[CLTann]

I read carefully the thread posted for the Parade article. I failed to detect that the patient was seeking the least or mildest treatment plan. She didn't shop for such a doctor.

Many patients associate the most aggressive treatment as the best treatment. I respectively reject such overt and dangerous conclusion. We must weigh the liklihood of secondarly side-effects from the proposed primary treatments that could cause unnecessary health deterioration. Many in this forum developed leukemia from chemo and heart/lung problem from radiation. While in many patients, chemo and radiation are medically called for, there are borderline cases even the treating doctors may question the need for such heavy and aggressive treatments.

Keep in mind that there are micro cancers in all our bodies, including those never diagnosed with cancer. Our bodies have the build-in immune defense system to keep us healthy. We rely mostly on this mechanism to keep us NED. Healthy life style contributes to this very important mechanism.

Also, bear in mind that most treating doctors will not try to talk you out of the most aggressive treatment method you have selected. They just do not want to have a potential law suit in the future.

Each case is different and must be considered on its own merits. I have nothing against chemo and radiation but I have a feeling that many people are guided by fear and frustration, and without scientific and medical data jumped into a regretable conclusion.