Probably
the most important thing to do is to just start.
That in itself is a positive action in a sea of indecision, angst, and fear. How
do you choose a place to begin? Start at the beginning: the diagnosis - do you
know what it means?
After creating a hard-copy file on myself and inserting my biopsy and lab reports, I spent time on the computer, in the library and bookstore reading about just what the type of breast cancer and the stage that I had been diagnosed with meant. I examined the therapies that my oncologist had planned for me – surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. That conjured up the picture of the typical cancer patient: the picture that I didn’t want to become. I reminded myself that it was just information.
The information told me that the ‘standard of care’ was not the path I wanted to take. I knew I was already in a weakened condition, and evidence indicated those therapies would weaken me further. I had only been given 3-5 months, and I knew I did not want to spend my time in that way.
I read about survivors. Although I believe we are all individuals and therefore I have my own solution, it was helpful to read about survivors and to know that it was possible.
Most importantly, I looked at options: integrative medicine. What I was looking for were methods that would detox, heal, and strengthen my body while making the cancer weaker. Knowledge is power, and I wanted to have a toolbox full of power to use. “Do your research.” is probably the first thing I say to cancer patients as well as the most-repeated phrase that comes out of my mouth. You have time to make an informed decision.
After creating a hard-copy file on myself and inserting my biopsy and lab reports, I spent time on the computer, in the library and bookstore reading about just what the type of breast cancer and the stage that I had been diagnosed with meant. I examined the therapies that my oncologist had planned for me – surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. That conjured up the picture of the typical cancer patient: the picture that I didn’t want to become. I reminded myself that it was just information.
The information told me that the ‘standard of care’ was not the path I wanted to take. I knew I was already in a weakened condition, and evidence indicated those therapies would weaken me further. I had only been given 3-5 months, and I knew I did not want to spend my time in that way.
I read about survivors. Although I believe we are all individuals and therefore I have my own solution, it was helpful to read about survivors and to know that it was possible.
Most importantly, I looked at options: integrative medicine. What I was looking for were methods that would detox, heal, and strengthen my body while making the cancer weaker. Knowledge is power, and I wanted to have a toolbox full of power to use. “Do your research.” is probably the first thing I say to cancer patients as well as the most-repeated phrase that comes out of my mouth. You have time to make an informed decision.
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- About the author
This blog article is submitted by our guest writer, MS. ANNIE BRANDT, President Emeritus of Best Answer for Cancer Foundation and author of "THE HEALING PLATFORM- Build Your Own Cure!"
This book is a wonderful illustration of the journey of a Stage 4 cancer survivor who went on to create the Best Answer for Cancer Foundation that supports the work of physicians in integrative oncology and educates patients about treatment options for cancer and chronic disease. This is Annie Brandt's ultimate, hands-on resource for patients navigating their way through the cancer healing process. She opens her heart to share her own story, reveals valuable pearls of wisdom gained along the way, shares her expert opinions tested after years of working with cutting-edge integrative oncologists, and extends a loving hand to everyone who wants to survive - and thrive!
For more info, visit: www.bestanswerforcancer.or
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DR. JESSE A. STOFF is an internationally renowned physician with extensive credentials in clinical immunology and holistic medicine. A graduate of New York Medical College , he pursued extensive post-doctoral training including a fellow- ship at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital in London , England
This article is produced and written by the writing team at IMMUNOLOGY TODAY- The Official Newsletter of Integrative Medicine of N.Y. of Westbury NY-- Edited and co-published by Dr. Jesse A. Stoff exclusively for the purposes of this blogpost (Immunology Today) and rejuvenatesoliutions.com The publisher(s) hold all rights (c) to all elements, images and content herein. All distribution, sharing or re-posting of this article is only with the express permission from Dr. Stoff and Integrative Medicine of NY (formerly Linchitz Medical Wellness). 265 Post Ave. Suite 380 Westbury, NY 11590 | 516.759.4200 | www.StoffImmunology.com. Rejuvenate! is a registered trademark of Intermedia Communications Ltd. All written content in this newsletter is produced by the Stoff Institute for Medical Research (SIMR) exclusively for private distribution at the Integrative Medicine of NY ©2016- All Rights Reserved.
DISCLAIMER: Integrative Medicine of NY (formerly Linchitz Medical Wellness) and Dr. Jesse A. Stoff make no claims pertaining to any of the institutions or funding information listed, make no warranty or guarantee of funding, and bear no responsibility and disclaim any liability for the privacy of communications or the outcome of any applications for the listed resources. No further information about any of the institutions nor funding programs (other than the links and contact information listed here) is available. Written content provided in this article/blog is for informational purposes only; consult your physician before making any changes to your treatment plan.
