1. Cancer and the Reality of Healing
Cancer remains one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine.
In clinical reality, especially in oncology, complete and universally reproducible cures are rare—regardless of medical system.
However, what is often achievable is:
Improvement in quality of life
Extension of survival time
Restoration of strength and vitality
Reduction of treatment-related side effects
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has historically focused on supporting the body’s internal balance and resilience rather than targeting disease from a single angle.
The following case reflects that philosophy.
2. A Clinical Case from My Practice (China, 2003)
In 2003, while practicing in China, I encountered a 30-year-old male patient diagnosed with primary liver cancer. He had already undergone surgery and chemotherapy at a major tertiary hospital. His wife worked as a nurse in the oncology department.
After completing conventional treatment, he was discharged home in extremely weakened condition. His medical team reportedly felt that further aggressive intervention would not significantly change his prognosis.
At that stage, I was asked to provide supportive care.
3. Initial Presentation (Post-Surgery & Chemotherapy)
When I first saw him at home:
Severe weight loss and cachexia
Profound fatigue
Unable to stand or walk independently
Poor appetite
Nausea and abdominal fullness
Mild right-sided rib discomfort
Insomnia
Loose stools
Low voice, low energy
Pale tongue with thick coating
Weak pulse
From a TCM perspective, this presentation reflected:
Qi and Yin deficiency
Weak Liver, Spleen, and Kidney systems
Internal dampness accumulation
4. Treatment Principle
The therapeutic strategy focused on:
Strengthening constitutional vitality
Supporting digestive and metabolic function
Gently regulating internal balance
Avoiding overly aggressive or depleting herbs
All non-essential supplements were discontinued.
An herbal formula was prescribed and adjusted weekly based on clinical response.
5. Clinical Course
After eight days:
The patient was able to sit up and eat independently
Began walking slowly indoors
Energy noticeably improved
Over subsequent weeks:
Gradual strengthening
Appetite improved
Mobility increased
Returned to light outdoor activity
After several months of continued herbal therapy and monitoring:
Physical strength substantially restored
Laboratory markers normalized
He resumed work and physical activity
Over 20 years later, he remains alive and physically active.
6. Important Clarification
This case represents:
An individual clinical experience
In the context of integrated care (prior surgery and chemotherapy)
Under close monitoring
It does NOT imply:
That herbal medicine replaces conventional cancer treatment
That results are universally reproducible
That similar outcomes can be guaranteed
Cancer outcomes are influenced by many factors, including tumor biology, stage, genetics, prior treatment, and overall health.
7. Reflections on Integrative Oncology
This case reinforced several principles:
1️⃣ TCM does not aim to “fight cancer cells directly” alone.
Instead, it focuses on:
Restoring systemic balance
Improving immune resilience
Supporting recovery after aggressive treatments
Enhancing quality of life
2️⃣ Strengthening the constitution can be as important as eliminating pathology.
Many patients suffer not only from cancer itself, but from:
Treatment side effects
Metabolic exhaustion
Immune suppression
Emotional stress
3️⃣ Avoid excessive or toxic herbs.
In oncology support, overly harsh or highly toxic substances may damage remaining vitality. Careful differentiation and moderation are critical.
8. A Modern Perspective
From a contemporary biomedical viewpoint, many herbs traditionally used for:
Immune modulation
Anti-inflammatory effects
Microcirculation support
Liver protection
have been studied for potential biological activity.
However, herbal medicine works as a multi-component system, not as a single-target pharmaceutical drug.
The strength of TCM lies in individualized formulation based on pattern differentiation rather than standardized disease-based protocols.
9. Final Thoughts
This case continues to remind me that medicine is not only about statistics—it is also about:
Individual resilience
Timing
Precision
The body’s capacity for recovery
At HerbPhD LLC, my approach remains:
Support the body.
Restore balance.
Respect integrative care.
Never promise what medicine cannot guarantee.
Medical Disclaimer
The information shared above reflects a historical clinical case from my practice in China.
It is intended for educational purposes only.
It does not constitute medical advice and should not replace consultation with licensed oncology professionals.
Individual outcomes vary significantly.