Case Record: A Western-Medicine Doctor's Seven-Year Lymphoma Treated with Pure Chinese Medicine

This is the case record of Dr. Li Zhonghui, a lymphoma patient I treated. After copying out this record, I treated Dr. Li myself for over a year; then she moved, and it became inconvenient for her to come to me, so for a while she modified her own prescriptions and got her own herbs. I later followed up with her by phone for a time, then lost contact by accident and have not spoken since. When we last made contact, Dr. Li was approaching the tenth anniversary of her anti-cancer fight. Dr. Li is an old-school Western doctor, a Peking University Medical School graduate; while working she was a leading detoxification expert at China's Ministry of Health. She patiently taught me Western medicine for a period, which greatly raised my medical literacy.

What distinguishes this record from a doctor's case records is that it was kept by the patient herself. The treatment is continuous: most doctors' records end when the patient changes doctors or follow-up stops, but this patient-kept record is far more complete than a doctor's. The Dr. Li in this record is now seventy-six; she takes Chinese herbs on and off and is still under TCM treatment, and I will keep following her. Before retirement she was a Western-medicine specialist at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital. After developing cancer she chose pure TCM: no surgery, no radiotherapy, no chemotherapy. Her survival now exceeds seven years. When I last visited her at home on May 17, 2012, she was still healthy, self-caring, living alone (not with her children).

Dr. Li, female, 76; suffered from malignant lymphoma from 2005 to 2012.

In 2005 she went to Beijing Guang'anmen Hospital and saw three TCM doctors in succession. The initial medication was appropriate, but later, when Wugong (centipede) was used, the patient had an allergy, so she sought other doctors. The records from Guang'anmen are lost, so those earlier prescriptions are not preserved.

From November 2006 she saw Dr. Wei Yupu (phonetic) at the Beijing Tongrentang Changping tourism pharmacy. The following record begins with Dr. Wei.

Case record, November 28, 2006

Tongue dark red. Pulse wiry and fine, chi pulse weak. Generalized lymph node enlargement; profuse sweating; aversion to wind and cold. Insomnia with many dreams; easy waking and difficulty falling back asleep. Fatigue and joint pain, worsened by exertion. Blood count showed eosinophilia and low immunity. Pattern: heat accumulated in heart and liver. Method: clear heart and calm spirit, clear liver and detoxify, boost immunity.

Formula: Chaihu 10 g, Huangqin 10 g, Heshouwu 30 g, Zhenzhumu (mother-of-pearl) 30 g (decoct first), Sheng Longgu 30 g (decoct first), Chilingzhi (red reishi) 20 g (decoct first), Biejia 30 g (decoct first), Sheng Jineijin 6 g (ground powder, infused), Yiyiren (Coix) 30 g, Baihuasheshecao 30 g, Banzhilian 30 g, Sheng Huangqi 30 g, Dangshen 30 g, Fangfeng 10 g, Wuweizi 20 g, Fushen (Poria with hostwood) 30 g.

15 packages, decocted in water. Avoid coffee and tea; less greasy food.

Patent drugs: Pianzihuang 1 g daily; Xihuang Wan 2 vials daily.

December 29, 2006

Tongue red, coating white and dry; pulse wiry and fine. Recheck abdominal CT: several enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen and retroperitoneum. Sleep improved; joints swollen and painful. Pattern: dampness heavy and heat exuberant. Method: clear liver and detoxify, drain dampness and unblock collaterals.

Formula: Chaihu 10 g, Huangqin 10 g, Zhenzhumu 30 g (first), Sheng Muli 30 g (first), Sheng Longgu 30 g (first), Chilingzhi 20 g (first), Biejia 30 g (first), Yiyiren 30 g, Baihuasheshecao 30 g, Banzhilian 30 g, Sheng Huangqi 30 g, Qianghuo (Notopterygium) 15 g, Duhuo 15 g, Cangzhu (Atractylodes lancea) 10 g, Baizhu 10 g, Danshen 30 g, Yuanshen 20 g, Taoren 10 g, Kunbu 15 g, Haizao 15 g.

15 packages, decocted in water. Pianzihuang ointment, 3 tubes, for external use.

February 7, 2007

Tongue dark red, coating white, slippery and greasy; pulse wiry and fine. BP 130/80. Generalized lymph node enlargement (not rechecked). Aversion to sound; dry throat. Lower back and knees and joints painful, worse on exertion; emotionally unstable. Pattern: dampness stagnating in liver, spleen, and kidney. Method: soothe liver and detoxify, fortify spleen and drain dampness, resolve stasis and unblock collaterals.

Formula: Chaihu 10 g, Sheng Huangqi 40 g, Cangzhu and Baizhu each 12 g, Yiyiren 30 g, Danshen 30 g, Biejia 30 g (first), Sheng Muli 30 g (first), Chilingzhi 20 g (first), Yuanshen 20 g, Kunbu 15 g, Haizao 15 g, Qianghuo 15 g, Duhuo 15 g, Huai Niuxi 20 g, Weilingxian (Clematis) 15 g, Jixueteng (Spatholobus) 40 g, Baihuasheshecao 30 g, Banzhilian 30 g.

15 packages.

May 16, 2007

Tongue dark red, glossy surface, edges reddish-purple, coating white and dry; pulse deep, wiry, fine; BP 130/76. Lower-limb edema. In April she was hospitalized 18 days for hemiplegia. Blood work pointed to lymphoma. Subjectively: joint swelling, fatigue, weight 77 kg (stable), aversion to cold, abdominal distension. Pattern: poor blood circulation, liver-kidney yin deficiency. Method: invigorate blood and resolve stasis, clear liver and detoxify, tonify kidney and boost immunity.

Formula: Danshen 30 g, Jixueteng 30 g, Heshouwu 30 g, Chaihu 10 g, Huangqin 10 g, Tiandong 15 g, Maidong 15 g, Shihu 15 g, Chilingzhi 20 g (first), Biejia 30 g (first), Sheng Muli 30 g (first), Jineijin 20 g, Yiyiren 30 g, Sheng Huangqi 40 g, Fuling 30 g, Cheqianzi (Plantago seed) 30 g (wrapped), Wuweizi 20 g, Guizhi (cinnamon twig) 10 g, Baishao 20 g, Baihuasheshecao 30 g, Huangjing 20 g.

20 packages, decocted in water.

Additionally, daily tea of Xiyangshen (American ginseng) slices 2 g, raw Shanzha slices 5 g, Juhua (chrysanthemum) 3 g, Gouqizi 10 g.

August 14, 2007

Tongue dark red with purple edges, coating white and dry; pulse fine. April recheck: markers improved; lymph nodes not obviously enlarged. Sometimes bitter mouth; sweating reduced. Aversion to cold lessened; hearing improved; joint swelling lessened. Pattern: phlegm-qi stagnation, liver-kidney yin deficiency. Method: resolve phlegm and regulate qi, resolve stasis and scatter nodules, tonify kidney and boost immunity, clear liver and detoxify.

Formula: Kunbu 15 g, Haizao 15 g, Yuanshen 15 g, Zhebeimu 15 g, Gualou 30 g, Yiyiren 30 g, Sheng Muli 30 g (first), Biejia 30 g (first), Chilingzhi 20 g (first), Jineijin 25 g, Danshen 30 g, Sheng Huangqi 45 g, Huangjing 25 g, Cheqianzi 25 g (wrapped), Fuling 30 g, Guizhi 10 g, Chenpi 10 g, Baihuasheshecao 30 g.

30 packages.

October 9, 2007

Tongue glossy, dark red, thin white coating; pulse wiry and fine. Recheck: markers slightly improved; lymph nodes shrinking. Subjective symptoms fewer; eating and bowel movements normal; BP normal; sometimes bitter mouth and dry throat; weight unchanged. Pattern: phlegm-qi stagnation, liver-kidney yin deficiency. Method: regulate qi, dissipate phlegm, scatter nodules, tonify liver and kidney and boost immunity.

Formula: Gualou 30 g, Zhebeimu 15 g, Yuanshen 20 g, Yiyiren 30 g, Sheng Huangqi 50 g, Jineijin 25 g, Sheng Muli 30 g (first), Pao Shanjia (blast-fried pangolin scale) 15 g (first), Biejia 30 g (first), Danshen 30 g, Zhishi 10 g, Houpo (Magnolia bark) 10 g, Guizhi 10 g, Fuling 30 g, Huangjing 25 g, Chaihu 15 g, Taizishen (pseudostellaria) 30 g, Baihuasheshecao 30 g.

30 packages, decocted in water.

November 6, 2007

Weather turning cold lately; joint pain, dry mouth, dry stool. Subjectively: lymph nodes shrinking; dizziness; thick blood. Tongue dark red with purple edges, coating white and dry; pulse deep, fine, wiry. Pattern: qi-blood stasis and stagnation. Method: regulate qi and blood, resolve stasis and scatter nodules, tonify liver and kidney and boost immunity.

Formula: Qianghuo 15 g, Duhuo 15 g, Jixueteng 30 g, Danshen 30 g, Guizhi 10 g, Fuling 30 g, Huangjing 20 g, Sheng Huangqi 50 g, Yiyiren 30 g, Jineijin 30 g, Sheng Muli 30 g (first), Pao Shanjia 15 g (first), Biejia 30 g (first), Sanqi powder 3 g (infused), Chilingzhi 15 g (first), Tiandong 20 g, Maidong 20 g, Yuanshen 20 g, Taoren 10 g, Baihuasheshecao 30 g.

June 18, 2008

Tongle pale with purple edges, thin coating; pulse wiry and fine. Right trigeminal neuralgia; spirits fair; BP normal; sleep good; hard of hearing. Pattern: dual deficiency of qi and blood, channel-vessel obstruction. Method: boost qi and blood, resolve stasis and scatter nodules, unblock collaterals and tonify liver and kidney.

Formula: Baimaogen (Imperata) 30 g, Yuanshen 20 g, Shihu 15 g, Baishao 30 g, Danshen 30 g, Huomaren (hemp seed) 10 g, Tiandong 15 g, Maidong 15 g, Chilingzhi 15 g (first), Sanqi powder 3 g (infused), Zhebeimu 15 g, Xiakucao (self-heal) 15 g, Qianghuo 15 g, Duhuo 15 g, Guizhi 10 g, Fuling 30 g, Sheng Huangqi 40 g, Sheng Muli 30 g (first), Pao Shanjia 15 g (first), Jineijin 20 g.

30 packages.

July 30, 2008

Right trigeminal neuralgia (had shingles); profuse sweating; difficult defecation; mild joint pain. Tongue dark red, coating white; pulse deep, wiry, moderate. Pattern: qi stagnation and blood stasis. Method: regulate qi and resolve stasis, scatter nodules and unblock collaterals.

Formula: Sheng Huangqi 20 g, Yiyiren 20 g, Sheng Muli 30 g (first), Pao Shanjia 15 g (first), Jineijin 30 g, Xiakucao 15 g, Yuanshen 15 g, Zhebeimu 15 g, Danshen 30 g, Jixueteng 30 g, Chaihu 10 g, Guizhi 10 g, Fuling 20 g, Shihu 15 g, Yuanhu 15 g, Baishao 30 g, Tianma (Gastrodia) 10 g, Gouteng (Uncaria) 20 g (added later).

15 packages. Plus Pianzihuang 1 g a day.

October 21, 2008

Symptoms improved after medication. Tongue red, tip and edges reddish; pulse wiry and moderate. Pattern: liver heat with blood stasis. Method: clear liver and detoxify, resolve stasis and unblock collaterals.

Sheng Huangqi 30 g, Yiyiren 30 g, Sheng Muli 30 g (first), Pao Shanjia 15 g (first), Jineijin 30 g, Xiakucao 15 g, Gualou 30 g, Xiakucao 15 g, Zhebeimu 15 g, Shanzhuyu 15 g, Guizhi 10 g, Fuling 30 g, Chishao 15 g, Baishao 15 g, Danshen 30 g, Yuanhu 15 g, Zaojiaoci 10 g, Danggui 15 g, Tianhuafen 20 g, Tianma 10 g.

January 13, 2009

Tongue dark red, coating white and greasy; pulse wiry and moderate. Hospitalized a week for cerebral infarction; dizziness, tinnitus, hard of hearing, urinary incontinence, shortness of breath. Pattern: dual deficiency of qi and blood. Method: clear liver and detoxify, boost qi and resolve stasis.

Formula: Nüzhenzi 15 g, Mohanliancao (Eclipta) 15 g, Tianma 10 g, Heshouwu 30 g, Juhua 20 g, Gouqizi 20 g, Gegen (Pueraria) 30 g, Danshen 30 g, Sheng Huangqi 30 g, Jineijin 30 g, Pao Shanjia 15 g (first), Gualou 30 g, Sanqi powder 3 g (infused), Taizishen 20 g, Chilingzhi 15 g (first), Huai Shanyao 15 g, Wuweizi 15 g, Gancao 10 g.

June 5, 2009

Tongue dark red with purple stasis, coating white, greasy and thick; pulse wiry and slippery. Cerebral infarction; recently signs of lymph node shrinkage; itchy skin, eczematous dermatitis. Pattern: qi stagnation and blood stasis, liver-kidney insufficiency. Method: tonify liver and kidney, regulate qi and blood, clear toxin and unblock collaterals.

Formula: Sheng Huangqi 40 g, Yiyiren 30 g, Sheng Muli 30 g (first), Pao Shanjia 15 g (first), Jineijin 30 g, Xiakucao 20 g, Yuanshen 20 g, Zhebeimu 15 g, Shanzhuyu 15 g, Guizhi 10 g, Fuling 30 g, Chishao 15 g, Baishao 15 g, Danshen 30 g, Kushen (Sophora) 15 g, Lianqiao 20 g, Wumei (smoked plum) 15 g, Gancao 10 g.

December 4, 2009

Tongue dark purple, coating white slightly greasy; pulse wiry and fine, occasionally knotted. Lymph nodes not enlarged or multiplied, texture rather hard; feeling generally ordinary. Pattern: heart-blood insufficiency, qi-blood stasis. Method: nourish heart blood, tonify liver and kidney, clear toxin and resolve stasis.

Formula: Danshen 30 g, Jixueteng 30 g, Sheng Huangqi 30 g, Xiakucao 30 g, Yuanshen 20 g, Yiyiren 20 g, Zhebeimu 15 g, Kushen 15 g, Jineijin 30 g, Cangzhu 12 g, Baizhu 12 g, Fuling 30 g, Guizhi 10 g, Biejia 30 g (first), Sheng Muli 30 g (first), Pao Shanjia 10 g (first), Kunbu 12 g, Haizao 12 g (the original reads "haizai," i.e. Haizao), Chilingzhi 15 g (first), Wumei 15 g.

January 27, 2010

Tongue dark red with purple edges, coating white and dry; pulse wiry. A cold a month ago; still aversive to cold, cough, dry throat, sticky sputum, much flatulence, many dreams. Pattern: poor blood circulation, dual deficiency of qi and yin. Method: boost qi and nourish blood, resolve stasis and clear toxin.

Formula: Danshen 30 g, Taoren 10 g, Gualou 30 g, Zhebeimu 15 g, Xiakucao 15 g, Xingren (apricot kernel) 10 g, Sheng Huangqi 40 g, Sheng Muli 30 g (first), Pao Shanjia 10 g (first), Kushen 15 g, Zaojiaoci 10 g, Kunbu 10 g, Haizao 10 g, Chilingzhi 15 g, Jineijin 30 g, Guizhi 10 g, Fuling 30 g, Tiandong 15 g, Maidong 15 g.

15 packages, decocted in water.

April 28, 2010

Tongue red, coating purple and dry; pulse wiry, slightly slippery. After lymphoma and cerebral infarction, recently cerebral vessels poor; headache migrating; high blood lipids; hospitalized twice for gastric antrum gastritis; drinks little water; epigastric pain; BP not high. Pattern: dual deficiency of qi and yin, blood stasis obstructing collaterals. Method: boost qi and nourish blood, resolve stasis and unblock collaterals.

Formula: Danshen 30 g, Gegen 30 g, Sheng Huangqi 45 g, Yiyiren 30 g, Gualou 30 g, Zhebeimu 15 g, Xiakucao 20 g, Kushen 15 g, Xingren 15 g, Pao Shanjia 10 g (first), Sheng Muli 30 g (first), Chilingzhi 20 g (first), Guizhi 10 g, Fuling 30 g, Baishao 30 g, Baizhi 15 g, Jineijin 30 g, Gancao 10 g.

20 packages.

After this, because Dr. Wei's home visits were inconvenient, she switched to Kong Bohua Clinic, to the senior disciple of Kong Bohua, Xu Hongxun.

July 8, 2010

Lymphoma since 2005; recently poor sleep; frequent cerebral infarction; bowel movements not smooth; spontaneous sweating. Pulse fine; scant coating; purple lips.

Formula: Sheng Huangqi 15 g, Zhi Huangqi 15 g, Gouqizi 15 g, Chuanxiong 10 g, Honghua (safflower) 10 g, Taoren 10 g, Sanleng 10 g, Ezhu 10 g, Baihuasheshecao 15 g, Longkui (Solanum nigrum) 15 g, Suanzaoren (sour jujube seed) 15 g, Pao Shanjia 5 g (first), Danshen 10 g, Dilong (earthworm) 10 g, Shudahuang (processed rhubarb) 10 g, Huomaren 10 g, Sheng Longgu 15 g (first), Sheng Muli 15 g (first).

7 packages, decocted in water.

July 25, 2010

Purple lips; pulse wiry and fine; white coating; hot palms and soles, cold legs, abdominal distension, profuse sweating.

Formula: Sheng Huangqi 15 g, Zhi Huangqi 15 g, Huangjing 15 g, Gouqizi 15 g, Chaihu 10 g, Zhiqiao 10 g, Baihuasheshecao 15 g, Qing Banxia (clear Pinellia) 10 g, Huangqin 10 g, Dafupi (areca peel) 10 g, Shudahuang 10 g, Banzhilian 15 g, Pao Shanjia 5 g (first), Sanleng 10 g, Ezhu 10 g, Huomaren 10 g, Fanxieye (senna leaf) 4 g.

August 9, 2010

Pulse wiry and fine; white coating; lips slightly purple; dry and sore throat; profuse sweating; headache; abdomen not distended.

Chuanxiong 10 g, Honghua 10 g, Taoren 10 g, Sanleng 10 g, Ezhu 10 g, Pao Shanjia 5 g (first), Zhi Huangqi 15 g, Sheng Huangqi 15 g, Gouqizi 15 g, Shudahuang 10 g, Yuliren (bush cherry seed) 10 g, Fanxieye 3 g, Baihuasheshecao 15 g, Longkui 15 g, Niubangzi (burdock) 10 g, Qing Banxia 10 g, Jiegeng 10 g.

12 packages.

After this, for a period, Dr. Li wrote her own prescriptions for about a year.

August 22, 2010, self-composed formula:

Sheng Huangqi 15 g, Zhi Huangqi 15 g, Huangjing 15 g, Gouqizi 15 g, Sanleng 10 g, Ezhu 10 g, Baihuasheshecao 15 g, Longkui 15 g, Pao Shanjia 5 g (first), Sheng Longgu 15 g, Sheng Muli 15 g, Dilong 10 g, Chuanxiong 10 g, Honghua 10 g, Taoren 10 g, Danshen 10 g, Qing Banxia 10 g, Jiegeng 10 g, Shudahuang 10 g, Tiandong 10 g, Maidong 10 g.

September 8, 2011: Dr. Li again had cerebral infarction, plus superficial gastritis, bi syndrome, acid regurgitation and heartburn. Self-composed prescription:

Sheng Huangqi 15 g, Zhi Huangqi 15 g, Huangjing 15 g, Gouqizi 15 g, Baihuasheshecao 15 g, Banzhilian 15 g, Pao Shanjia 10 g (first), Sanleng 10 g, Ezhu 10 g, Zaojiaoci 10 g, Qinjiao (Gentiana macrophylla) 10 g, Tusizi (Cuscuta) 12 g, Danggui 10 g, Taoren 10 g, Honghua 10 g, Chuanxiong 10 g, Danshen 10 g, Dilong 10 g, Chilingzhi 20 g (first), Biejia 20 g (first).

Most recently, Dr. Li began consulting Professor Chen Wenbo at Gulou TCM Hospital.

May 14, 2012: Professor Chen wrote only the following prescription, with no pulse case notes:

Taizishen 10 g, Biejia 10 g (first), Baihuasheshecao 30 g, Banzhilian 30 g, Chuipencao (Sedum sarmentosum) 30 g, Xiakucao 15 g, Zaojiaoci 10 g, Xuanshen 10 g, Zhebeimu 10 g, Luoshiteng (Trachelospermum) 30 g, Jueluo (tangerine pith) 10 g, Shudahuang 10 g, Shidagonglao (Mahonia) leaf 30 g, Shanzhuyu 15 g, Tusizi 15 g, Shengdi 10 g, Baizhu 10 g, Fuling 10 g, Danggui 10 g, Danshen 10 g, Chishao 10 g.

When I went to copy the formula, Dr. Li had just finished Professor Chen's herbs and planned to return soon. Also, this Spring Festival she had fallen and suffered a comminuted fracture, hospitalized for a while; she still uses a cane when going out, though not at home.