Integrative Strategies For Cancer Patients: A Practical Resource For Managing The Side Effects Of Cancer Therapy

Although 1.4 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year, few reliable resources are currently available to meet the increasing interest of cancer patients for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques to manage the side effects of cancer treatment. An interactive, hands-on resource guide, this unique handbook reviews the applications of specific CAM therapies in the management of symptoms and side effects commonly encountered during cancer treatment. This handbook seeks to provide the patient undergoing cancer treatment with a comprehensive set of CAM self-care techniques, including Chinese medicine, acupressure, reflexology, massage therapy, aromatherapy, yoga, and nutritional and herbal counseling that do not require visiting with a CAM provider. Organized alphabetically, each side effect chapter reviews both the conventional medicine and Chinese medicine perspective on the development and management of the side effect and reviews the applicable CAM therapies to help ameliorate the condition, referencing the pictorially descriptive appendix, organized by CAM treatment. This book can be used as a reference resource and does not have to be read from front to back. To help guide the patient who is considering CAM use while receiving cancer treatment, communication with health care providers and practical considerations are also reviewed. This handbook seeks to address some of the more common side effects experienced by people undergoing cancer treatment and answers questions like: How can I relieve the nausea I have after my chemotherapy infusion? What can I do to alleviate the constipation I am experiencing? Why am I feeling so fatigued and how can I get more energy? With certain chemotherapy agents I have been getting tingling in my hands, which the doctors tell me is peripheral neuropathy. Is there an essential oil or massage technique that could help minimize the sensations?