Teen seeks alternative to Chemo- Denied

[sparks19]

Have any of your heard about this?

http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/07/21....ap/index.html


I think that is terrible. He went through Chemo and it was too much for him. he knows the risk he is taking and his parents support what he wants to do. I don't think the courts have ANY place in deciding what kind of treatment this kid gets.

[Maresche]

I thought a judge lifted the order. At least until the trial was over.

[Karen]

He did - this is the more updated story:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/07/25....ap/index.html

[Maresche]

Thank you Karen! I just found that link.

[sparks19]

Thank you Karen. I actually hadn't heard that part. Now does that mean that in the meantime he cannot get the treatment in Mexico until after the next court date?

I really don't even understand how this ever ended up in court in the first place.

[Cataholic]

How did this end up in court? Easy. Someone that presumes to have the child's best interest in mind filed for relief. I don't have a problem with that. Everyday there are other people looking out for the interest of others, thinking they are in the right. And, everyday, sadly, there are parents that presume to be doing the same thing for their child, with detrimental effects.

I would much rather hear of the litigatory process, knowing that both sides are evenly (as much as possible) represented, then, to allow one side to carry on with its way. And, I recognize that others may feel this is just one more example of "Big Brother".

I know modern medical science is, well, science, but herbal supplements seem a little out there to me.

[CathyBogart]

Has anyone else seen the footage of this boy?

He is smart, really smart. He is very articulate and he has obviously researched his alternatives thoroughly. I have to say I was so impressed seeing him speak, I'm very grateful he's finally winning.

[sparks19]

How did this end up in court? Easy. Someone that presumes to have the child's best interest in mind filed for relief. I don't have a problem with that. Everyday there are other people looking out for the interest of others, thinking they are in the right. And, everyday, sadly, there are parents that presume to be doing the same thing for their child, with detrimental effects.

I would much rather hear of the litigatory process, knowing that both sides are evenly (as much as possible) represented, then, to allow one side to carry on with its way. And, I recognize that others may feel this is just one more example of "Big Brother".

I know modern medical science is, well, science, but herbal supplements seem a little out there to me.

but he has already tried the medical science way and it has proved to be too painful and too stressful for him. He does not wish to continue with that treatment and I think that is his RIGHT as an American let alone his right as a human being.

Of course a Dr doesn't think it's a good idea to seek holistic and natural remedies. heck when I got sick of being put on pain killer after pain killer for my shoulder with no result I decided to go to a Chiropractor and of course everytime I mentioned this to a Dr I was faced with "well what do you think they can do for you? They aren't going to help you." I went to a Chiropractor and the pain is gone.

Idon't think anyone who hasn't practiced that particular kind of medicine should have any say in whether it will be effective or not.

[caseysmom]

I think at 16 it should be his call. I have heard that chemo is very effective for putting hodgkins in remission though.

[moosmom]

I have to say that chemo and radiation saved my daughter's life, along with major brain surgery. While I don't have much respect for doctors (except for brilliant neurosurgeon who operated on Amy), since a certain doctor (ENT) changed my daughter's life forever by misdiagnosing her with a sinus infection, I believe that everyone is entitled to a second opinion as well as seeking whatever treatment they see fit for THEIR lifestyle. The courts have no business interfering.

[sparks19]

I have to say that chemo and radiation saved my daughter's life, along with major brain surgery. While I don't have much respect for doctors (except for brilliant neurosurgeon who operated on Amy), since a certain doctor (ENT) changed my daughter's life forever by misdiagnosing her with a sinus infection, I believe that everyone is entitled to a second opinion as well as seeking whatever treatment they see fit for THEIR lifestyle. The courts have no business interfering.

That's a terrible story and unfortunately it is not uncommon. My sister in law's mother was getting really bad stomach pains and they kept telling her it was nothing and finally she went to see another Dr and found out she had stomach Cancer.

When dealing with a disease like Cancer how can anyone know if they have the best remedy? There is no cure for Cancer so how can they go to a court and say he has to use Chemo because it's the best. They don't really know that. It works for some people and not for others. Cancer is too unstable for someone to say which therapy is "the best".

[moosmom]

My daughter was one of the fortunate ones in that she's been in remission for 14 years and considered "cured" by American Cancer Society. I'm not saying chemo is right for everyone. I only know what saved my kid's life. She's one of the lucky ones.

[Lady's Human]

"Cancer" Is a catch all used to describe many diseases. For some, chemo is ineffective, for others it is HIGHLY effective. The reason the "alternative" treatment is not offered in the US is probably because it is impossible to prove scientifically that it works. In this case, Hodgkin's disease, it is extremely effective.

The legal line is that the child is under 18, therefore a minor under his parents' care. They are required to ensure the welfare of the child. If their alternative medicine choice was prayer, would you support that? Somehow I doubt it, and the courts have also ruled that that is insufficient. If the Hoxley cure was indeed effective, the FDA would probably allow it.

[sparks19]

"Cancer" Is a catch all used to describe many diseases. For some, chemo is ineffective, for others it is HIGHLY effective. The reason the "alternative" treatment is not offered in the US is probably because it is impossible to prove scientifically that it works. In this case, Hodgkin's disease, it is extremely effective.

The legal line is that the child is under 18, therefore a minor under his parents' care. They are required to ensure the welfare of the child. If their alternative medicine choice was prayer, would you support that? Somehow I doubt it, and the courts have also ruled that that is insufficient. If the Hoxley cure was indeed effective, the FDA would probably allow it.

Actually if prayer was what he decides to do than he should be allowed to do that. I don't think it should be required by law for him to get treatment. Therefore I don't think they should be able to tell him what kind of treatment to use.

There's no proof that it does work but then there isn't any proof that it doesn't.

As for him being under 18 his parents backed his decision. I don't think that is abuse so the courts should stay out of it. If they can start forcing people to use a specific treatment, what's next?

[Lady's Human]

And if the story was simply "child dies because alternative treatment fails after parents refused the doctors chemo" (which in reality is what it is because the child has no legal say in the matter) there would be a public outcry.