Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Although not a standard part of leukemia or lymphoma treatment, many patients may use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The American Cancer Society defines alternative therapies as unproven or disproven methods of cancer management that are used in place of standard treatment. These therapies have not been found to be safe or effective in clinical trials. In fact, these treatments may do more harm than good by delaying necessary, conventional treatment.
Complementary therapies are supportive therapies used in addition to regular treatment (such as chemotherapy) to improve quality of life for patients and help to control symptoms and side effects. The philosophy of complementary medicine is treatment of the entire patient, including their mind and spirit as well as their body. Some examples may include:
- Massage or chiropractic
- Mind therapy (such as hypnosis, guided imagery, meditation)
- Movement therapy (such as yoga, T'ai chi)
- Psychological medicine (such as support groups)
- Energy therapy (such as therapeutic touch or Reiki)
- Naturopathy (such as teas and special diets)
It is important if you are considering using any type of complementary or alternative therapy to discuss it with your healthcare team. They can help you understand any possible interactions that may effect your standard leukemia or lymphoma treatment and work with you to determine which ones will benefit you most.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Treatment
The treatment of leukemia and lymphoma can be a long and stressful journey. It is important that you feel comfortable with how much information you have regarding your treatment so that you know what to expect and so that you feel able to make informed decisions regarding your care.
You may want to write down some questions to ask to help you prepare. Some examples of questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider are:
- What is this treatment?
- How long will I need to get it?
- How and where will this treatment be given to me?
- What side effects can I expect?
- Will I be able to continue with my regular routine?
- Will my health plan help to pay for this therapy?
- How will I know if this treatment is working?
- Will I need more treatment when this is done?
- What problems or symptoms should I report right away?
- Will I still be able to have children after this therapy?
You may want to bring along some paper to take notes while your doctor or nurse answers the questions you have about your treatment. Also, some of the words they use may be unfamiliar to you, so don't hesitate to ask them to clarify things you don't understand.
Taking Care of Yourself
Undergoing cancer treatment can exhaust the body as well as the mind. Try to make a point of setting limits for yourself during therapy, and letting go of stressors that are not important. For example, if you are feeling tired or unwell, give yourself permission to leave the dishes for another day, or allow a friend to prepare dinner for you. It is important to listen to the signals that your body is sending you, and only do what you are able (or willing!) to.
Sources
Caldwell, B.(2007). Acute leukemias. In Ciesla, B. (Ed.)Hematology in Practice (pp. 159-185). Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: F.A. Davis Company.
Finnegan,K.(2007). Chronic myeloproliferative disorders. In Ciesla, B. (Ed.)Hematology in Practice (pp.187-203). Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: F.A. Davis Company.
Immunotherapy Cancer Treatment. Cancer Supportive Care Programs. Accessed May 25, 2010. http://www.cancersupportivecare.com/immunotherapy.html
Kane, N.(1997). Alternative and Complementary Methods of Cancer Management In Varricchio, C. (Ed.) A Cancer Source Book for Nurses -7th ed. (pp.379-390). Atlanta, Georgia: The American Cancer Society Inc.
Von Bubnoff,N and Duyster, J. "Chronic myelogenous leukemia: treatment and monitoring." Deutsches Ärzteblatt International 19 Feb, 2010 107: 114-121.
