3. Case Studies

3. Case Studies

Case 1:

Patient, male, 31 years old. First visit on March 2, 2007. Diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer one month prior, underwent radiation therapy for one week. Due to nasal dryness, nighttime nasal congestion, occasional purulent nasal discharge, oral ulcers, constipation, numbness in the right neck, and difficulty swallowing, radiation therapy was discontinued. White blood cell count was 2.3 × 10^9/L, facial complexion was pale, the tongue was red with a thin yellow coating, and the pulse was fine and rapid. Analysis: The patient was 48 years old, at the peak of his life, and although cancer had developed, his vital energy was still present. Treatment at this stage focused on eliminating evil toxins to address the symptoms. Prescription: Pueraria 15g, Wild Chrysanthemum 15g, Purple Flower Groundsel 15g, Danshen 20g, Yuan Shen 10g, Ban Xia 6g, Dan Nan Xing 10g, Bai Zhi 6g, Xin Yi 10g, Cang Er Zi 10g, Chen Pi 6g, Gan Cao 6g, Jiang Huang 10g. Seven doses were taken, decocted in water, once daily. Second visit, March 9, 2007. Nasal dryness remained, nighttime nasal congestion lessened, purulent nasal discharge had cleared, oral ulcers improved, constipation was gone, but the right neck was still numb, and appetite decreased. Facial complexion was pale red, the pulse was fine, the tongue was slightly red, and the coating was not dry. Analysis: The heat toxins had been effectively cleared, though the middle burner’s function was affected by coldness. Fluids were not adequately transported upward, so it was necessary to strengthen both qi and fluids. Bowel movements became more regular, and the turbid qi could flow downward. The numbness in the neck required sufficient yang energy to warm and nourish the meridians, allowing the condition to resolve. Changes in the tongue and pulse were relatively favorable. Remove Purple Flower Groundsel and Wild Chrysanthemum, adding Jin Yin Hua to reduce the cooling and detoxifying effects, and remove Danshen to supplement qi and nourish yin with Partya, Wu Wei Zi, and Huang Jing. Add Chai Hu 3g to regulate the central yang mechanism. Prescription: Pueraria 15g, Huang Qi 30g, Jin Yin Hua 15g, Wu Wei Zi 3g, Huang Jing 20g, Yuan Shen 10g, Ban Xia 6g, Dan Nan Xing 10g, Bai Zhi 6g, Xin Yi 10g, Cang Er Zi 10g, Chen Pi 6g, Gan Cao 6g, Jiang Huang 10g, Huang Qin 10g, Chai Hu 3g. Fifteen doses were taken.

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