Hi,
I am going to Dr. Hanus for radiation treatments this winter-11/15/04. I read your letters; but had already been set up by my Dr. in Maine. Were you pleased with him? Where do you stay in Naples? We are on Charlemagne Blvd.
Thanks,
Kathy

Priscilla, I just read an article about Qigong and how a number of oncologists are recommending it to breast cancer patients in addition to chemo and radiation. Might be worth considering.

MarthaB

The Ameircan Cancer Society's summary of qigong:
There is no scientific evidence showing that qigong is effective in treating cancer or any other disease; however, it may be useful to enhance quality of life. According to limited scientific literature, qigong may reduce chronic pain for a short period of time and relieve anxiety.

Many of my MD friends endorse alternative remedies along with traditional allopathic treatments and these are doctors from U of C, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Stanford, etc. Many of them use alternative treatments themselves. One from U of C is actually working on visualization as a form of therapy.

Point is, it probably won't hurt used in conjunction with your radiation. Most classes don't cost a great deal.

MarthaB

I know there is a distance between Naples and Ft. Lauderdale- but my Mom is in treatment for advanced stage breast cancer in Ft. Lauderdale- and we found an amazing hospital- on the level of Columbia Presbyterian here in NYC.
The Hospital is Holy Cross - it is a teaching hospital -
What has really been helpful is our family's support from Gilda's Club - I know there is one in Ft. Lauderdale and I believe I have heard plans for a new Florida site but I really am just not sure.
Best wishes to you! Let us know if you need support sites

Martha: I think you'll find there are no discrepancies between the ACS statement and your last comment. Recent studies indicate that more than 75% of breast cancer patients use complementary therapies, and you'll find that very few oncologists discourage these practices (provided that patients limit themselves to alternatives which are not cross-reactive with traditional interventions).
Debating the potential merits and/or cost-effectiveness of various complementary therapies, of which there are literally hundreds, is another set of issues altogether.