one’s life. If it was smaller or minor it could seriously affect your swallowing and give you a speech impediment for the rest of your life.Radiotherapy will definitely reduce the size of the tumours and give you a better chance if surgery is needed, he explained.
“Radiotherapy is the best solution.” confirms the Lisbon Specialist sending Viv and Avril back to Faro to commence treatment.
As an astute businessman Viv is no stranger to statistical analysis and percentages. His job is to negotiate and haggle with clients to get the best deal for him and his company. It’s fair to say he could sell rice to the Chinese with his left hand whilst handing out ice blocks to Eskimos with his right hand for a tidy sum. He is an expert at squeezing out that extra few percent to clinch a deal. This time however his powers of persuasion were useless, the doctor had laid down the figures and Viv just had to accept them.
Radiotherapy was the best course of action, Viv was told that the probable cause was the heavy smoking from years before and the trigger that caused the cancer to surface was probably stress.
Viv’s mind started to wander back to occasions such as the 6 nations rugby game between Wales and England 2005 in Cardiff. He remembered shouting throughout the game which later resulted in him barely being able to speak for the following 2 weeks. Now Viv likes to be heard, if he shouts at you, more often than not it’s a sign of endearment, on occasion it’s a roasting but for that 2 weeks there was an eerie silence in the office. If Viv can’t be heard, then there is room for concern. This it seems was an early sign.
Viv also thought about his love of chilli. Had this taken its toll on his throat? Also the stress of moving the entire company operation overseas, which was fraught with countless problems from start to finish. And last but not least his somewhat difficult relationship with his two daughters, had all of these things been contributing factors? Viv didn’t blame anyone for this but it was hard for him to resist the temptation of asking the question ‘Why?’
The Lisbon specialist was quick in telling Viv that cancer is a lottery, it can happen to anyone. Viv usually bet on the team he thought would win and much to the dismay of the guys he bet against, namely us, he would end up politely taking our money every time. He knows how to pick winners, it’s a nack of his, now he would have to bet on himself and wager his life in the process.
Back in Tavira the good doctor Trivino pulled some strings and arranged an appointment with a specialist in Faro for Friday the 21st of July. Viv was then told that a special mask had to be made for him to wear during the radiotherapy treatment. On Monday the 24th his medical staff moulded a heated fabric to his Viv’s face to shape the mask and a three dimensional scan was done to get the exact position and angles for the radiation to be administered. Then he and his wife, Avril, had another agonising one week wait while the mask was precisely measured and marked to start the therapy.
As usual Viv couldn’t sit at home, this only gave him time to think about the situation he was in, instead he was in the office and the staff had never been more happy to hear Viv shouting about work deadlines and business deals. It seemed normal and everyone relished this time, the start of Viv’s treatment was imminent and we all knew things were going to change.
On the 28th the mask was ready and needed to be fitted to Viv’s face and calibrated to the computers in order for the treatment to begin. At this stage Viv had to endure 45 minutes of excruciating pain being held in one position and unable to move a muscle in order for the computer setup to be successful. Viv’s threshold for pain is pretty high having played a lot of rugby and I’m sure he won’t mind me saying a couple of dramatic tumbles on the ski slope in the past. He jumps up, brushes himself off and gets on with it, on this occasion however you could see this was something he never wanted to experience again. The harsh reality of what this treatment would entail was finally setting in.
Viv was ready to start the first of his 35 sessions of radiotherapy spread over a 7 week period. The doctor had informed him that the first couple of weeks would be fine but the remaining 5 weeks would be the toughest of his life. The doctor then reminded Viv that he was not alone in this and that Viv was going to beat this with the help of us all, a sentiment that everyone who knows Viv shared.