Topic: Integrative Medicine conference

Dear Sisters,

I just returned from an inspiring and informative one-day conference on New Directions in Integrative Cancer Care. It was held at the Commonweal grounds (see www.commonweal.org) in beautiful northern California (Bolinas).

Commonweal alums and friends were invited to attend the first day of the three-day professional
conference (attendees were from US and abroad) and we were privileged to hear from
many presenters who spoke on the current direction and recent findings on integrative cancer care (translation: incorporating practices such as mind-body meditation, guided imagery, nutrition, herbal and nutritional supplements, exercise, spirituality exercise, chronotherapy, etc.) with traditional chemotherapy, surgery and/or radiation therapy.

There were some giants there (Dr. Keith Block – out of Evanston IL – a pioneer of integrative psychobiological cancer therapies ( www.blockmd.com), Dr. Mark Renneker, (a pioneer in providing services as a medical consultant for people with serious illnesses, including cancer, who can thoroughly research every aspect of your particular case and can coordinate care or find practitioners who will), Dr. Jeremy Geffen (a medical oncologist and founder of Geffen Visions in Boulder, CO (www.geffenvisions.com), Dr.Dean Ornish, (a real pioneer in implementing an integrative approach to heart disease treatment and who has actually proven that by incorporating good nutrition, diet, exercise, stress reduction and support groups, heart disease can be reversed), and many other experts too numerous to name here.. The conference was lead by, Michael Lerner, co-founder of Commonweal and Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts and co-founder of both centers’ Cancer Help Programs and author of Choices in Healing (a highly recommended book for those of you interested in strongly academically-researched traditional and alternative approaches to treatment and healing.

For those of us metsters with active disease, who daily tread the line between hope and hopelessness, this conference was a shot of hope and optimism and, for at least one day, “it was a very good day,” as Watson has often reminded us of our beloved Joanne’s remark. Integrative medicine is not a panacea. There are limitations in any kind of treatment and sometimes no matter what one does, disease progression continues. But, I think what really helped me, is realizing that there are options that we have (other than just another chemo) and things we can do to improve our quality, and maybe quantity, of life.

Without taking up all the “paper” here, I just want to let you all know there is possibility. Alternative approaches include stress reduction, good nutrition, spirituality, herbal and nutritional supplementation designed to your specific need, exercise, acupuncture and others– all working together with traditional medical approaches to enhance a synergistic response for a positive outcome. The real issue and the one that needs the most attention right now, is how to get all these services available in one center, with all practitioners working together to devise an individualized plan AND (ta-da) covered by Medicare and the insurance companies.

I have only touched the surface, so to speak, but I wanted to share this incredible event with you and am happy to answer more questions, should there be any. If your oncologist doesn’t think outside the box, there are places and professionals to turn to that might help the process along - if you want.

Best wishes and blessings to all.

Jeanne


Dx 12/2005 Stage IV, Grade 3, mets ER+ PR- Her/2-
[Edit] [Delete]