Ideology or Science? by Ann Fonfa

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Ideology or Science?
by Ann Fonfa

Complementary = treatments used in an integrated way, along with conventional therapies (those include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal)

Alternative = treatments used instead of conventional therapies, sometimes used AFTER conventional treatment ends. Sometimes a modality will finally get a randomized clinical trial (a study known as the ‘gold’ standard) and is proven to work. That treatment then moves to the conventional side.

Lately I have begun to realize that complementary therapies may always stay in that category while what we now call alternative may become conventional. A bit odd, really.

In October I had the opportunity to attend the annual meeting of the Cochrane Collaboration, which is a worldwide volunteer (some staff) network of researchers and consumers who create meta-analysis (review of grouped studies).

One of the people I met there was a Frenchman who worked for their Ministry of Health. He told me he was researching Osteopathy since it was currently unacceptable to their health insurance program. He asked me what I knew about it, sounding suspicious.

In the United States, Doctors of Osteopathy, DOs, go to medical school and can work with patients in the same way that MDs can. Their work is covered by our insurance system.

I asked him about Homeopathy which I understood to be well accepted in France. In fact he told me they are medical school graduates, licensed physicians and completely covered by their national healthcare system.

So is acceptance of these modalities Ideology or Science? It seems to depend on what country you grew up in.

Lifestyle changes

Many people diagnosed with cancer see an opportunity to make lifestyle changes. Many, but by no means all, cancer centers have a nutritionist on staff. Doctors need to recommend the nutritionist but not all of them do so. At the time of diagnosis it is difficult to think clearly. But all of us - patients, family, friends, and caregivers - need information on healthy lifestyles. The shorthand version is eat lots of fruits and vegetables EVERY DAY and combine that with some physical exercise/movement.

Studies show benefits and NO downside to that combo. Lately the Journal of Clinical Oncology (summer 2007) showed a survival benefit from it. And your risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure may be reduced as well. At the Annie Appleseed Project we like to add a relaxation technique (that which will work specifically for you), a detoxification technique, and perhaps some dietary supplements and herbs. It is a great idea to consult a licensed nutritionist, or a naturopathic physician or an acupuncturist.

Acupuncture

Two years before my cancer diagnosis, a close friend became an acupuncturist. To be a supportive friend I told her I would be one of her first ‘patients’. Imagine my surprise three months later to find that my menstrual cramps disappeared, never to return (and that after 32 years of quite painful periods).

When I was diagnosed she told me she had herbs that could offset some of the unwanted (often called ‘side) effects, and other herbs to take with radiation therapy. Subsequent research over the years, produced studies to support the idea that acupuncture could reduce nausea, support the white blood count, reduce fatigue, and other benefits.

In China, acupuncture is less important than the use of herbs. In the US, we are very suspicious of herbs, especially as Chinese prescriptions include as many as 20 different herbs. Science or Ideology?

Tips and Techniques to Help With Unwanted (‘side’) Effects

At the Annie Appleseed Project we have been collecting these ideas for more than ten years.

Here are a few that have worked for me:

Reduction of Scar Tissue (this may remove the bulked up, stiff/hard scar tissue but not the outer scar itself) – Cocoa Butter, available at drug stores and health food stores (buy the purest type you can find). We have several testimonies to its value and it completely softened scar tissue I had at the site of a portacath.

Simple Detox from Mercury (in fish for example)

Amazingly the parsley garnish on your plate has a use beyond decoration. It is one of several herbs that help our body detox from mercury. Cliantro and dandelion leaves are two others. Just chew them, or juice them (particular dandelion since it is quite bitter) or put them in a salad. They bind to heavy metals and help them leave our bodies.

In the next articles I hope to provide lots more useful information. And I would love to respond to your questions, but remember I am not a doctor and have no medical training. Everything I have learned about natural approaches to cancer and health has come from my studies since my own diagnosis in January of 1993.

Be well.