The Stages of Cancer: Treatment and Side Effects
You or a loved one might have questions regarding the stages of cancer, the treatments typically prescribed, and how to deal with the side effects of those sometimes aggressive treatments. This article will focus on answering each of those questions. Always consult with your health care practitioner before you start any new diet program.
Let’s begin with the stages of Cancer. In stage zero there are a small number of cancerous cells in one area. Stages I, II and III progress into how involved the cancerous cells are, affecting both the local area and nearby organs. Stage IV involves other areas and organs, with numerous metastases or spreading, and this stage is often referred to as terminal.
There are many treatment systems used for cancer, depending on the severity and type of cancer. Chemotherapy is the most well known, using chemicals to inhibit the reproduction of cancerous cells. Radiation is sometimes used to inhibit the cancer cell growth or shrink tumors. Surgery is another option, removing the cancerous tissues. Immunotherapy involves treating the immune system, either stimulating or inhibiting through nutrition or drugs. Transplant therapy takes healthy stem cell or bone marrow and is placed as a reminder to the other cells to grow healthier.
The Side Effects of cancer treatment protocols (includes, but aren’t limited to) the following. The most common: nausea; delayed healing; hair loss; nail changes; digestive problems; pain; loss of smell, taste, or weight; fatigue, anxiety and depression.
The less common side affects in cancer treatment include: allergies; shock; blood pressure changes; serious infections; seizures; vision problems, and etc. Long Term: mental problems; heart attacks (especially from chemotherapy); increased malignancies, and certain death.
Two simple ways to offset side effects: First we have Diet. High protein and high calorie, with plenty of liquids; in small servings spread throughout the day, rather than two or three larger meals. Suggestions include lean meat (no/low red meat); lots of veggies (especially cruciferous*); whole grain products/fiber; non acidic fruits, juices, and sauces; smoothies, shakes, yogurt, cottage cheese, gravies; and lots of water.
The next in the top two self-care side effect therapies is energy healing. The beneficial effects of Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, and Quantum Healing are well documented. The benefits range from decreased mental, physical, emotional stress and pain; balancing bodily processes; and increased healing responses.Energy healing sessions increase the body’s ability to survive.
What else should be considered in the treatment of cancer? Many report that their taste changes. Not in clothing or music, but their sense of taste. There is immense pleasure in the taste of foods, and many report a loss of this sensation, or a metallic taste. What can you do to help? Provide smaller portions, vent odors, and make sure the food is easy to chew and digest. Have some hard candies available to help stimulate saliva, which will in turn aid digestion. Add a little juice for more flavor.
And last, but not least, when doing energy work on someone with cancer, be gentle; don’t overwhelm them, and give them time to respond. You can serve in an important role as a caregiver, practitioner, healer or friend.
