Patient who refused treatment 'died in pain'

A nurse has described her horror during an inquest after seeing the emaciated condition of a woman who tried to treat her cancer with homeopathic therapies.

Deborah Combes, a registered nurse and family friend of the woman, Penelope Dingle, said she believed Dingle was dying after seeing her during a visit in 2003, PerthNow.com reports.

"Nothing could prepare me ... Pen was lying naked in the bath in an emaciated state," Ms Combes told the Perth Coroner's Court.

The nurse said Mrs Dingle, who died from rectal cancer in 2005, appeared to weigh no more than 35kgs and her stomach was "grossly distended".

"She was sweating, breathless and in a great deal of pain. My immediate impression was of a woman in the late stages of obstructed labour. She was in pain. She looked absolutely dreadful."

Mrs Dingle's husband, Perth toxicologist Peter Dingle told the court he was against his cancer-stricken wife having chemotherapy or radiotherapy because he believed the toxins would damage her body, the West Australian reports.

He said his wife agreed with his views on conventional medicine and that after her initial diagnosis in 2003, she enlisted the help of a homeopath.

"I advised Pen that it was up to her," the newspaper quoted Dr Dingle as saying.

"I was not supportive of chemotherapy and radiotherapy because there is scientific evidence showing that both had some quite negative serious outcomes as well if they do have any positive benefits." "Chemotherapy and radiotherapy was never an option for Pen. That was 100 percent her view."

Ms Combes told the court her friend was "completely obsessed" with her homeopathic regime and refused to take any pain relieving medication.