Posted by Peg h on 10/28/2009, 11:29 pm, in reply to "Oncotype DX/Chemo"
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Hi Lori,
You are at that difficult time when many choices are to be made. It is so stressful. I remember the time three years ago that I had to make so many decisions. Having a medical background did not lessen the anxiety but it surely did make the decisions easier.
The studies are there that stack survival in favor of the traditional medical treatments. Alternative remedies alone do not show any statistical significance that support survival. However since you are thinking about alternative treatments perhaps you might want to look into Integrative therapies in addition to your traditional treatments that your oncologist has described.
Many of the major teaching university medical facilities are moving to incorporate the two concentrations in their patient care with good results. Integrative medicine looks at the whole body and is a solid partner with the traditional oncology treatments. It includes herbal therapies, acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, and other supportive therapies that help the body to heal. My choice was clear given the stastics to have the prescribed chemo, Herceptin, Radiation and Arimidex. However in addition my oncologist did include Integrative medicine. I still use many of the integrative therapies today and will continue to learn what is available and may be helpful.
Lori, I would suggest checking out the availability of Integrative medicine in your area....possibly in a major teaching hospital. In the meantime, you would do well with an onc who is open to your questions and supportive of the idea to add integrative medicine to your traditional treatment plan. It can work and the onc needs to support you...if not find an onc that does. I did and feel confident that the new onc was and is with me in all decisions.
Good luck Lori...traditional treatments chemo..radiation etc are very doable and the integrative therapies are like icing on your treatmnt plan. You will do well. Please post and let us know how your visit went...I'll be praying that all turns out well.
Hugs,
Peg
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