Cancer “guides” help navigate choppy waters

Sometimes you need someone to map out which way to go with your cancer treatment plan.

My last post generated some very encouraging and  interesting comments. Several of you shared your own amazing stories. If you haven’t read them, I suggest you do!

One reader, Carol, asked about how to make sense of all of the information out there about alternative treatments. I’m struggling with the same thing in both the complementary and traditional cancer realm. The more doctors and holistic practioners I put in the mix, the more different opinions I get. It’s enough to make your head spin!

So, how do you decide what to take or not to take when everyone tells you their product/treatment is the way to go? Wouldn’t it be great to have a guide who navigates these choppy waters?

I’ve decided I need someone objective (not trying to sell their products) to consult with me on the finding the right mix of traditional medicine and complementary practices. I mentioned in my last post that I’m working with Mark Roby, who is a naturopath, physician’s assistant and a miracle cancer survivor. Mark has learned from experience what it takes to beat cancer and is in the process of writing a book to answer some of these questions. He has graciously offered to help me, but sorry, right now he’s not taking new patients. I invite you, however,  to go to his site for the top 10 things to survive cancer: http://www.cancercoachdrmark.com/10cancersurvivalkeys.html.

I’ve come across several other individuals who are helping others by serving as cancer advocates/coaches:

• Marisa Harris, a stage IV pancreatic cancer survivor and certified cancer coach whom I met at the Annie Appleseed conference. Visit her site at www.marisaharriscancercoach.com.
• Elyn Jacobs, a breast cancer survivor and cancer coach whom I featured in a previous post. She’s a sweetheart, too. Visit her at www.elynjacobs@blogspot.com.
• Ken Schueler, One of the leading cancer patient advocates in the country. His expertise is in evidence-based research of new, investigational and alternative therapies and helping patients be more proactive.  http://www.hkschueler.com/
• Jeanne Wallace, who presented at Annie Appleseed, guides patients on supplements and nutrition using scientific-based evidence. http://www.nutritional-solutions.net/

Some websites that explore these topics:

•  Embodiworks: www.embodiworks.org, a  comprehensive site full of tips and resources for holistic treatements/living. Its founder, Jeanine Walston, is a longtime brain cancer survivor who spoke at the Annie Appleseed conference. I’ll share more about her in a  future post.
• Reliable Cancer Therapies, www.reliablecancertherapies.com.  The nonprofit organization investigates evidence-based complementary and traditional therapies, so you can make informed decisions.

One thing I want to point out is that I’m not a medical professional (or even close). My role is to share resources I’ve come across and some of my experiences. Everyone is different; there is no one-size-fits-all. That’s why it’s so important to have someone guide you to make important decisions. Good luck on your journey!