Obviously,
do what your doctor suggests, but also get some different opinions
for all the procedures you will be doing, be they Western, Eastern
or alternative procedures.
1. LOTS
OF REST
There is no point in running around and getting your things
in order just in case you die. You need to prepare to live.
Make sure you get plenty of rest before going into the trauma
of surgery so your body knows you are in a healing frame of
mind.
2. HYPER-BARIC
OXYGEN TREATMENT
This can be pricey ($100 to $200 a treatment), but if you can,
try it at least a couple of times. Check out the Santa Monica
Hyper-Baric Treatment Center. They will answer any questions,
and refer you to centers in your neighborhood.
3. ESSENTIAL
OILS
I pooh-poohed these for a long time, but when a fourth- stage
ovarian doctor friend of mine pulled through, she attested to
the powerful and healing effects of these oils. The theory is
that everything on the planet has a vibrational frequency or
sub-atomic energy signature. You have one, I have one, as do
all the rocks in your yard, and the local toxic dump. Some people
cancer is caused by a virus. Well, in this way of thinking,
virus' have their own vibrational signature. What do you think
a doctor looks at when they look at your slide under the microscope.
Changed tissue. What has changed this tissue. Whatever it is,
it is an energy form, albeit hostile one, that has made you
sick. Therefore, we want to associate with energy that is healing
and promotes stability. For pre-surgery, the suggested oils
are AROMA LIFE, ROMAN CHAMOMILE, CLARITY, LAVENDER, PEACE AND
CALMING, SACRED MOUNTAIN; WHITE ANGELICA, IMMUNE-POWER AND JOY
ARE MY FAVORITES! Be careful not to get them into your eyes.
For more info, click on AbundantHealth4U@juno.com or contact Gary Young,
M.D., in Salt Lake City whose products through YOUNG LIVING
are just fab! I am a distributor if it helps, but awfully busy
making movies, so only contact me if you are desperate and too
sick to pick up the phone yourself.
4. GENTLE
MASSAGE
Always relaxing. It feels great to be touched by someone who
knows what you need. It feels great to carve out time just for
you to take in the healing. Although mostly, I had to drag myself
kicking and screaming to anything that smacked of relaxation.
Once I got there, though, I was deliriously happy. Even the
times where I couldn't quiet my mind, or shut up the massage
therapist, I was grateful I had taken time out for me. Make
sure to tell the therapist what you are going through to make
sure the kind of massage is appropriate and gentle. Check with
your doctor and healers for recommendations. You don't want
something too harsh or deep right now. Also, I think a good
facial and getting my nails done makes me feel pretty as I prepare
to face the gruesomeness. Okay, maybe I should be more positive
about surgery. It saved my life
but it's still gruesome.
5. ACCUPUNCTURE
This was amazing, pre-op, post-op, any-op
And some people
even used it during op. But make sure you get references from
someone who goes to the doctor you are thinking of using (any
doctor or healer). Ask to speak to former patients or see their
book of 'gratitude letters'. I go to Dr. Lucy Pastolov. I was
dancing the first night after my chemo. Her number in Los Angeles
is (310) 444-6212. She is also a neurologist (MD) from Russia
who felt drawn to Eastern medicine. Perhaps she can make a referral
to your area, or a suggestion of an organization to contact
for a referral. As I mentioned earlier, most doctors have testimonials.
Contact former patients to see who was happy and who was not
and why
If you can't do it, delegate this to a friend
or family member. I remember it being all so overwhelming, and
it was very hard to reach out to someone else, but you gotta
do it! People want to be there for you. It gives them something
to do when they are feeling so helpless. So help them out by
letting them help you out!!!!
6. HOMEOPATHY
Lots of information can be found on this subject at the library
or through a simple web search.
7. HERBAL
SUPPORT
Be sure to check with a pharmacist. SAMe is a good mood elevator
but see how it interacts with your drugs. Some of them are counter
indicated. Most Western doctors don't believe in this stuff
and are quick to tell you that it might interfere with your
treatment. Question that! Make sure to go to a very good, licensed
nutritionist. There have been profound results in re-gaining
strength and fighting off infections when your white count is
down due to chemo or radiation.
8. EATING
RIGHT
Talk to a nutritionist or read up on it. Find a routine that
works for you. I gave up all sugar, flour and dairy for four
months following surgery, but I am back to chocolate and decaf!
I just try to do my best!
9. YOGA,
EXERCISE AND BODY MOVEMENT
If you can't get out, just sit in a chair and lift a leg or
an arm. Just keep moving, even if it is slow! But be careful
right after surgery. I overdid it (my friend was having a baby
shower) and my running around broke my internal stitches. I
swelled up like a casaba melon! It was great being a double-D
for a week, but it hurt like an S.O.B. So easy does it. Let
your body know it's time to rest, and then slowly begin to introduce
exercise. Start by working with a trainer (or a friend that
knows about this stuff). It may be depressing at first - lots
of tears and yelling - because your body has changed. I had
gained weight and lost muscle tone, but eventually I got it
back and I look great (okay, still a little overweight due to
adjunctive therapies, but I am working on it). Just do as much
as you can do. Get ideas from your doctors, but get advice from
others as well, because you need to figure out what works best
for you!!!
10. A
SUPPORT GROUP OR A PLACE TO TALK ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS
Get involved in something where you can express your feelings
and "discharge the shit" so it doesn't stay in your
body. This has shown a faster recovery rate and longer, more
sustained recovery. The American Cancer Society and the local
Hospital in your area usually sponsors support groups or can
refer you to a therapist.
11. READING
POSITIVE BOOKS ON PEOPLE WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH THIS.
There are many. Ask people you know what has touched them. I
hope to get a suggested reading list together and post it on
this site by the end of the year.
PLEASE NOTE: These techniques and other
suggestions on this site are
intended as complementary suggestions
to whatever your primary physician has
suggested that you do for your health and healing. These suggestions
are
not intended to replace your doctors' and other healing practitioners'
advice. The BC Tool Kit's suggestions are intended to be supportive
on your
self-healing journey, and are based on my own personal experiences
and
antidotal data. They are steeped in my belief that it is important
to take the
power back once you have been diagnosed with cancer. These self-help
techniques can be used to reinforce usual medical treatment
-- techniques
for learning positive attitudes, relaxation, visualization,
goal setting,
managing pain, exercise, and building an emotional and healing
support team