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fauxgypsy · 02-20-2009, 08:25 PM

I have mixed feelings. I would love to believe. And medical science has proved, with placebos, that sometimes belief is enough (http://skepdic.com/placebo.html). But not all the time, and not for everything. I have had experiences that are beyond what some might believe, but I did not turn my back on conventional medicine. Every day conventional medicine upholds the value of another alternative medicine that they discounted previously. I think that you should follow your heart and intellect and not your fears. If you feel like it might help and it is not obviously quackery designed to make money and prey upon people's fears it might help in some way. However, if it goes against everything you believe, then it is probably not a path you want to follow. Balance is always important, and anything that will help you through this, physically or emotionally, can be important. For me. it might be reading Deppak Chopra or Wayne Dyer, for another it might be the prayers of their church members. If you are not comfortable with it, it probably won't help you.

On the flip side, it is important not to trust your doctor blindly. I know this first hand. Knowledge is power. You can be the expert in your cancer diagnosis. They do not have time to follow up everything for every patient. I am not saying disregard your doctor, but if at any time, you are uncomfortable with decisions he is making, be sure and ask questions, and if necessary, get another opinion.

Good luck,

Leslie

02-20-2009, 08:25 PM	#4
fauxgypsy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 600	I have mixed feelings. I would love to believe. And medical science has proved, with placebos, that sometimes belief is enough (http://skepdic.com/placebo.html). But not all the time, and not for everything. I have had experiences that are beyond what some might believe, but I did not turn my back on conventional medicine. Every day conventional medicine upholds the value of another alternative medicine that they discounted previously. I think that you should follow your heart and intellect and not your fears. If you feel like it might help and it is not obviously quackery designed to make money and prey upon people's fears it might help in some way. However, if it goes against everything you believe, then it is probably not a path you want to follow. Balance is always important, and anything that will help you through this, physically or emotionally, can be important. For me. it might be reading Deppak Chopra or Wayne Dyer, for another it might be the prayers of their church members. If you are not comfortable with it, it probably won't help you. On the flip side, it is important not to trust your doctor blindly. I know this first hand. Knowledge is power. You can be the expert in your cancer diagnosis. They do not have time to follow up everything for every patient. I am not saying disregard your doctor, but if at any time, you are uncomfortable with decisions he is making, be sure and ask questions, and if necessary, get another opinion. Good luck, Leslie __________________ In the world of destiny, there are no statistics. Jan. 26- mammogram and ultrasound- suspicious lump Mid-February- lumpectomy, infiltrating ductal carcinoma ~4.5 cm and a 1 cm DCIS, did not get clear margins, did not check lymph nodes ER+/PR+, her2 +++, nuclear grade 3 of 3 February 20-PET scan showed something on liver. No biopsy. March- Started carboplatin, herceptin, taxol on a four week cycle May 3- Pet scan, with intent to do a biopsy, found nothing, liver or breast- no biopsy because there is nothing to biopsy June 21- new onc, very concerned that there had been no biopsy, June 18th-CAT scan, bone scan-negative August 7th - Brain MRI-negative August 9th- mastectomy, all pathology negative January 2008 still NED! New oncologist -herceptin for full year after chemo- until July, and tamoxifen---negative scans since May '07 July 2008-Finished Herceptin! Last edited by fauxgypsy; 02-20-2009 at 08:36 PM.. Reason: Wanted to say more.