I will now condense my extensive discussions with Dr. Daniel Block and Dr. Andres Morato, share details about my own recoveries, and offer my individual perspectives on the enigma of stem cells.
NO REJECTION OF THE STEM CELLS FROM THE EMBRYO
Since 1931, reports of cancer-resistant black sheep have surfaced after Dr. Paul Niehans uncovered and began implementing Living Cell Therapy (LCT). This was followed by his aide, Dr. Siegfried Block, then later by his offspring, Dr. Petra Block, along with her brother, Dr. Daniel Block. Additionally, they boast an impressive 86% rate of successful treatments.
More than 2,500 of these black sheep wander freely across the Block family’s sprawling 25-square-kilometer jungle-like property in Landsberg, Germany. The facility particularly chooses first-time mother black sheep for slaughtering due to their excellent health and ideal conditions which ensure they can produce top-notch offspring. For each group of patients, seventy ewes are selected at the start. A week before the procedure begins, twenty of them are isolated, and within two to three days leading up to it, two or three of the finest are culled.
In under 40 minutes after slaughtering, the embryo’s components are swiftly processed into an emulsion within their EU-approved facility and then carefully dispensed using calibrated syringes for patient injections. This therapy is referred to as “live cells” rather than powdered or frozen ones. Although recovery can sometimes be immediate, typically it takes between four to ten weeks following the injection before visible improvements appear.
THEREFORE, 10 WEEKS LATER, ON OCTOBER 23, I ASKED DR. DENNIS SERRANO FOR ASSISTANCE.
To assess my LCT, after some preliminary examinations, he informed me with great delight that the cancerous cells in my prostate appeared “dormant,” and my PSA level stood at an impressively low 0.33. Consequently, he decided to discontinue my hormone therapy and reduced my use of Duodart to just two times per week.
In response, I shared with him that my lower back discomfort hadn’t returned since July; both my tennis game and golf stroke had improved significantly; and now I could maintain a fast walking pace as well as dance continuously—waltzing, tangoing, and swinging—for half an hour without issue. Nevertheless, I noted minimal relief from symptoms related to my carpal tunnel syndrome and varicose veins.
Doctor Serrano plans to perform more comprehensive examinations by the end of this month to reach a clearer verdict about my condition with the prostate. Nonetheless, he confirmed that both my physical health, mental state, and sexual capabilities are well above average. I remain optimistic and am continuing to pray, leaving everything up to God’s plan for me.
In the meantime, I plan to maintain an intermittent fasting routine to stay under 70 kilograms, work out at the gym, and play tennis every Monday and Friday. Golf will be part of my schedule on Wednesdays and Saturdays; meanwhile, I’ll take swift walks around the Manila Polo club track on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Sundays, I’ll utilize my treadmill for some indoor exercising.
I will continue to (1) keep my mind active (as using it prevents atrophy), (2) fully participate in every meeting as a board or committee member for companies, charities, and groups where I serve, (3) resolve conflicts between major business leaders and politicians, (4) spend quality time with loved ones through social activities, travel, meals, and laughter, and (5) write my articles wholeheartedly.
I HAVE FELT A PASSION FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Since my high school years, I aspired to become a chemical engineer. The journey that led me to law is an entirely different tale. In my 2003 publication titled “The Bio-age Dawns on the Judiciary,” I articulated this sentiment: “… even as we strive to adapt to the transformative changes brought about by the information age, humanity finds itself confronted anew by a groundbreaking event —the successful sequencing of the entire human genome completed on April 14, 2003. This monumental scientific feat carries profound implications for every individual across the globe, affecting not just common folks but also those within judicial circles.”
The word ‘genome’ encompasses all the genetic material present within a person. Due to the successful conclusion of the genome-sequencing initiative, researchers possess a comprehensive catalog of the essential components of the human genes. This achievement can be likened to having meticulously listed every part needed to construct an aircraft, thus paving the way for either building a brand-new functional craft or—in cases where this machinery may already exist—scientifically rejuvenating a deteriorated version. With the project’s culmination, scientists gain the ability to explore, manipulate, adjust, or transform these genetic frameworks with aims to extend lifespans and accelerate evolutionary progress.
Starting from this achievement, Dr. Jennifer Doudna and her group developed the CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology to remove faulty sections of an individual’s genetic code and introduce healthy segments instead. This innovation aims to eliminate biological disorders and imperfections, effectively redesigning life itself. As recognition for this groundbreaking work, Dr. Doudna received the Nobel Prize. In my view, this accomplishment might hold the key to understanding stem cells—specifically their inherent capacity to encourage regeneration, rejuvenation, and repair of damaged tissues and organs in patients.
For me as well, what remains even more enigmatic than stem cells is the process where the sperm fuses with the egg and forms a zygote which then has the remarkable capability to split repeatedly and swiftly develop various bodily structures autonomously. Such an extraordinary phenomenon—the genesis and progression of life—is beyond our understanding and solely within the domain of divine creation. Ultimately, I must acknowledge that everything originates from and concludes at the feet of the Lord. Henceforth, my constant refrain shall remain “Glory to God!” echoing Saint Augustine who once proclaimed, “Until my heart found peace in Christ Jesus.”
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