I fought colon cancer and won

Fatuma Abdi, 41 was raising her daughter and working as a businesswoman in Eldoret in 2006. Suddenly she was hospitalised with a grim diagnosis of liver cancer.

“I was sure that death was imminent. I asked my sister to adopt my child. My condition deteriorated so I asked my brother to let me go home and die.” Before she reached home, Fatuma stumbled on an alternative that led to her full recovery.

Tour guide Raphael Koikai, 40, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2009. After surgery in Kijabe District hospital and three rounds of chemotherapy at Kenyatta, he quit. “The side-effects were brutal. I decided to search for another way.”

While the pharmaceutical industry focuses on pioneering new and profitable drugs in the billion-dollar-a-day cancer industry, alternative practitioners believe that understanding the cause of cancer is paramount. Dr Shadrack Moimett of Koibatek Clinic explains, “Understanding cancer is the beginning of healing. Cancer is a lifestyle disease.

Get rid of toxins in the body

It is caused by a buildup of toxins from what we eat and our environment. To eliminate cancer we stop the intake of these toxins, and remove those that have accumulated. We also use targeted phytomedicines (herbs) which destroy the cancer cells.”

Moimett learned the practice of herbal medicine from his grandmother, who is still alive though very old. Fatuma, mentioned at the outset, sought treatment at his clinic.

“I took the treatments and within six months the hospital scans showed no sign of cancer. Later one hospital staff member asked me about, “That sister of yours who died.” I said, “But it is me!” They could not recognise me!’ This happened six years ago.

What of Raphael Koikai? He quit chemo and sought help from a U.S-trained Naturopath with a background in Maasai herbal medicine.

“I took the herbal medicines from Dr Richard Saningo and started on his Far Infrared therapy. Within one week I felt much stronger. After some weeks of Far Infrared Therapy, the doctors at Kijabe and MP Shah said I was fine. Three years later I am still doing very well.”

How does this treatment work? The doctor explains, “With cancer you close all the taps that bring in toxins. You remove all cancer-causing matter from the diet by eliminating animal products, processed foods, and junk.

We put our patients on a vegetarian lifestyle, and give them medicinal herbs. The infra-red rays and UV treatment greatly speed up recovery.” These treatments beam natural light in high doses to dissolve the tumour without debilitating side-effects.

Alternative medicine or death

Another alternative healing therapist, Dr George Karago explains; “The difference between herbal medicine and conventional medicine is that ours involves immune boosting, detoxification, nutritional enhancement, and administration of herbs that trigger the tumour to gently disintegrate.

This methodology eliminates chances of the cancer recurring because the underlying cause would have been eliminated.” A similar approach is held by many alternative practitioners globally, whether they use Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, or traditional herbs.

Tamara St. John, a Michigan University Business Lecturer in her late 30s spoke to Satmag through email.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 but without health insurance I could not afford chemotherapy or radiation. I faced two options – alternative medicine or death.”

She chose the former. Tamara focused on systematic detoxes, green juicing, enzyme therapy and Laetrile therapy. She also used the Budwig protocol, engineered by Nobel laureate Joanna Budwig to destroy cancer at a cellular level. Today, Tamara’s cancer is gone and she shares her knowledge with all who inquire.

Social support critical

Dr George Karago explains the importance of psychology in successfully treating cancer. “Cancer is a stigmatising illness. Close family or companions are critical in therapy. These relationships motivate the patient’s desire to heal and live. Cancer is often associated with death so a number of patients “die” psychologically long before real death occurs.” Dr Saningo concurs. “Once you give up, no treatment or medicine will help you.”

Whether a patient opts for alternative medicine alone or combines alternative medicine with conventional treatment, they still benefit. Says Anne Wangari, 43, “I am undergoing chemotherapy but I suffer from much fewer side-effects. I attribute this to my strong faith in God, extensive research and rigorous supplementation. I take vitamin C, Moringa, fresh juices and avoid processed foods.”

Her resilience amazes her doctors. She has no room for despair as her focus is on being there for her children.

Not as costly as mainstream medicine

One major advantage of alternative treatment is the reduced price-tag. In Kenya radiation and chemotherapy can start at Sh200 000 per week. On average many patients spend between Sh2million and Sh5million seeking treatment. Alternative medicine costs a fraction of these astronomical amounts.

Mzee Thomas Murei, 75, showed Satmag his medical documents from Koibatek clinic in Eldoret, “In 2009 I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer, Typhoid, Bronchitis and Brucellosis. I took the herbs from this clinic. Today I am riding my bike and farming.” Cancer is not a death sentence. Patients and practitioners around the world are successfully exploring alternative treatment options.

Knowledge, a positive attitude, and a strong support system are powerful factors to survive this illness that will one day be a thing of the past.

Disclaimer: The Saturday Magazine does not endorse the use of alternative therapies to treat cancer. Readers are advised to do their research carefully before starting on any course of treatment and to consult a medical practitioner for advice.