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Myths
Providing More Evidence to Debunk Myths
Health concepts have always been changing. In the past, it was commonly heard that one should not eat more than one egg a day. However, recent studies have found that consuming a few more eggs does not have adverse effects. The body produces 80% of its cholesterol internally, with only 20% coming from food, so eating eggs does not directly correlate with increased cholesterol levels. There are many myths in life, and the way to dispel them is to gather more evidence from medical professional journals, relevant studies, and opinions from different physicians to mutually corroborate and timely update medical knowledge, thereby dispelling the various myths prevalent in life.
Myth：Stage 4 Cancer Does Not Equal Terminal
Even in Stage IV Cancer, There’s Still a Chance of Recovery
Myth：Entrusting Oneself to Doctors
Some people spend a lot of money, undergoing all possible treatments at the hospital. Why do they still end up with no cure in the end? Others leave the hospital and manage to live well at home. Why do they still thrive in the end?
The fundamental reason lies in this: one must do their own homework and ultimately save themselves. Doctors haven’t experienced your illness; they can’t provide you with comprehensive guidance. Apart from treatment, all other tasks rely on oneself.
Myth：Everyone Has Targeted Therapy
When I first got diagnosed with cancer, my good friend kept emphasizing that everyone has targeted therapy. Later, during a consultation with the doctor, I was informed that there were no genetic mutations detected in the biopsy of my lung. It was then that I realized not every cancer patient has access to targeted therapy. Generally, in cases of lung adenocarcinoma caused by unknown factors, most are attributed to genetic mutations, making it more likely to have targeted therapy options. Conversely, small-cell lung cancer resulting from long-term smoking is less associated with genetic mutations, and hence, lacks targeted therapy. In such cases, treatment options involve chemotherapy or other approaches. Therefore, having cancer and having access to targeted therapy cannot be equated.
Myth：Chemotherapy Leads to Hair Loss
When the doctor first informed me about undergoing chemotherapy, a series of distressing images from cancer patients in TV dramas flashed through my mind: hair loss, haggard appearance, and more. Subsequently, I promptly ordered a set of wigs online in preparation for post-chemotherapy use. After the first chemotherapy session at the hospital, the nurse handed me a booklet. Upon careful reading, I discovered that different cancers have corresponding chemotherapy drugs, and the side effects vary for each drug. For instance, the side effects of docetaxel and cisplatin, used in treating lung cancer, include hiccupping and vomiting. Therefore, the doctor prescribed steroids in advance to prevent nausea. In reality, after completing chemotherapy, I felt no physical discomfort, and, needless to say, the purchased wigs were never put to use.