Читать книгу The Cancer Directory - Dr. Daniel Rosy - Страница 57

Becoming clear about what you are dealing with and the choices you have is hard when only recently diagnosed and when you are still in shock and emotional turmoil. The aim of this chapter is to facilitate the process, and to offer as much guidance as possible on when and how to make what types of decisions.

Getting the right treatment depends on:

• getting a clear diagnosis

• working well with your doctors

• information gathering to find out what treatment is available

• weighing up your options from all aspects of integrated medicine, and being clear as to what benefits are actually on offer

• making treatment decisions and having a plan that integrates the best of all treatment approaches.

Remember that an important part of the Hippocratic Oath, taken by all doctors, is a pledge first to do no harm. Bear this in mind when deciding what cancer treatments to undergo. Try not to use medical treatment just to treat your fear, or that of your supporters or doctors. There are much better ways to deal with fear, such as through healing, counselling, relaxation, meditation and loving support. Only subject yourself to harsh medical treatment if the result will be a definite improvement in your physical state and prognosis. Watch out for being oversold on the benefits of medical treatment especially if your cancer has been resistant to earlier treatment. Often, people say their doctor has given them a 35 per cent chance of the treatment working – but this may actually mean a 35 per cent increase in disease-free time (the time till symptoms reappear compared with having no treatment) and not a 35 per cent chance of cure. While it is understandable for doctors unaware of alternative routes to put pressure on patients to have medical treatment, sometimes this pressure is out of proportion to the true benefits and personal costs of receiving such treatment.