The arrogance of mainstream medicine

I’d like to see mainstream medicine develop a medication that could reduce the colossal arrogance of mainstream medicine. Talk about a miracle drug!

Meanwhile, the arrogance of mainstream medicine continues unabated – this time in Chincoteague, Virginia, where a 15-year-old boy with Hodgkin’s disease is being subjected to an experience very similar to Katie Wernecke’s. (For Katie’s latest update, see the e-Alert “Thinking Outside the Bag” 5/16/06.)

Abraham Cherrix was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease last summer and immediately underwent three months of chemotherapy. February tests showed that his cancer was still active. When his doctors recommended more chemo AND radiation, Abraham decided he’d had enough. He and his parents also wanted to avoid the severe long-term side effects of radiation.

After doing some research, Abraham and his father traveled to the Bio-Medical Center in Tijuana, Mexico, where the young man began an organic diet, free of sugar and processed foods, and supplemented with herbal therapy. Around this time someone reported the family to social services. One thing led to another, and late last month a judge filed an order stating that Abraham’s parents had “neglected or refused to provide necessary treatment.”

Of course, the exact opposite is true. The care Mr. Cherrix showed for his son during chemotherapy and additional treatments in Mexico is anything but neglectful. But the key word in the judge’s sentence is “necessary.” What’s necessary to Abraham and his parents is irrelevant unless it agrees with the definition of “necessary” as set forth by the courts, social services, radiologists and Abraham’s doctors.

About a week ago, the Cherrix family enjoyed a surprising breakthrough when a judge said that Abraham could return to the Bio-Medical Center for a scheduled check up. But Abraham and his parents must also return to court at the end of the month for a hearing that will decide if he can make his own healthcare decisions.

I’ll watch for those hearing results and keep you posted.

“Teen Refuses Court-Ordered Test to Check Cancer Status” Elizabeth Simpson, The Virginian-Pilot, 6/26/06, home.hamptonroads.com
“Judge OKs Alternative Treatment for Teen” The Guardian, 6/2/06, guardian.co.uk