Abstract
Many people find it difficult to believe cancer can be treated successfully by Ayurveda. Here’s clear proof, says Leela Lopez, in continuation of her earlier personal account, I’m not Afraid of the Big ‘C’.. (published in our June 2007 issue).
In my last article, I wrote about a personal tragedy that thwarted my efforts to score over the dreadful disease, which pushed me into a realm of despair, drained me completely of strength, though for a short while. As mentioned, on May 3rd Dr Kannan after examining me said, “Go and enjoy your life. Be happy.” But God willed otherwise…
On May 9th my husband started vomiting, and had difficulty swallowing food. When the problem persisted, we went to a doctor, and took the prescribed medication. When no improvement happened, we approached a gastroenterologist. Endoscopy was done, and a sample sent for biopsy. We didn’t bother about the result as we had not expected in our wildest dreams for a positive report. But once again we were proved wrong: the report said, “Ca - stomach.”
We were stunned; not ready to accept it as a final verdict; we went to Dr Bharve, an eminent gastroenterologist. The tumour had grown and was blocking the mouth of the stomach. I witnessed the whole test, rather insisted on it, and saw the tumour on the monitor. There was no doubt; it was the Big ‘C’ on visit once again. The biopsy was done. The report said clearly – ‘Lower Third Esophagus - Invasive Adenocarcinoma’. Dr Amish Dalal was on tour so the surgery was fixed on July 3rd. While it was going on I sat outside reciting the Mrutyunjaya mantra. Suddenly the OT door flew open and someone called out loudly for Sanju, our son and took him inside. I knew something had gone terribly wrong; my world came crashing down.
After a while Sanju came out, trying to be brave but could not; he broke down. At that critical moment, I knew that was the end. I broke down completely. Then he told me, “Please control yourself, I can’t look after two heart patients. Daddy’s heart had stopped during the operation, still the doctor tried to complete it. But a second attack made him abandon it. He just managed to put a tube for feeding.” Just then my husband was wheeled out. I accompanied him to the ICU. In the lift there was a big commotion as the monitor showed blank; but in my heart I knew he was alive. My logic was, if God saved him from two attacks, then he is not meant to die so easily…He may have some other plans chalked out for him. My intuitions proved correct; he survived two massive heart attacks to come home alive.
The next option was chemotherapy. Due to his heart condition, the medicines were not administered at a go, but in a span of three days. As usual, they created lots of problems -- he had terrible diarrhoea, kidney was affected, nerves damaged; his spine too was affected, causing a permanent stoop. Even after three doses, nothing happened. The tumour kept growing, and the last scan report showed it as 10 cm in size. The second option too failed; so Dr Dalal sent us to Dr Kannan for the third -- radiotherapy. Dr Kannan refused, saying the blisters caused by radiotherapy will make it difficult for him to eat. There was a boon in disguise; the chemotherapy cleared the block and my husband could eat normally after many months.
Then we went back to Dr Dalal for a second operation. This was the only remaining option and time was running out fast. But then came the blow… he discouraged us, as my husband’s health was not conducive for an operation and there was no guarantee it would be successful. I was numb with fear, for I knew he was using euphemism and to put it bluntly, the game was over. I blurted out, “What are you saying?” He replied, “We can give him palliative treatment.” It was like a bolt from the blue. My husband sat there not following exactly what was happening. He was in a daze. It broke my heart to hear him ask the doctor what palliative treatment was. I told him what was going on and what the doctor’s verdict was. My husband responded, “how long will I live?” The doctor replied, “Six months maximum.”
The return journey was terrible. We underwent different emotions. We were dejected, disappointed and sad. It was very pathetic; two old people, one recovering from cancer, one seriously ill with it, facing the moment of truth all alone. I pray this situation does not arise for anyone else. The following days saw my husband sinking fast; in fact he just wanted to go away. He told me many times, “I don’t want any further treatment, let me just go”, but I was not ready to let him go. By then he had become so weak we could feel the end was nearing.
Naturally, the so-called relations started visiting us. One of them told bluntly to stop wasting money for treatment as cancer cannot be cured; on the contrary, many had been reduced to penury because of the expensive treatment. She further suggested we save the money for our son instead. It was the unkindest cut of all. This piece of advice produced an unexpected result. My husband wanted to fight back. He said, “People have written me off. They think everything is over, but I want to show them there is still life in me.” This was music to my ears and immediately I contacted Dr Gurukkal. I remember telling him, “Please save us doctor” and he saved us. He told us he will first try to control it from spreading, then retard its growth and then remove it from the body; if that was not possible, he would shrink it, make it harmless and keep it in one corner. The treatment started on November 20, 2006. In March 2007, the results of a series of tests were encouraging: the cancer had not spread at all and all his vital organs were intact. We knew the doctor had kept his word. In April, another endoscopy found the tumour shrunk to 4 cm in size.
It is August 2007; 10 months since the verdict was given. The Damocles’ sword no longer hangs over our heads. My husband continues with his ayurvedic medicines, follows the strict diet, but is OK otherwise. On top of all normal duties such as banking, shopping, marketing, he runs his business, and drives the car. We have since then made many journeys too.
The Saviour
Cancer is so common today; but a cancer patient looking after another single-handedly is a rarity. It is possible because of Changampally Vaidyabhavan. I hope this write-up will help all those who have lost hope.
This Vaidyabhavan is situated at Kunnumpuram, Thirunavaya, very near (1.5km) to the Thirunavaya railway station. All local trains stop there. To reach Thirunavaya one can catch a flight to Calicut or board a train. All express trains stop at Kuttippuram. From there one can go by taxi, auto or bus (8km). The bus stop is near the veterinary hospital at Kunnumpuram. Changampally Vaidyabhavan is a very oldinstitution. Around 400 years back, the Zamorin of Calicut brought the Tulu Brahmins, famous for their medical expertise, from Karnataka to Thirunavaya as royal physicians. They treated the soldiers who got hurt in the duels (Mamankam). He bestowed the ownership of 2000 acres of land on them, where the present Vaidyabhavan stands. Dr Gurukkal believes in the universal brotherhood of man.
The doctor uses many pronged attack to control cancer, with internal as well as external medicines. He gave us kashayams, powders, pills -- all herbal. We were asked to drink water boiled with barks of plants and trees. By controlling the diet, he creates a condition where cancer cannot grow, then retards it and cures with medication. I can write about so many hopeless patients Dr Gurukkal and Dr Firdous, his daughter, have brought back to life.
One frequently asked question is about the expenses. Since the hospital is not a commercial venture, the charges are very reasonable for medicines and stay. The best room comes for Rs 300 /day. The consultation fee is whatever you give, if at all. Food is cooked according to the prescribed diet, with minimal rates.
The Vaidyabhavan is also famous for their treatment of bone-related problems, arthritis, nerve disorders etc, plus for nadi treatment. They treat special children too successfully. The contact address is: Dr Kunhalan Gurukkal, Chnangampally Vaidya Bhavan, Opp. Kunnumpuram Jaram, Edakulam P.O., Tirunavaya, Malappuram Dist., Kerala- 676301. Phone -- 0494-2603585.