One of the most daunting things about most cancer treatment is its far-reaching cellular damage and side effects. The most important thing for the patient is their mindset going into several weeks of months of chemotherapy/radiation. This little story has been effective at creating a positive and strong mindset for my integrative oncology patients.
The exciting developments that continue in cancer research mean that oncologists are becoming more and more skilled at targeting cancer tissue and minimizing the collateral damage to the rest of the body. Thank you researchers and physicians for your tireless work!
Generally I work with a naturopath and devise a plan for the patient which focuses on specific stages of the treatment and the goals at each phase. There are some supplements given by the naturopath (very few however and with very specific intention), and acupuncture once/week generally to address the side effects that may occur. I do not even consider Chinese Herbal Medicine until the chemotherapy is over due to potential drug-herb interactions.
For patients, cancer treatment is a marathon and those of us working in integrative oncology help them to feel better, to stay strong and meet them at the finish line with tools to rebuild the system.
Thanks for listening,
Erin
Our bodies are healing machines!