Homeopathy to Aid Transitions

Colin (not his real name) became my patient after he had been diagnosed with cancer and doctors thought he had at best only a few months left to live. The tumour was too large, too inaccessible and had too extensive a blood supply to be operable. Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy were routinely suggested but Colin was told they would probably not have much effect on the tumour and would make him feel very ill indeed: He decided against either and his doctor supported his decision.

Colin knew little about complementary medicine and cared less. He wanted only to alleviate the anticipated discomfort of his final weeks or months. A highly sociable man, he enjoyed animated conversation, parties, and regular meetings with his chums at the pub, and he wanted to keep his social life going as long as possible. A natural wit and entertaining raconteur, with a well-stocked mind, Colin liked to tease and provoke. He often played devil's advocate, and stimulating conversation over dinner was among his chief pleasures. He was emphatic that he was not going to make any dietary concessions to his illness.

I began his treatment with homeopathy but there was a recent history of jaundice and the expectation that another occurrence might be fatal. For this reason, I gave him tinctures in low potency to support the liver. This method of treatment is sometimes called "organ drainage" but I prefer to call it "organ support". It is based on the apparent affinity some plants have with a particular organ. I also gave homeopathic remedies as symptoms indicated. At first, he was rather nonchalant about his treatment. But then, as he began to notice improvements, he became an enthusiastic convert and took the remedies diligently. He liked to tell everyone he met that he was having homeo...homeo-something-or-other treatment.

Colin did well, enjoying his garden and allotment, doing DIY, going for walks, reading, cooking and socialising. He died just before Christmas 2003, almost two and a half years after the initial diagnosis. During that time, although he continued to lose weight and found he had to rest in the afternoons, he was pain-free and active. Instead of a gradual decline and the long-drawn out pain and suffering he had been dreading, death, when it came, was quick. Colin collapsed one day and died at home with his sister and long-time life partner at his side. There had been time to put his affairs in order, to travel a little, to go to the theatre and opera, to enjoy the countryside and the companion-ship of friends. He lived life in a full, appreciative way: I treasure the letter he wrote saying his last two unexpected years had been the happiest of his life.

Homeopathy may not be a cure-all, but I believe it can give quality of life even when the long-term prognosis is bleak. In Colin's case, it enabled him to make the transition from life to death in a positive life-affirming way. Far from longing for death to end the torment - the fate of many cancer sufferers - his delight in life was evident up until the end.

 

Clare Goodrick-Clarke RSHom practises in Teignmouth, Devon. She can be contacted at Wellspring Homeopathy.

tel: 01626 776528