When modern medicine is unsuccessful in curing diseases, some seek alternative treatments. For Pastor Charles Daugherty, that time has come.
After a year-long battle with multiple myeloma, during which time he has undergone chemotherapy, radiation and stem cell treatment, and then diagnosed with a second type of cancer, liposarcoma, he has decided to try something different.
I dont have anything to lose from trying, he said.
According to the American Cancer Society, normal plasma cells are found in the blood marrow and are a part of the bodys immune system, which is made up of several types of cells, working to fight off infections. One of these types of cells, B cells, transform into plasma in response to infections. When they grow out of control, a tumor is formed. When more than one tumor grows, it is called multiple myeloma.
While the outcomes for those with multiple myeloma have gotten better in recent years, the reality, according to the American Cancer Society, is that the disease never really goes away for most patients.
Its considered terminal. Its considered fatal, Daugherty said.
Since February 2011, the pastor has undergone cancer and radiation treatments. Daugherty also had a stem cell transplant, which he said helped slow the progression of the disease. However, while undergoing chemo, the doctors discovered the liposarcoma, this time in the chest walls. He is now on radiation treatment to shrink it.
It has made it shrink a little bit, but its still there, Daugherty said.
One of his doctors told him about an alternative treatment clinic in Colorado called Eden Valley Lifestyle Center. The center focuses on a holistic approach, using plant-based diets and more natural methods of healing.
Im a firm believer in healing, he said. The problem is that treatment at the center will cost around $10,000, including transportation to and from Colorado.
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Church raising funds for pastor's cancer treatment