In early 1974, Mr. Bonfigho, a heavy smoker, developed a persistent upper respiratory infection and cough. He consulted his family doctor, who prescribed a course of antibiotic therapy. Despite the treatment, the symptoms only worsened, and in March Mr. Bonfigho returned to his physician. At that time a chest X-ray revealed a 3 centimeter (cm). mass in the upper lobe of the right lung. Mr. Bonfigho was admitted to Akron City Hospital on April 7, 1974, and the following day went for exploratory chest surgery. He was found to have a large inoperable tumor in the right lung that had metastasized to many lymph nodes. These findings are clearly described in the operative note: “A tumor approximately 4 cm in greatest diameter was found in the periphery of the posterior segment of the right upper lobe (of the lung). In the area below the azygos vein were multiple nodes which extended posteriorly up along the vena cave and acquired a maximum diameter of about 3.5 cm…. Because of the massive involvement of the mediastinum, curative resection was not feasible…” Evaluation of a biopsy specimen confirmed “Poorly differentiated carcinoma consistent with squamous cell type…” In addition, all lymph nodes removed at surgery were positive for metastatic disease. Mr. Bonfigho’s doctors recommended a course of cobalt radiation treatment, which he began while still hospitalized. Nevertheless, he was told that even with such treatment, his chances of surviving one year were dim. Mr. Bonfigho completed the suggested regimen of 5000 rads to the lungs as an outpatient. When the cancer continued to grow despite the radiation, a course of intensive chemotherapy was proposed. But since his disease was believed incurable, Mr. Bonfigho refused all further orthodox treatment. Instead, Mr. Bonfigho decided to investigate unconventional cancer therapies. He soon learned of (high doses of pancreatic enzymes which is used as part of the Budwig Center program by Dr. Kelley,) Over several months, his persistent respiratory symptoms resolved, and within a year, Mr. Bonfigho says he felt better than he had for a decade. Today, 13 years alter his diagnosis, Mr. Bonfigho still follows his nutritional protocol and is in excellent health with no sign of his once metastatic disease. Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is one of the most deadly cancers. The five-year survival rate for patients with stage III disease, regardless of treatment, is less than 5%.
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