Should I Start with Alternative Cancer Treatment?
A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience that brings a host of emotions and decisions, particularly about treatment. Many turn to conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Other patients explore alternative therapies to either replace or build upon traditional methods. If you are considering alternative therapies, this blog will provide key insights to help you decide the best time to start.
The Best Time to Start Alternative Treatments
Deciding when to incorporate alternative cancer therapies, like many things in life, depends upon more than just one factor. The following scenarios cover some key factors of beginning alternative treatment, such as the type and stage of cancer, the starting health of a patient, and any current treatments already being done.
1. From Diagnosis
One of the best times to begin alternative treatments is as close to the diagnosis as possible. This allows patients to take a proactive and more controlled approach to their care. Many alternative therapies, such as nutrition improvement, supplements, and stress reduction methods, can have ample time to make positive progress. Even if a patient is currently undergoing conventional treatments, alternative therapies can help manage side effects, for example, nausea, fatigue, and pain common with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy also activates massive inflammation in the body according to published research This inflammation transforms the cancer into being proliferative and pro-metastatic to name a few problems.
A key benefit of starting with alternative therapies is that they allow the body to respond holistically and naturally, building up natural defenses of the immune system. Alternative therapies generally have fewer side effects than conventional treatments, and there is more flexibility in finding leading-edge solutions beyond traditional medicine.
2. During Conventional Therapy
If patients are undergoing conventional therapies, there is a high likelihood that they have to manage side effects from chemotherapy and radiation, which can create pain, nausea, and weight loss. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, dietary adjustments, and supplements can offset these side effects. The result can improve quality of life as well making mental and emotional health more resilient, which is needed for cancer treatment. If you are in this situation, it is important to have an integrated provider that understands both the conventional and alternative landscape to best navigate possible negative interactions from both treatments.
3. After Finishing Conventional Treatment
Alternative treatments play a big role in helping patients recover and have long-term health and wellness. Alternative therapies can help patients rebuild stamina and strength after intensive conventional care. If there is nerve damage from surgery or fatigue from chemotherapy, holistic treatments such as cell sonic or hyperbaric oxygen therapy address these lingering side effects. Additionally, alternative therapies incorporate lifelong positive habits of nutrition and emotional care that can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
4. For advanced-staged or returning cancers
Alternative therapies provide additional options for patients to manage symptoms, emotional well-being, and quality of life for those who have recurrence or have advanced-stage cancer. Alternative therapies can address the cancer stem cells (CSC) that lead to a recurrence. Integrative methods can help provide emergent treatments that provide hope beyond convention and provide a boost to those suffering from treatment fatigue. Patients can be empowered with more choices and have more control of their care.
Healing Can Start Now
At Dayspring Cancer Clinic, we understand and have years of experience providing evidence-based alternative therapies to help patients at any stage of their cancer journey. Importantly, we educate every patient and their families so they have the latest information to make the best decision for their care. As a lean organization that provides speed to therapy options, we help patients overcome the many obstacles that can get in the way of their cancer care. To learn more about how we can help you start your cancer treatment, contact Dayspring Cancer Clinic at 480-699-7400 or schedule a consultation at https://www.dayspringcancerclinic.com/contact.