LIFE AFTER STANDARD TREATMENTS

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Believe it or not one of hardest things was finishing my medical treatment. I felt lost not knowing what to do next.

I was lucky to be alive, but it didn't exactly feel that way. I felt the need to explore and find out more information. My doctors had provided no additional options.

So I embarked on researching on the Internet. From my job I thought I had a good grasp of the weird and wonderful claims on websites. I came across credible, not so credible and downright bogus information and treatments.

This was my life potentially at stake so I wanted to cover all bases. My initial plan was to re-inforce any healthy living tips. I increased my supplements and vitamins, most of which I have subsequently stopped taking.

Reading forums, I got the impression that there are certain sections of the cancer community wanting their cake and to also eat it. Rather than seeking some magic, my feeling is they could benefit from basic lifestyle choices.

Non medical treatments usually compromise complimentary or alternative medicines. I have remedial massage which helps my hemiparesis. There are many other complementary therapies like meditation, acupuncture and yoga. Among the best are appropriate forms of exercise and good nutrition.

Alternative treatments have come under the spotlight recently. Some are unproven but patients report satisfaction with the treatment. Others cost a lot of money and have ended in poor outcomes. Not all alternative treatments are effective, but there is the rub - how do you tell?

Such websites report success stories. Apparently, most of them report no failures. They have glowing testimonials too. But often they over reach, claiming they can cure cancer. Remember whatever their motives they are trying to sell you something.

I understand very well the need to regain some control over your life.

At first it feels like you are on a medical rollercoaster. Eventually some order and control is restored. One example of this happening to me was when I got my car licence back.

Change is a natural part of this process, but try not to throw out the good with the bad.

I wanted to change some things that I thought may lead to the delay of recurrence or progression. I started with nutrition. I have reviewed the various 'cures' on offer. They all appear to have little evidence supporting them, apart from testimonials which may have been written by anyone. Another thing that most of them had in common is that they were expensive. I was not willing to risk the family home on something unproven.

One thing I feel is underrated is preventing side effects. This even works on recurrence. If I can prevent inflammation especially with simple things like diet and exercise, then I am giving myself the best chance of a higher quality life. Quality of life leads to increased energy and strength.

What I hope you get most out of reading this is that you need to exercise a great deal of caution when choosing treatments. I believe in informed choice with medical and non medical treatments. If you feel tempted to try something different - sleep on it, talk to others and think about the consequences if it doesn't work for you.

Over nearly five years as a survivor I have made mistakes and wrong turns. I tried one complimentary treatment with three different therapists before I realised it was a wrong turn. However, these mistakes didn't cost a lot of money or more importantly, my health.

I now believe amongst the most underrated treatments are simple effective lifestyle choices.

The website Quackwatch provides a list of dubious treatments as a reference.

Link: http://www.quackwatch.com