Hi all, We have heard that there are a lot of 'alternative' types of therapy out there. My wife has now completed 8 sets of FEC chemo and we would like to see if we could find something to complement the treatment she has already had. The doctors have ruled out radiotherapy or surgury due to the secondaries in liver and possibly bones. I suppose we just dont want to do 'nothing' now. Any recommendations greatfully recieved.
FormerMember
Please be aware that after each chemotherapy course there is always a break in treatment - the body needs to recover fully - Just because there is no more surgery available does not mean there are no more treatments available for your wife. I am a breast cancer patient with secondaries - since being told this I have had loads of treatment - just no surgery. Please do not think there is nothing more out there for your wife with conventional treatment.
A word of caution for alternative trreatments - none of these are tested or proven in the same way conventional drugs are - Id be very wary of taking anything not prescribed by a doctor as many supposed 'cures' 'vitamins' etc can actually have the opposite effect and encourage cancer growth.
I know it feels scary being off treatment but your wife's body needs a period of recouperation. The NICE guidelines on secondary breast cancer treatment outline 3 types of chemotherapy fro secondar breast cancer and there is also supplementary therapies for bone cancer -like bisophosphonates and radiotheapy is very useful to combat bone pain from secondaries. Please feel free to PM me if you wish to discuss this further , best wishes Jools xx
First, alternative therapies replace conventional treatment. They tend to be extraordinarily expensive, are not scientifically proven and DO NOT WORK. Some (e.g., laetrile) can also be very dangerous.
Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, reflexology or aromatherapy can be used alongside conventional treatment. I would suggest you ask your oncologist or Macmillan nurse what they would recommend. I had aromatherapy myself while undergoing treatment and I found it very relaxing and enjoyable.
