Integrative Strategies for Cancer Patients: A Practical Resouce for Managing the Side Effects of Cancer Therapy

Description

Integrative Strategies for Cancer Patients is the definitive resource on the benefits of integrative therapies during cancer treatment. The book does not need to be read cover to cover to learn about integrative medicine. Instead it is meant to be a reference handbook for managing the most common side effects afflicting patients with cancer. Integrative Strategies for Cancer Patients provides hands-on guidance with illustrations demonstrating how to use complementary/alternative therapies during cancer treatment. Some of the techniques you will learn about in this book are:

• Yoga poses and breathing exercises to increase energy and manage shortness of breath
• Acupressure points to reduce nausea, vomiting, and pain
• Aromatherapy (essential oils) to decrease feelings of nausea and anxiety
• Nutrition strategies to help manage loss of appetite, depression, and hot flashes
• Massage techniques to aid in relief of lymphedema, constipation, and loss of libido
• Reflexology applications for neuropathy, headaches, and insomnia
• Dietary supplements to improve symptoms of chemo brain, fatigue, and radiation burns

100% of the royalties from this book will benefit the Integrative Therapies Program at Columbia University Medical Center. The proceeds will provide additional support for research in the field of complementary/alternative medicine.

Reviews

“As an hematologist and oncologist, researcher, and pioneer in the field of integrative oncology, I have witnessed how patients value the use of integrative therapies in managing the side effects of cancer therapy. Integrative Strategies for Cancer Patients is an easy to follow hands-on guide for patients, their caregivers and practitioners. Ladas and Kelly demonstrate the role of integrative therapies in cancer care, and most importantly, build on evidence based research. I strongly recommend this book for guidance on strategies for symptom management in cancer care.”
David Rosenthal, MD Professor of Medicine Harvard Medical School

“Rarely does a book fulfill the promise of its title as well as this invaluable volume. Ladas and Kelly provide a gift to people living with cancer — this wealth of information that will serve to empower them through the use of complementary therapies to maximize their quality of life. Definitely added to my recommended reading list!”
Donald I Abrams, MD Integrative Oncology, UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine

“I was a cancer patient more than 25 years ago. Faced with little hope, I turned to alternative medicine and cured myself. How I wish a book like this had existed then so I had understood my options. This work beautifully blends conventional and complementary wisdom, resulting in the most comprehensive and compassionate care we can imagine. An invaluable tool to practitioners, patients and families, it weaves all the options together into a tapestry of healing that will best serve the patient in their recovery.”
Christina Pirello Emmy Award winning host of the National Public Television series, ‘Christina Cooks’

“I was 28 years old and had just started my intern year as a pediatric resident, when I was diagnosed with a rare condition affecting mostly children. I was treated at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Child and Adolescent Oncology Center at Columbia University Medical Center and underwent 6 months of chemotherapy, one life changing experience, that would have been unbearable if it wasn't for the help I received by the integrative medicine team. Yoga, nutrition counseling & cooking classes, herbal remedies, reiki, aromatherapy, acupuncture helped me tremendously with the side effects I suffered. I learned a lot, as a human being, but also as a physician. My pediatric clinic offers all the wonderful therapies that made such a difference in my life. I have experienced the benefits of these therapies firsthand and because of this, I can highly recommend Integrative Strategies for Cancer Patients. This book is a rich resource for anyone, of any age, battling cancer.”
Anja Widmann, MD Clinica Oasis del Pacifico, Puerto Escondido, Mexico

“Coming from a family that unfortunately has cancer thread throughout the generations, the value of this book is limitless both mentally, physically, and soulfully. The importance of how to find ways to cope, not only as a patient, but also as a survivor, healing practitioner, and caregiver, with cancer side effects that will help to bring back some living of life and relief during these times. Through these integrative therapies you will find some positive peace within and with people around you, which will then hopefully radiate to some better outer well being and healing during this challenging journey. This is a true revolutionary new way of added caring treatment for cancer coming from the heart!”
Elisabeth Halfpapp Exhale Executive VP Movement Programming

“My cancer diagnosis and ensuing chemotherapy and radiation left me feeling lethargic, weak, and above all, powerless. Through working with the recommendations highlighted by Integrative Strategies for Cancer Patients, I learned about the links between diet and illness, and I have since radically altered my lifestyle. Three years later I am cancer-free and have never felt healthier or more energetic! This book has the potential to empower cancer patients to take control of their health and overcome the daunting obstacles they face.”
Chloe Greenbaum Cancer Survivor New York

Table of Contents

• The Role of Complementary Medicine and Cancer Treatment
• Communicating with Your Medical Team
• How To Use This Book
• Descriptions of Complementary Medicine Therapies
• Aromatherapy
• Chinese Medicine and Acupressure
• Herbal Teas
• Homeopathy
• Massage
• Nutrition
• Reflexology
• Supplements (Nutrition, Herbal)
• Visual Imagery
• Yoga
• Cancer Associated Side Effects
• Anxiety & Stress
• Chemo Brain
• Constipation
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Dry Mouth
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Hot Flashes
• Immune Suppression
• Insomnia
• Loss of Appetite
• Loss of Libido
• Lymphedema
• Mouth Sores
• Nausea & Vomiting
• Pain
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Radiation Burns
• Shortness of Breath
• Urinary Retention and Incontinence
• Appendices
• Appendix A Acupressure Point Instruction and Illustrations
• Appendix B Anatomical Muscle Reference Model
• Appendix C Reflexology Foot and Hand Reference Charts
• Appendix D Yoga Instruction and Illustrations
• Appendix E Glycemic Index
• Appendix F High Fiber Food Sources
• Appendix G Managing Food Portions
• Appendix H References
• Appendix I Resources
• Appendix J Metric Conversion Table