This is a true story—one I am writing from the heart. Motherhood, it is said, is the most reputable profession in the world.
In the case of my mother, Conchita “Nena” Rastrollo Quirino, it went beyond profession, because it encompassed the very meaning of advocacy. She was a stay-at-home mom, and my fondest childhood memories were of her cooking pescado en salsa blanca, baking molasses cookies and dancing with Dad during their regular Friday night parties at home.
One afternoon, as she finished knitting a sweater for me, Mom expressed her fondest wish—to live long enough to enjoy her grandchildren.
Her words still ring loudly, just as her dying words echo in my mind: “Hija, I want to live longer, but my body is giving up on me.” That was in 2007, the year she passed away. Mom was 78.
As a firsthand witness to her battle against Stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, I can attest to the realities of cancer and the havoc it wreaks on one’s health, let alone dashing one’s dreams of living a long life.
When her oncologist diagnosed her with cancer in late 2002, surgery was ruled out because of her age. Mom had a profound fear of hospitals and refused conventional medical approaches like chemotherapy and radiation.
In exasperation, her doctor admonished both of us that without medical intervention, she would not survive beyond four-and-a-half months. Frustrated and helpless, her doctor left her in my care.
Against all odds
Mom’s battle became mine, as well. And like going to war, one never enters the battlefield unless fully armed. Mom’s battleground was inside of her. How were we to counteract all the accumulated bad habits of a lifetime?
Plunging into the realm of complementary, naturopathic and alternative medicine, a plan was drawn up.
The game plan
First and foremost, there was a need to remove heavy metals, (like mercury, cadmium, lead and chromium) and chemicals that collected from drugs and prolonged cigarette consumption for nearly 40 years.
To cleanse against parasites, ingestion of fresh pineapples, crushed chili and herbal capsules was recommended.
To remove fungal growth, sugar was removed from the diet, because fungus thrives on anything sweet.
Cancer lives in an acidic environment, and there was an immediate need to pump alkaline water into the body.
Super alkaline water (ph level 15) of up to 10 glasses daily was given between meals, from 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 6 p.m.
Vitamin C dosage was increased from 500 mg to 3,000 mg daily as it strengthens the immune system against infection.
A 100-percent raw vegan diet was highly recommended (Reference: Dr. Omar Arabia, Paracelsus Integrative Health Clinic, and Dr. Max Gerson, Gerson Institute at https://gerson.org/gerpress/dr-max-gerson). A raw food diet is highest in live enzymes needed to nourish the body. No animal meats were allowed because cancer cells thrive on protein.
It was vital to get six to eight hours of sleep, and be in bed before 10 p.m. nightly. The body’s trillions of cells regenerate during sleep.
It is a must for a patient not to be exposed to stress. Nothing should tax the mind or the heart. A quiet, peaceful, loving environment is conducive to healing.
Wanting the best
While Mom’s condition improved, her progress was not good enough for me. Instead of settling for her existing regimen, I felt that there was something more that could be done.
Searching far and wide for an herbal tonic approach, I stumbled upon Flor Essence (once known as Essiac tea). The primary herbal combination of sheep sorrel, burdock root, slippery elm and Turkish rhubarb, and additional herbs—watercress, red clover, kelp and thistle—were potent and effective.
Rene Caissie, a Canadian nurse working at the Sisters of Providence Hospital in Northern Ontario, brought the Ojibwa herbal recipe to light after it was revealed to her by a breast cancer patient who shared her story.
The English patient told Rene that her husband was prospecting in the wilds of Ontario when she fell ill.
Before they left the camp, an Indian medicine man showed her the herbs and instructed her to drink a tea mixture daily.
Impressed by her recovery, Rene, with the permission of Dr. R.O. Fisher, administered it to his patients and got positive results.
Soon, a mighty ally by the name of Dr. Charles Brusch of Brusch Medical Center, Massachusetts, came along to help Rene share the benefits of Essiac tea with cancer patients.
As it was only available in Canada and the US, I found ways to purchase it abroad. The good news is that Flor Essence is now available in the Philippines through Herbcare (www.herbcare.com.ph; [email protected], tel. 8022222).
Mom took the tea twice daily on an empty stomach. Within 48 hours, she experienced detoxification. Within a week she felt stronger and more energetic. Her mind was sharper and her mood calmer.
Instead of four-and-a-half months, she lived four-and-a-half years more.
A daughter’s wish
It is the wish of every good daughter to see her mother healthy and happy. But there will come a time when every daughter has to let go. But I was not going to let her go without putting up a good fight against the Big C.
Until her last three weeks, Mom continued to complete crossword puzzles, read the newspapers while drinking her water and vegetable juices, and yes, argue over politics with my uncle Ramon during our weekly Sunday family reunions.
To all good daughters, spend as much time as you can with your mothers. And make as many beautiful memories as possible. You will miss her when she is gone.
And to you, my beautiful Mom, thank you for having me as your daughter.
Today’s affirmation: “I celebrate the mother in me!”
Love and light!
E-mail the author at [email protected].
