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Has anyone tried hollistic medicine? Maybe reiki massages, acupuncture, things of that nature?
I was wondering if anyone had used it in addition to chemo/radiation or used it as a substitute. I'm very interested in hollistic medicine. I've heard it really does work..
Exercise Cancer Chemotherapy Pain Tarceva Lung cancer Acupuncture
I don't think I would replace traditional medicine with any other form, but I use some holistic practices in the areas of nutrition. In addition to lung cancer, I also suffer from Fybromyalgia so I have used massage and a regular program of exercise for a number of years to manage pain instead of taking drugs. Yoga is absolutely wonderful! Both the massage and exercise were immensely helpful when I was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. I also think it is important to take care of my spiritual life because that is where my inner strength comes from. I think anything that promotes health is good, but I don't do anything in the extreme. I hope my experiences help you in your discernment.
emtq
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Is there a massage in particular you did?
Hi CK: I was dx'd w/Stage 3A,Adenocarcinonma, w/mets to 4 lymph nodes. Had VATS, ULL. Thank God, I've been NED since 9/05. I threw everything at it but the kitchen sink! I had Gemzar/Carboplatin, had massages (which I've always done on a regular basis); did Reiki; did Herbs, as recommended by an Accupuncturist (until they started to not agree with me); continued to try to expand my spiritual life and requested that lots of people pray for me (which I think helped the most!). Wishing you all the best! Feel free to contact me if you have further questions. Blessings! Brooklynda
Hi Brooklynda,
Which herbs did you use?
What did you mean by "as recommended by an Accupuncturist (until they started to not agree with me)"
I had also heard of Marinol/medicinal marijuana. Heard anything on that?
Thank you for all your help
I had accupunture treatments and accupressure massage for post op and pain and it did help. My acupuncturist also treats many cancer patients that are going through chemo treatments. Apparently it helps with the nausea as well as other side effects of the chemo. We have a lot to learn from Eastern medicine.
CK: I am uncertain of the names of the herbs. There were several - most seemed to target the immune system. The woman I went to was an Acupuncturist - (tried that a couple times and didn't like because of my fear of needles!) and she also dispensed herbs. As my chemo continued, I could not keep the herbs down - they made my stomach more queasy - so I stopped taking them - ("they started not to agree with me"). A close friend of mine had been thru the cancer journey (not lung cancer) and had been in remission a long time, so i was copying her in adding the Reiki and herbs. As far as Marinol - I'm not familiar with that. Feel free to ask anything, anytime. Blessings! Brooklynda
Hi CK,
While I was going through chemo I experienced alot of swelling and fluid retention. I went to a naturopath and she did acupuncture. It was amazing, not only very relaxing but within 30 mins you could see the difference in swelling and I slept like a baby. Worth a try. As far as massage she told me she could not do any type of deep tissue massage as it stimulates the lymphatic system, which for me she said was not a good thing at the time..
I know of Marinol but do not have much info on it. Sorry cant help you there. :)
Take care,
Nicole
Like the others, I have supplemented medical treatment (Tarceva) with lots of things to build my immune system.
1) Message twice a month
2) Acupuncture twice a month
3) Little sugar, red meat or flour; focus on alkaline producing foods (lemons, broccoli, veggies)
4) Supplements (curcumin, green tea extract, concentrated cherry juice, Vitamin D, multi-vitamin)
5) Exercise - some Qiqong, Yoga and walking
6) As much laughter as possible & lots of joy
The interesting aspect of acupuncture is that when I am having it is the only time I can breath deeply and my right lung doesn't hurt.
Who knows what all this is doing to the cancer. It sure helps me feel better, though, no matter what.
Hope it helps!
Sheila
http://www.oralchelation.com/taheebo/lapacho1.htm
My mother had stage IV Adenocarcinoma, She drank this tea. She was not given a long life expectancy but outlived it by over 4 years.. The web site is good reading. Something to discuss with your Dr's first though.
Good Luck and Best Wishes!
Michelle
C.K.-
I read a book called PH MIRACLE LIVING by Dr. Robert Young. I have my sister doing the PH protocol. I believe it can work in conjunction with traditional therapies. I got a copy of it at my library. Read pages 179-181 very inspriation lung cancer survivor testimonial.
My sister had a brain tumor back in Aug 08. That is when it was discovered it was caused from lung cancer. She had radition to the tumor but no chemo not wanting to feel bad if indeed her time where short. She has only been doing the PH protocol.
She is not 100% faithful to the protocol but I do believe this is why she is still here due to her doing some of it. I can only imagine if she were 100% faithful to it. For now I'm just thankful she has her wits about her and has not pain. If I could just fatten her up a bit I wouldn't worry so much about it.
Becky :)
A company my daughter buys from called "Fresh Life" has an Immune Support capsules. I do take them and she mails them to me on a regular basis.
Good thing I take them or my cabinets would be running over with the bottles. It is my opinion that anything that will help strengthen your immune system is very helpful fighting any kind of cancer, and other things as well.
my 2 cents,
Marylou
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