Refuses Chemotherapy, but No Regrets (Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma - 1995)
This 47 year old lady, who was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma, was too frail to even come to my clinic. And that shows how critical the situation was. It all started in 1991 with pain in her knees and fever which could not be controlled by antipyretics or analgesics. On investigation, she was diagnosed with lymphoma. She was taken to the Regional Cancer Centre [RCC], Thiruvananthapuram and administered chemotherapy. After chemotherapy, she didn't have fever for about three years. Later, all her medical problems resurfaced along with the enlargement of lymph nodes. She was again taken to RCC where she vomited 5-6 oz of blood. The doctors at the RCC, Thiruvananthapuram advised Salvage chemotherapy. But the earlier trauma was driving her away from another dosage of chemotherapy. For the past four months, she had been suffering from fever, with swelling and pain in the knees. She also had cold and cough along with yellow expectoration and chest pain. During fever, except the feet which were icy cold, the whole body was too hot to touch. She had severe anorexia and extreme prostration.
Thirst – She had excessive thirst especially when she was running a temperature and preferred warm water. She had a dry mouth and had the desire to moist mouth and throat quite often. She was drinking at least one glass of water every hour.
Bowels - Twice daily
Thermally she was a hot patient, but preferred warm food and drinks.
Menstrual history
She had severe dysmenorrhea when she had her monthlies. She attained menopause at the age of 46 years.
Obstetrical history
She had three children. Her last delivery was at the age of 24.
Family history
She belonged to a big family of twelve children, consisting of nine sisters and three brothers. One elder sister was a heart patient.
Case summary record of RCC
Date of admission – 22-7-91
History: This patient was diagnosed with lymphoma in 1991. Underwent six courses of CHOP schedule chemotherapy. Completed on 17-2-1992
Then she developed a left lower deep cervical node which on biopsy revealed Hodgkin's disease.
She had XRT to neck and was then on follow up.
In 18-11-94 she reported with mediastinal nodes. She was given a COPP regime. This was completed in May 1995. After that she was on follow up.
On Nov 1995, she developed left hilar mass and was advised Salvage chemotherapy.
Patient has not reported after that.
Diagnosis: Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Bone Marrow Aspiration Report
Bone Marrow shows an increase in the number of lymphocytes
and atypical mononuclear cells.
The background is suggestive of H D infiltration
Histopathology report (26-11-1992)
Clinical diagnosis: Lymphoma
Nature of specimen: CLN biopsy
Macro: Oval firm LN 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 section shows greyish white lobulated appearance -3 bits
Micro: Shows lymph node with partial effacement of architecture and replacement by mainly lymphocytes with scattered histiocytes and Reed Sternberg like giant cells. Lymphocytes and histiocytes are also seen forming nodules in areas. Rest of the lymph node shows reactive follicles.
Diagnosis: Malignant lymphoma, partially involving lymph node. Sub-typing is difficult.
Treatment
As the patient was very frail for a personal visit, it was her son who came to my clinic and explained her illness along with the relevant medical records. I started treatment with Thuja 30 and later Bryonia 200. Encouraged by the marked improvement, her son requested me to visit their home and meet his mother. I made a home visit. She appeared extremely weak. The main medicines given to her were Bryonia and Iodum. Mostly 200 potency was given as I was not getting a chance to increase the potency due to her weak condition. In later stages, when her vitality improved, Iodum was also prescribed in 1M potency. Thuja was given as an antisycotic and inter-current. When she developed cough and dyspnoea, Ars iod was given in 200 potency. In June, 1998, she lost one of her sons and was deeply depressed. Ignatia in 200 potency helped her to overcome this traumatic phase to a certain extent. But this personal tragedy adversely affected her recovery and she succumbed to her illness within a year.
Discussion
During the four years she took treatment from me, she improved a lot. There was no persistent fever, her pain reduced and there was a general sense of well being. I remember seeing her in a collapsed state when I visited her and the family had lost all hope. They were praying for a peaceful death for her. Iodum gave her the maximum relief, which was administered mainly in 200 potency and once or twice in 1M potency. Iodum is one of the main remedies having predominant action on glands and lymph nodes. The death of her son was a huge blow to her psyche which reflected on her physical health too. Anyway I am satisfied that I could ease her sufferings and improve her vitality through this gentle therapy, unlike the harsh treatment she underwent earlier.
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