Teen seeks alternative to Chemo- Denied

[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.

[sparks19]

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.

Well that would be a terrible thing because that is not what happened here. If the story was simply that of course there would be a problem but there is so much more to the story. The fact that he tried Chemo for three months and found it to be too much to bear. He may only be 16 but this kid has gone through some things I hope none of us EVER have to go through.

The parents didn't refuse treatment. the child tried that treatment and decided he could not continue and they decided to seek alternative medicines. I think it's terrible the courts can impose this treatment on him. I thought Torture was illegal? Thats what this is, forcing him to go through the pain he has already decided he cannot take is torture. Plain and simple.

[K9soul]

My personal opinion on this is if the young man and the parents are fully informed on both methods and aware of possible consequences and want to go with the alternative treatment, he should be allowed to do so. At most they could have them sign a form that they are going against medical advice (for lawsuit purposes), but I believe this is too much interference into something that is a personal choice for the family involved. If the young man himself wanted chemo but the parents weren't allowing him and forcing the alternative, that'd be a different situation and I could see legal involvement then.

[Corinna]

Ok for once I must disagree with you LH , having been through this kind of stuff with hubby, FDA only wants the drugs that the doctors and researchers can get big kick backs and big bucks from the government. The are cures for many cancers but our gov. and the Canadian gov does not allow them. they evn have gone as far as conviscating all the data and product made by a holistic doc. and her daughter in Cananda . Luckly they had brains enough to keep duplicate formulas in 3 different locations . It is what has kept my hubbys cancer from returning.
Back to the news article , the young man in question is fully understanding of his choices (Cat I really think it is big brother in this case) becouse he does know the results. Let him choose it's not like he beleives every thing the parents say He has done the research.

[lizbud]

"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.

Actually Cancer comes in many different forms. Lung cancer is different in
molecular structure than say, Breast cancer.They are all different cancers
and affect different parts of the body.

I really think the boy's chances are better with the Chemo, but I think
the familes wishes should be followed.