In my time as an RN caring for patients in and out of the hospital as they struggled with battling cancer, a common comment I heard time and again was, ‘I have no choice, there isn’t any option..” Usually followed by a sigh of defeat as they give up trying to maintain control over their course of treatment and the continuing medical conditions facing them.
There are various cancer treatment options available and more being developed every day! Unfortunately doctors often make the assumption that the ‘less options’ the better for the patient and their families. Some may withhold discussing all available options out of a genuine concern for ‘overwhelming’ the patient and their families at a critical time, while others just may not wish to explore all options, in preference to the ‘traditional lines of treatment’ they have followed for years.
You do have the right to know all cancer treatment options out there, but it may be up to you to find out what they are! Don’t depend on your doctor knowing the latest treatment options or being willing to bring them up unless you do.
There are cancer treatment options that will be used based on the types and stage of cancer you have been diagnosed with. Most people as well as the majority of their doctors look first to the longstanding traditional cancer treatments. These generally fall into three groups:
Chemotherapy- Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that kill cancer cells.
The types of drugs or combination of drugs is very dependant on the type of cancer.
Radiation Therapy – The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy and irradiation.
Surgery – A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation to obtain a biopsy for diagnostic purposes or to remove the cancerous tissues, sometimes followed by chemotherapy.
These are the most common forms of cancer treatment options, however they don’t tell the whole story.
More and more health professionals are realizing that the most effective cancer treatment options encompass the whole individual. Body, mind and spirit. To that end there is a wide range of complimentary cancer treatment options you or your loved ones may wish to consider when planning your treatment team!
Some complementary treatments may include such areas as:
Naturopathic medicine : Naturopathic medicine aims to use the healing power of nature to maintain and restore health. Naturopathic practitioners are specialists in natural health care, who use natural therapies (e.g., therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, etc.) to support the whole person, with an emphasis on building health.
Nutrition therapy: Nourishing your body with a healthy, well-balanced diet is one way you can help yourself in the fight against cancer. Adequate nutrition and prevention of malnutrition is very important during this time. Discussing your diagnosis and treatment plan with a nutritionist can be a very important part of the healing process. Proper nutrition may help minimize fatigue and even nausea often associated with other cancer treatment options. Nutritional supplements may be indicated and a licensed nutritionist working along with your health care team can make the necessary recommendation
Pain Control: If you have pain, the severity and prevalence of your pain may depend on many factors, including the type of cancer, the location and extent of your disease, and your pain threshold (or tolerance for pain). You may experience pain from the cancer itself, or as a side effect of cancer treatment. While pain may be managed by medication, alternative treatment options may include biofeedback or acupuncture options
Spiritual Support: Depending on the individual, spiritual well-being may play an important and integral part of coping with cancer and its treatment. If this is the case it is important to include spiritual counseling and support according to the individuals request.
Please note these are presented as complementary treatments and can be used in addition and along with the cancer treatment options your doctor recommends. Cancer treatment options each carry pros and cons and should always be discussed fully with your doctor and treatment team. Many cancer treatment options cause or add to an overwhelming sense of fatigue. For a clear discussion an explanations of some reasons for this fatigue, I highly recommend reading, Explanation of Cancer Related Fatigue, by Christine Bude.
Beware of false ‘cures’ and options which many unscrupulous people offer.
Research and ask for recommendations and certifications before beginning any ‘unconventional’ treatment options! At best ‘false cures’ do little or no good, at worst, they may endanger your life or attribute to serious complications. Be sure to discuss ALL treatments and supplements with your doctor before adding anything new to your cancer treatment plans.
Cancer treatment options are ever-changing, new discoveries and breakthroughs are made everyday! Take the initiative to be informed. Gather your research and information and go prepared to discuss all available options with your primary care doctor and health care team. If your primary doctor can’t or won’t listen, find one who will! The life you save could be your own or that of a love one.
Part Four will conclude with a look at LIFE EXPECTANCY During and After Cancer Diagnosis and Treatments.
* * * These reports are not meant to replace any information your doctor has given you.
They are for informative purposes only. Always check with your physician for options and treatment solutions.
References:
National Cancer Institute: US National Institute of Health.
www.cancer.org. June 6, 2007.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America:
http://www.cancercenter.com. June 1, 2007.
Christine Bude, Explanation of Cancer Related Fatigue.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/268120/explanation_of_cancer_related_fatigue.html.
June 6, 2007.
