Mom and son flee to avoid chemo

For most parents, the moment they first hold their newborns, they realize what lengths they might go to in order to protect their child. From fighting off lions to jumping in front of speeding cars, parents would be willing to battle any demon that they had to for the sake of their child's safety. Daniel Hauser's parents are no different. His mother genuinely believes that the chemotherapy treatments that might save his life could also destroy him.

Thirteen year old Daniel Hauser was diagnosed in January of 2009 with Hodgkin's lymphoma. His parents have decided, based on their religious beliefs, that Daniel's cancer would be treated better through the use of alternative medicines or alternatives in combination with chemotherapy.

While I practice in the field of alternative medicine and wholeheartedly believe in natural and preventative treatment, I also know that once a condition has become a reality in the human body (as contrasted to a state of "dis-ease" in the energy field surrounding the human body) an "all hands on deck" philosophy works best. At that point, I encourage the use of every resource available: medical doctor, surgeon, oncologist, nutritionist, acupuncturist, therapist, and so on. It can be quite difficult to undo a physical reality like cancer and I would be the last person to suggest reliance on "natural" means as the sole solution.

Even more significant, Daniel Hauser is a minor. He is a child who needs his parents to make informed choices for him. He evidently does not know how to read and may not understand the severity of his condition or how chemotherapy could likely help him beat back lymphoma. All he knows is how horrible he felt after the one chemotherapy treatment, which likely is the reason that he swears he'll fight back against getting any more chemo. It is indeed sad that the state has found it necessary to proceed with such a show of force; that only makes Daniel and his mother even more fearful.

What I want Daniel and his parents to know is that he has an extremely good chance at surviving his cancer and that the chemo can be given in the lowest dose possible. At Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota where Daniel was diagnosed, they even have a program which incorporates a variety of alternative treatment options that could help Daniel feel safer and also deal with the side effects of his chemotherapy.

I know that it cannot be easy to see your child sick as a direct result of medication, and I know that turning your trust over to someone else while denying your beliefs is enough to make anyone ill. With Daniel, however, his parents just don't have a choice. Parents of sick children must consult experts about viable treatment options available so they can make informed choices that may be contrary to their personal and religious beliefs.

Comments

[Roysc]

You can read more about Hodgkin's and why treating Daniel is so important here:
http://bit.ly/PtgV3

[PaiaGirl]

What is the precedent here? OK. 95% cure rate, we bring in the police and force the family into accepting medical treatment they don't want.

Where's the cut off point?

75%?
50%?
25%

Once we start imposing our will on families, we start down a slippery slope.

(BTW, I think most "alternative" medicines and religious healing are a crock - but that does not affect my position that the state should not interfere with a family's decision)

[GoingBetter771]

Deborah King article's is thoughtful and it is a good point that when cancer is physically present it can be very difficult to get rid without it coming back. And she is talking about a low dose of chemo as opposed to high doses of chemo and radiation. It is totally true that it is unfortunate that the state has to force the issue. I think that if the doctors at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota would sit down with the parents and honestly tell the parents what their experience has been with teens with this cancer receiving low dosages of chemo versus teens with this kind of cancer with no chemo. And how is the damage the chemo could cause to the immune system be repaired. This has to be honest sharing of information and respect extended both to the parents and their religious beliefs. If they could talk about treatment in terms of what would be acceptable risks in treatment versus unacceptable risks in treatment. It is sort of moot now that mother and son have apparently disappeared. Any enforcement or force of treatment would seem to have more negative than positive consequences because you don't have the consent of the parents or the child and that has pretty negative reprecussions in and of itself.

[Deborah King - Huffpost Blogger]

Chemo can be really effective in conjunction with energy medicine treatments that go to removing the underlying problem. Chemo also combines well with a strong positive belief system. It all works synergistically.

[hotone]

Usually I feel that the family has the right to decide what happens with their child's medical treatment, but in a case with such a good prognosis--95% recovery by following medical protocol--it seems "criminal" to let the child quite possibly die by refusing treatment. The alternative modalities will help, but it seems both right and left hands are needed in this case.

[cindercone]

The marriage of an "alternative" approach when joined with the western approach can be the most powerful for a fast full recovery with a patient. I work in the medical field and have found that a patient's attitude, open mindedness, and willingness to heal will increase their odds tremendously. Will a sick patient heal when they think the end is near or with a poor attitude? Yes. Although in the long haul, their sickness is more than likely to return. Great article.

[cisco1]

I agree that the "team effort" will be best for his recovery - and their religious strengths will help pull them thru the rough spots!!

[Deborah King - Huffpost Blogger]

Mom and son flee to avoid chemo: yes, their religious beliefs could well be the catalyst that, in combination with chemo, could eradicate the cancer. What I've found working with thousands of people is that it's usually a combination of modalities, together with deeply held beliefs, that work best to make changes at the cellular level.

[plex]

While I am a fan of alternative medicine ... this is one case that I have to agree with Deborah!

Chemotherapy and surgical treatment for cancer patients can be both invasive and tough on the body, but many times it is also one of the best methods of treatment in order to have a longer life.