This quote comes to mind when I reflect on many of the issues faced by those with cancer. Certainly we are in the midst of both good news and bad news when it comes to the use of complementary and alternative therapies for the treatment of cancer.

Modern Medicine's Revolution
The good news is that modern medicine is in the middle of a revolution. Patients, the consumers of healthcare, are telling doctors that they participate in numerous forms of non-conventional medicine (including, but not limited to, yoga, chi gung, acupuncture, herbs, mediation, creative arts therapies, and massage) and that these therapies are an important part of their healing process and their sense of well-being.

Sound scientific research is being undertaken on these subjects at a rate never before seen. The movement to integrate the best of scientific, high technology medicine with the often ancient healing arts is leading to a new age of human, caring health care.

Change is Good But Not Necessarily When Your Going Through It
The bad news is that these changes are slow and, at times, difficult. The individual faced with cancer at the turn of this century is placed right in the middle of these shifting forces. This can be overwhelming, as you are probably faced with multiple points of view and advice (sometimes unwanted and unasked for) that can come from seemingly everywhere. Added to the stress of a cancer diagnosis and often difficult medical treatment is advice to go to support groups, swallow smelly herbal preparations, wear magnets, or pray. Who do you listen to? How to you separate and wheat from the chaff? Who knows the answers?

When speaking to people about these issues I tend to advocate a very individual, pragmatic approach. Basically if it feels good, do it, and if not, skip it. Certain people are more naturally drawn to different approaches. If you have always been a loner, a support group might be more stressful than helpful. An active, physical person may enjoy a yoga or chi gung class. A creative person may wish to access their feelings through music and art. Clearly, if you choose to ingest anything, such as herbs or supplements, talk to your physician. Herbal preparations are real mediciens and need to be respected for their appropriate uses and also for their risks and possible interactions with other medications.

Living with cancer in this pre-cure era is a challenge to the core of your being. Some is known, but more is unknown, and accepting the unknown can be difficult. Doing your best is the best you can do. I hope, for all of us, this feels like enough.