Decisions, Decisions

When the breast cancer diagnosis first slapped me in the face, I had no idea that so many decisions lay ahead. Sure, I presumed there’d be tears, painful treatment, hair loss, surgeries, and mounds of fear. But I had no idea how difficult it would be to decide on a treatment regimen.

As a new patient (“new” in the sense of being new to the whole world of medicine as a patient in need, not just new to one doctor), I was referred to each next step in diagnosing and treating my cancer by the previous doctor. Family doctor sent me to a radiologist for testing who sent me to an oncologist who sent me to a surgeon, plastic surgeon and radiation oncologist. I never selected any of them.

I’m sure they’re all excellent physicians and highly capable of skillfully treating me. But once I started researching what each piece of the harsh cancer-killing treatments would do to my body, it became clear—this wasn’t their decision.

Too many people take advice from the white-coats and never ask questions. Or maybe ask the wrong questions. Of course I’m not a doctor or a tribal healer, but I am someone who questions the norm and looks past the masses, in search of a more natural solution. I strongly believe our diet is not only a vehicle for management of health, but also often the culprit of destruction to our health (even as a vegan, I wasn’t healthful enough, just ask Dob—and that’s a whole other discussion).

When I learned that such professions as Naturopathic Oncologists existed, I was instantly intrigued. I looked into 2 naturopathic cancer centers locally and learned that one of the two was covered by my insurance. Since most American insurance companies do not recognize naturopathic remedies as medical treatment, it seems the world of naturopathic oncology formulated the best solution. As a patient of theirs, I’d be treated by both a naturopathic oncologist and traditional oncologist. It’s win-win! The insurance company sees “M.D.” and approves payment for the cancer fighting medications, and I benefit from non-chemical remedies given around my chemotherapy by experts in natural supplements.

Although my original oncologist was sharp as a whip and a strong, intelligent physician; I wasn’t thrilled about her ‘hit it hard with every tool in the box’ approach. Statistically, I’d be a success for her books, but at what cost to me? And while seeking treatment from the naturopathic center still means harsh chemotherapy—the alternative drugs and specialized course of treatment, and abundant natural supplemental support, make this rough road just a bit easier on my life’s vehicle. Plus, there was a “therapy dog” in the lobby the first time I visited the naturopathic center. A dog. If that’s not a sign that this is the place for me, I don’t know what is.