Well, not that limb... the kind of proverbial limb that might leave me hanging without a leg to stand on...
But... (I'm going there anyway...)
Is it just me, or is there a real disconnect between Traditional and Alternative Medicine? Like I mean, really a big disconnect, huge divide, talking Grand Canyon here...
We found it to be true when Mom first starting discussing treatment options with her oncologist.
He was a board-certified oncologist... in people speak that means he was a cancer doctor with lots and lots of schooling under his belt in traditional cancer medicine.
Traditional Cancer Treatment usually involves one of three things:
Surgery, Radiation or Chemotherapy
Some like to call it the Slash, Burn and Poison options. Those would be (you guessed it) the ones strongly opposed to Traditional Treatments.
Alternative Cancer Treatment can involve a huge number of options. From detoxification to oxygen therapy; a strict whole food diet and nutrition program to immunotherapy and a multitude of natural supplements and herbal remedies.
Of course, most oncologists look at the alternative, holistic treatments with like-minded scorn and consider many of the alternative practitioners to be nothing more than snake oil salesmen.
So where do we stand? Are we in the Traditional Camp? Or are we standing with the Alternative Camp?
And why, oh why, do we have to choose?
You may have guessed that I have many mixed emotions about this topic. Mom chose a traditional course of treatment, for the most part. But the holistic approach has much merit and we chose to use some of their wisdom during the journey as well.
Pancreatic Cancer is such a difficult cancer to battle. It doesn't help that so little funding has gone into researching a cure... which is probably the reason that Mom was given a standard course of treatment for her cancer... the gold standard, according to her doctor... the same treatment that had been used in treating pancreatic cancer for the past 20 years. Nothing newer, or better, had come along in all that time. And it wasn't even considered an effective treatment... it was just basically the only one her doctor could offer.
Gold Standard. Not even close.
And if your pancreatic cancer is inoperable. And if your doctor gives you a 3 to 6 month time line. And if the Gold Standard of traditional treatment will only prolong that timeline a few months. And if you will feel miserable with side effects most of that time... yes, my heart grieves, those are the questions that beg an answer.
In yesterday's post we followed young David on his journey to face the giant Goliath. He was pulled from all sides as he rose to the challenge.
* His brothers held him back and furiously questioned his reasoning.
* The soldiers recklessly tempted him with the lure of the King's bounty for the one who slays this Giant.
* Even the King tried to persuade the young boy-king to wear a coat of heavy armor that only served to bind his natural giftedness.
Perhaps you feel a little like David as you face the decisions before you. Your healthcare team might be recommending one thing, a friend may be encouraging you to try the all natural sure-fire cure he read about, your family might be questioning your choices... and you don't know which way to turn.
And yet, only you can make the decision for the type of treatment that best suits you... welcome the input from loved ones, from friends and your doctors. Learn all you can, for knowledge is power. And as you listen and research and come to terms with what you value most, you will find that the decisions slowly begin to take care of themselves.
As David journeyed on from his victory over Goliath, the Lord granted him a strong support team in the loyal friendship and service of his legendary band of Mighty Men. (II Samuel 23) These men were mighty in Valor, mighty in Faith, and anointed with the power of God. Their acts of heroism are recorded for our example. They were not afraid to risk and to sacrifice. They offered their lives on the altar of the king. What a support team for the fight...
May you be Graced with your very own band of Mighty Men and Women to support you in this fight... Asking for wisdom and peace and hope anew as we Journey this cancer road.
In Grace Always, Jane
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