In reply: In conjunction with the patient’s memory, and teasing out details, where available, from medical records and investigations of over 30 years ago, we sought to piece together our follow-up story of a remarkable recovery from cancer as accurately as possible.1 We did not attempt to reproduce the original case report in the Journal,2 but rather were highlighting the long-term issues that can be associated with such recoveries. We thank Ms Gawler for attempting to clarify the original timelines. However, based on the medical records and published data, as well as checking further with the patient himself, it seems her letter does little more than muddy the waters in this case.
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- 1. Jelinek GA, Gawler RH. Thirty-year follow-up at pneumonectomy of a 58-year-old survivor of disseminated osteosarcoma. Med J Aust 2008; 189: 663-665. <MJA full text>
- 2. Meares A. Regression of osteogenic sarcoma metastases associated with intensive meditation. Med J Aust 1978; 2: 433.
- 3. Allenby G. Ian Gawler: the dragon’s blessing. Melbourne: Allen and Unwin, 2008.
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George Jelinek has run residential retreats for health practitioners and people with multiple sclerosis with the patient. Ruth Gawler is the wife of the patient, and has run residential retreats for people with cancer and multiple sclerosis with him.