Preparing for Cancer Treatment: Supporting Your Body and Wellbeing

Author: Dr Danny T. Siegenthaler
Chinese Medicine Practitioner – MSc. (TCM), BSc. (Hons.), DTCM; DAc (Aust/China)

You may be here because you have just been diagnosed with some type of cancer and are now preparing for treatment. Being told that you have cancer can change everything in an instant. You may suddenly find yourself facing medical appointments, scans, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy or other treatments, while trying to process the emotional impact of your diagnosis.

It is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed.

There may be many questions running through your mind. How do I prepare for cancer treatment? What will treatment be like? How will I cope? What can I do to support my health? Is there anything I can do before treatment begins to prepare myself physically, mentally and emotionally?

While your medical team will guide you through your cancer treatment, there are also ways to look after your overall wellbeing during this time and preparing for cancer treatment is quite important.

At Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre, we believe that complementary medicine can have a supportive role alongside conventional cancer care. Our aim is to help you living well during cancer treatment, not to replace your cancer treatment or interfere with your medical care, but to help support you as a whole person, physically, emotionally and practically through what can be a challenging period of life.

Understanding Your Cancer Treatment

One of the most important things you can do after a cancer diagnosis is to understand your treatment plan.

Your oncologist or specialist should explain your diagnosis, the recommended treatment and what you can expect. Depending on your circumstances, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapies or a combination of approaches.

One important aspect of preparing for cancer treatment is to write down questions before your medical appointments, because when you are anxious or overwhelmed, it is easy to forget what you wanted to ask.

You may wish to ask:

What is the aim of my treatment?
What treatments are being recommended and why?
What side-effects might I experience?
Which symptoms should I report to my medical team?
Are there medications or supplements I should avoid?
How might treatment affect my everyday life?
Who should I contact if I have concerns?
Are there complementary therapies that may be appropriate for me?

You may also find it helpful to take someone you trust to important appointments. Having another person there can provide emotional support and help you remember the information you have been given. You can also ask the practitioner or surgeon if you could record the conversation with your phone so that you can refer back to your conversation if you can’t remember what was said.

Build Your Support Team

Cancer treatment is rarely something you need to navigate alone.

Your medical team is at the centre of your cancer care, but you may also benefit from support from family, friends, counsellors, psychologists, dietitians, and complementary medicine practitioners.

Think about the people and professionals who can support different aspects of your wellbeing.

Your oncology team may manage your cancer treatment. Other healthcare professionals may help with specific physical or emotional challenges. Family and friends may provide practical help, companionship and emotional support.

Complementary medicine also has an important place within this broader network of care.

At Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre, our integrative cancer support approach is to work within this wider picture. We encourage people receiving cancer treatment to keep their oncology team informed about any complementary therapies, herbal medicines or supplements they are considering.

Good communication between your healthcare providers is an important part of safe, coordinated care.

Preparing Your Body for Treatment

It is natural to want to feel as strong and healthy as possible before beginning cancer treatment, and preparing for your cancer treatment as soon as possible is highly recommended.

Depending on your individual circumstances, your medical team may recommend focusing on nutrition, physical activity, sleep and other aspects of your general health.

The goal is not to achieve perfect health before treatment begins. Rather, it is about preparing for cancer treatment and supporting your body as well as you reasonably can.

Eating Well

Good nutrition can be an important part of preparing for treatment and maintaining your strength.

Your nutritional needs will depend on your cancer diagnosis, treatment plan, general health and individual circumstances. Some people may need to focus on maintaining their weight and strength, while others may need specific dietary advice.

A balanced diet based on nourishing whole foods may include:

vegetables and fruit
whole grains
adequate protein
healthy fats
sufficient fluids

However, there is no single “cancer diet” that is right for everyone.

If you are experiencing weight loss, digestive problems, difficulty eating or other nutritional concerns, it is important to seek individualised advice from your medical team or an appropriately qualified naturopath.

At Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre, we can discuss your dietary and lifestyle needs as part of our complementary approach to supportive cancer care.

Staying Physically Active

If you are able to exercise safely, maintaining some level of physical activity may help support your general wellbeing.

This does not necessarily mean undertaking strenuous exercise.

Walking, gentle stretching, yoga, tai qi or other appropriate forms of movement may help you maintain mobility and support your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Your capacity for exercise will depend on your health and treatment. If you are preparing for surgery or beginning cancer treatment, ask your medical team what level of activity is appropriate for you.

Prioritising Sleep

Sleep can become difficult after a cancer diagnosis. Worry, anxiety, changes in routine and physical symptoms can all affect your ability to rest.

Where possible, establish a regular sleep routine before treatment begins.

Simple measures such as keeping regular sleep and waking times, reducing evening screen use and creating a calm bedroom environment may help.

If you are already experiencing persistent insomnia, it may be worthwhile addressing this before treatment begins rather than waiting until sleep problems become more established.

Our practitioners at Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre can provide personalised support for sleeping difficulties/insomnia, anxiety or mental stress.

Looking After Your Emotional Wellbeing

A cancer diagnosis can bring many different emotions.

You may experience fear, anger, sadness, uncertainty, frustration or even relief at finally having an explanation for symptoms you have been experiencing.

There is no “right” way to feel.

Some people find that talking with family or friends helps. Others prefer professional counselling or psychological support. Some find mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga or other mind-body practices helpful.

The important thing is to find forms of support that feel appropriate for you.

At Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre, we recognise that emotional wellbeing is part of the cancer experience. Our calm environment and individualised approach are designed to provide a space where you can take some time for yourself.

Our complementary therapies can be used alongside your conventional cancer care to support relaxation, wellbeing and coping during this challenging time.

Complementary Medicine Before and During Cancer Treatment

Many people diagnosed with cancer become interested in complementary medicine.

You may be wondering whether acupuncture, Chinese medicine, naturopathy, Western herbal medicine or other natural therapies can support you through treatment.

The answer is yes. Complementary therapies have a role in supporting particular symptoms or aspects of wellbeing, but they need to be considered carefully and individually.

Complementary medicine should complement your medical cancer treatment, rather than replace it.

At Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre, we offer a range of complementary therapies that may be considered as part of an integrative approach to cancer support.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be used as supportive care for patients experiencing symptoms associated with cancer or cancer treatments.

Depending on your circumstances, acupuncture should be considered to help support issues such as:

Acupuncture is not a treatment for cancer itself. Rather, it may be used as a complementary therapy to support symptom management and quality of life.

Your individual circumstances are important when determining whether acupuncture is appropriate. Your diagnosis, treatment plan, blood counts, medications and other factors may all need to be considered.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes an individualised approach to health and wellbeing.

Depending on your needs and circumstances, TCM includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary guidance and lifestyle recommendations.

Within an integrative cancer support approach, the focus is on supporting your wellbeing and addressing individual symptoms or treatment-related challenges where appropriate.

If you are undergoing cancer treatment, it is essential that your TCM practitioner is aware of your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine

Naturopathic and Western herbal medicine approaches can be used to support general health and wellbeing in some people living with or recovering from cancer.

Herbal medicines and supplements require expert care during cancer treatment.

Some herbs and supplements can interact with prescription medications either in a supportive or negative way. Therefore, it is essential to choose a qualified and experienced herbalist or naturopath who has experience in treating cancer patients.

At Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre, we take an individualised and cautious approach. We consider your overall health, medications and cancer treatment when discussing whether herbal support may be appropriate.

Complementary Medicine and Your Oncology Team

One of the most important principles of integrative cancer support is communication.

Always tell your oncologist and other medical practitioners about any complementary therapies, herbal medicines or supplements you are using. Likewise, tell your complementary medicine practitioner about your cancer diagnosis, treatment plan and medications.

This is particularly important if you are:

preparing for surgery
undergoing chemotherapy
receiving radiation therapy
receiving immunotherapy
taking targeted cancer therapies
taking prescription medications
experiencing low blood counts
taking blood-thinning medications
recovering from an operation

Your healthcare professionals need accurate information to help keep your care safe.

At Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre, we see complementary medicine as part of a broader healthcare team. Where appropriate, we encourage open communication with your medical practitioners.

Preparing for Surgery

Preparing for cancer treatment is particularly important if surgery is part of your treatment plan, you may have a period of time to prepare physically and emotionally.

Your surgeon and medical team will provide specific instructions about medications, diet, exercise and other aspects of preparation.

It is particularly important to discuss any herbs, supplements or complementary medicines you are taking before surgery.

Some natural medicines may affect bleeding or interact with anaesthetic medications. Never assume that a product is safe simply because it is described as “natural”.

If you are considering acupuncture or other complementary therapies before surgery, discuss this with your medical team and your practitioner.

After surgery, complementary therapies have a role in supporting recovery, but timing and suitability will depend on the type of surgery, your health and your medical circumstances.

Preparing for Chemotherapy, Radiation or Other Treatments

Cancer treatments affect people differently.

Some people experience significant side-effects, while others experience relatively few.

It can be useful to learn about the potential side-effects of your specific treatment so that you know what to expect and when to seek help.

Your oncology team should always be your first source of information about treatment side effects.

Depending on your treatment, you may experience challenges such as:

fatigue
nausea or vomiting
changes in appetite
digestive symptoms
pain
sleep difficulties
anxiety
changes in mood
peripheral neuropathy
skin changes
changes in taste or smell

As previously mentioned, acupuncture and/or herbal medicine and supplements, should be considered for these symptoms, depending on the individual and the treatment being received.

For example, acupuncture is increasingly used to help manage certain treatment-related side-effects, including nausea, fatigue, pain, sleep difficulties and peripheral neuropathy.

The aim is to support your quality of life and wellbeing while your medical treatment addresses the cancer itself.

Preparing Yourself Practically

Cancer treatment can affect everyday life in ways you may not initially anticipate.

Preparing for cancer treatment should also include putting some practical support in place.

You may need help with:

transport to appointments
shopping and cooking
household tasks
caring for children
caring for pets
work arrangements
financial concerns
managing appointments
communicating with family and friends

Accepting help is not a sign of weakness.

Many people find that having support organised before treatment begins makes it easier to focus on their health and wellbeing.

It can also be helpful to identify one or two people who can act as your practical support network. They may be able to accompany you to appointments, keep family and friends updated or help coordinate meals and other practical tasks when necessary.

Give Yourself Permission to Take Things One Step at a Time

A cancer diagnosis can make the future feel uncertain.

It is easy to become overwhelmed by thinking about everything that lies ahead. Try to focus on the next step rather than the entire journey.

Your next step might simply be:

attending your next medical appointment
learning more about your diagnosis
preparing for surgery
arranging practical support
improving your sleep
eating as well as you can
going for a short walk
talking to someone you trust

You do not have to have everything figured out at once.

How We Can Support You at Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre

At Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre, we understand that cancer affects more than just the physical body.

Our approach to integrative cancer support is centred on you as an individual.

Depending on your needs and medical circumstances, our support may include:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (which includes: Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine)
Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine
Dietary and lifestyle support
Relaxation and wellbeing approaches
Advice from practitioners that have lived through and experienced their own cancer journey

Our role is to work alongside your conventional cancer care team helping you prepare for cancer treatment, not to replace it. We take time to understand your health history, your cancer diagnosis, your treatment and the challenges you are experiencing. We then consider how we can support you in your cancer journey.

Because every person and every cancer journey is different, there is no single approach that is right for everyone.

Our aim is to provide individualised, evidence- and experience-based supportive cancer care in a calm and supportive environment.

When Should You Start Complementary Support?

The sooner the better, because the journey ahead is mentally, physically and emotionally arduous and the more “fuel you have in the tank”, the better.

Some people seek complementary support soon after diagnosis. Others come to us when they begin treatment, when side-effects become difficult or after completing treatment and entering recovery.

If you are considering complementary medicine, it can be helpful to have a conversation with one or both of our practitioners early in your cancer journey. We understand your journey is different to our cancer journey, but we can help you navigate yours by drawing on our lived experience.

This allows us to understand your circumstances and, where appropriate, consider how our integrative cancer support approach might fit safely alongside your medical treatment.

You do not need to wait until you are struggling before asking about support.

An Integrative Approach to Your Cancer Journey

Preparing for cancer treatment is about more than preparing for the medical procedures themselves.

It is about preparing yourself as a whole person.

Your physical health matters.

Your emotional wellbeing matters.

Your relationships matter.

Your sleep, nutrition, movement and sense of connection matter.

Your cancer treatment should remain at the centre of your medical care, but complementary approaches have a role in supporting your wellbeing throughout the journey and enhance, wherever possible, your quality of life.

At Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre, we believe that integrative cancer support is about helping you feel supported, informed and cared for as you navigate the challenges of cancer and its treatment.

If you are preparing to begin cancer treatment and would like to explore whether complementary medicine may be appropriate for you, we welcome you to contact us to discuss your individual circumstances.

Please remember: Complementary medicine should not be used as a substitute for conventional cancer treatment. Always discuss complementary therapies, herbal medicines and supplements with your oncology team and qualified healthcare practitioners to ensure they are appropriate and safe for your individual circumstances.

Written and reviewed by Dr Danny T. Siegenthaler, Chinese Medicine Practitioner – MSc. (TCM), BSc. (Hons.), DTCM; DAc (Aust/China)
AHPRA Registration Number: CMR0001712202; Member of ATMS No. 23926