Abraham Cherrix Update

Encouraging Update on Abraham Cherrix

I have another encouraging update on Abraham Cherrix. And we’ve got a little more information about his treatment regimen.

Abraham is the Virginia teenager who suddenly found himself in the national spotlight last summer when he refused to undergo chemotherapy to treat Hodgkin’s disease. In August, a Virginia judge reached an agreement with Abraham and his parents: No further chemo would be administered, but radiation treatment might be necessary.

Last week, Abraham returned home from a Mississippi cancer center after five weeks under the care of Dr. Arnold Smith, who is not your typical radiation oncologist. Dr. Smith believes that each patient should be thoroughly informed of different treatment options, and then the final decision about treatment should be left to the patient – even if that patient is only 16 years old.

On Dr. Smith’s recommendation, Abraham and his parents agreed to a protocol that included low-dose radiation to cut down the bulk of Abraham’s tumors. In addition, Abraham made some dietary changes and took vitamin and mineral supplements designed to bolster his immune system.

For now, Abraham says he’s “feeling wonderful,” and Dr. Smith confirms that his tumors have shrunk over the past few weeks.

Dr. Smith told the Virginian-Pilot that he will discuss specific details of Abraham’s regimen when the treatments are concluded.

Sources:
“Virginia Teen Hopeful After Cancer Treatment in Mississippi” Associated Press, 10/9/06, ap.org
“Cherrix and Doctor Working in Tandem to Treat Teen’s Cancer” Elizabeth Simpson, The Virginian-Pilot, 9/16/06, hamptonroads.com