by Bernie Siegel, MD

Dear Editor,

As a physician who has counseled cancer patients for decades I can tell you it is quite possible that Scottish authorities made a big mistake. I could understand their releasing him for end of life hospice care when his death was imminent but at this time that is not the case. It is quite possible that he will return to his homeland be greeted with affection and compassion, which will alter his body chemistry, and go on living for a lot longer time than was predicted.

I try to help people find a new life when they are given a dire prognosis and reap the physical benefits which come with it. Survival behavior is something one can learn. Examples abound of people who are told they have a few months to live and spend all their money enjoying their final days and then don’t die and want to sue their doctors. I have a letter, from a lady given two months to live who spent them doing what made her happy. The letter ends with, “I didn’t die and now I’m so busy I’m killing myself. Help where do I go from here?” I told her to take a nap.

It will be very interesting to see what happens to Abdel Baset al-Migral and what Scottish authorities will do if he doesn’t die when he is supposed to.

Peace,

Bernie Siegel, MD