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)
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 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 surgeao 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 a place within this broader network of care.
At Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre, our 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.
