In March 1999, the Institute of Medicine issued a report stating that THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) is useful for treating cancer pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and poor appetite/wasting. According to a MAMM magazine article published in their Nov/Dec 1999 issue, 21% of patients do not get relief from any of the anti-nausea drugs available (and there are now quite a few). In one small study 78% of that group did get relief from "smokable" marijuana. You can check out MAMM magazine at www.mamm.com The magazine is subtitled Women, Cancer and Community. Studies have indicated that acupuncture can reduce pain, including chronic pain. Alpha Lipoic Acid haws been indicated for use in dealing with nerve death-neuropathy. This can be caused by the taxols used in chemotherapy and is becoming quite a problem for patients who have been through this type of regimen. Since this is a non toxic anti oxidant, it may be worth trying. Several studies have used alpha lipoic acid with diabetics at intravenous doses of 200 mgs and 600 mgs. Ann's NOTE: As always, you must start at a low dosage and work your way up to see if you have a negative reaction (reminder-that may include headache, dizziness, stomach upset, etc). You can find some other ideas under the Treatment section, entititled Tips and Techniques (surgery, etc.) From the April 2005 journal Seminars in Oncology Online (April 2005 • Volume 32 • Number 2): "Increasing attention is being paid to the emotional and psychosocial needs of cancer patients. As a result of huge advances in early detection and in treatment modalities, there now are millions of cancer survivors in the United States. There has been a realization that cancer survivors have distinct psychosocial needs. As cancer survivors live longer, reduction of psychological distress has been recognized as being an important part of having an improved quality of life. There have been numerous changes in the field of psychosocial oncology since it first began 25 years ago. Guidelines now exist for the definition of distress and decision trees are available for making the appropriate referrals. Advances in pharmacologic treatment for depression and anxiety have made it possible to decrease distress and increase coping in cancer patients undergoing treatment as well as in cancer survivors. Numerous individual and group therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in improving mood and quality of life in cancer patients and those at high risk for developing cancer. Due to the forthright efforts of cancer patients, there are now many organizations and list serves (e-mailing lists) that cancer survivors can turn to for help before, during, and after cancer treatment. Finally, with the rapid expansion of the internet not only are there websites available as resources, but also the creation of interactive online support is becoming a reality. One of the most important issues in providing supportive care to cancer patients in the future is to meet the individual needs of patients and provide the type of psychological therapy that will work best for them", Kathryn M. Kash * Rajnish Mago Elisabeth J.S. Kunkel Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA *Address reprint requests to Kathryn M. Kash, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Thomas Jefferson University, 833 Chestnut East-Suite 210, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Email address: kathryn.kash@jefferson.edu (Kathryn M. Kash) But an ice cap does that too Gene Therapy For Hair Restoration Pulsed Electrostatic Fields to Reduce Hair Loss Scalp-cooling System Studied Ayervedic Hair Care Fas Signaling Involved in Control of Hair Follicles Absence of Hair Loss May Show Treatment FAILURE Hair Loss w/Chemo- Why Scalp Cooling Techniques Ignored Think your way to a stronger immune system/Reduce stress Soft-Belly Meditation Behavioral Intervention For Cancer Treatment Side Effects Roger Jahnke, O.M.D. Hypnosis Meaning Mandala Relaxation w/Guided Imagery Eases Cancer Distress Ayervedic Tip on Reducing Stress Support from Furry Friends Andrea Zojourner, PhD: Stress Management by Phone Music as Medicine Stress Management: BCa Pts Using Healing Breath Autogenic Training - Meditation Technique Art as Therapy/Art.Rage.Us and More Stress Influences Aging Factors & Immune System Effect of Meditation on Serum Nitric Oxide/Lipid Peroxidatn Book: "You Are Never Alone: Prayers & Meditations..." Retreats/Spas/Healing Places Spiritual Fitness for Healing Cancer REIKI Journal of American Medical Assoc. 2000 Acupuncture Calms Nerves, Improves Heart Function University of Vermont Confirms Acupuncture Acupuncture for Cancer Patients Relief of Cancer-related Breathlessness Integration of Acupuncture into the Oncology Clinic Patient Perspectives on Outcomes After Acupuncture Acupuncture for Meno-symptoms w/Tamoxifen Use Acupuncture for Xerostomia (Saliva Problem) Pediatric Pain & Acupuncture acupuncture sensation correlates w EEGs & autonomic changes in human subjects Availability of Acupuncture in (Boston) Hospitals Adverse Effects During Acupuncture-Minimal Phase I-II Study Acupuncture-like Nerve Stim:Head/Neck Ca Ear Acupuncture Found to be Effective for Relieving Insomnia Acupuncture Abstracts SIO 2006 Randomized Controlled Trial for Acupuncture? "Acupressure for chemo-induced nausea & vomiting: a randomized clinical trial," LINK One stop shopping for products to help alleviate cancer treatment side effects. Products for skincare, haircare, oral care, radiation burns, & nutritional items. Articles, Links, Studies Crisis of Breast Biopsy:Testing Reiki Intervention Reiki for Fibromyalgia Studied in Seattle Reflexology Helps Those with Cancer What is Reiki? Dr. Nate Leibowitz (from healthy.net) Works on the pressure points on the wrists Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training Electroacupuncture/Delayed Nausea Nausea/Vomiting: Acupressure Wristbands Nausea/Emesis BIG Problem Acupressure Bands Vs. Droperidol Nausea Peppermint for Nausea Clinical/Experimental Studies: Acupuncture Nause/Vomiting Reuters Health, 8/01 Clinical Trial for Insomnia-11/02 Yoga Therapy: Pscyhotherapeutic Intervention (Bca) Yoga for Fatigue After Breast Ca Treatment Deep Yoga Breathing Reduces Stress/High Blood Pressure Healing Yoga for People Living with Cancer BOOK Iyengar method of Yoga & Immune Benefits Exercise & yoga improves QoL women w/early-stage breast ca Lancet Oncology, 12/02 Calendula Officinalis For Radiation of Breast Abana, Polyherbal Drug After Total Body Irradiation Tea extracts repair radiotherapy skin damage Use of TCM as complement to radiation Various articles Home-based Walking Reduces Fatigue Exercise (Studies) Exercise Boosts Immune System Breast Fitness An Optimal Exercise and Health Plan Exercising After Cancer Boosts QoL Reducing Frailty/Falls w/Tai Chi (Elderly) Chronic Exercise & Phys Fitness Level:Pharmacokinetics Moderate Exercise during Radiation Tx Reduces Fatigue Circadian Rhythm, Lung Function & Exercise Being Overweight May be Helpful-Being Thin May Not Alicethenics:Exercises to Increase Freedom of Movement Combining Physical Activity & Diet to Improve Cancer Outcomes Articles on Insomnia- many techniques Terry Willard: Herbal Advice for Insomnia David L. Hoffman, B.Sc: Insomnia Advice Janet Zand, Naturopathic Phys: Insomnia Dana Ullman, MPH on Insomnia Advice and Information on Insomnia Poppy Seeds (Ayurvedic) Clinical Trial for Insomnia-11/02 Butternut Squash/Pumpkin Seeds for Insomnia Just Relax Managing Insomnia: Physicians w/ Non-Drug Options Sleep Helps Cancer Recovery Ear Acupuncture Found to be Effective for Relieving Insomnia Articles and links Aromatherapy Skills Taught at MD Anderson Cancer Ctr Lavender & Rosemary Enhance FRSA & Decrease Cortisol Effectiveness of Aromatherapy Massage Biological effects of essential oils – A review A Study Standards Needed for Mucositis Toxicity Tea Tree Oil-antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal AES-14 for Oral Mucositis Low Power Laser for Oral Mucositis - GOOD Results Prevention of 5-fluorouracil-related stomatitis by Oral Cryotherapy J Heart & Lung Transplantation, J CardioPulmonary Rehabiliation, May 2001 Traumeel S Cancer J, 2001 J Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 2001 Meditation May Boost Immune System Hypnosis for Hot Flashes in BCa Survivors Stress Hormone epinephrine Causes Changes ca cells The Mind Prepared: Hypnosis in Surgery Science Daily, 10/01 Acupuncture Aids Nausea After Surgery Univ of Vermont Confirms Acupuncture Effect Lancet, 9/01 What/When to EAT Before Surgery Grape-Seed Extract Speeds Wound Recovery New Gauze Promotes healing Silver Ion Wound Healing RCT of Tissue Adhesive For Wound Closure Leeches Approved for Skin Grafts/Reattachment Surgery Aloe Vera Gel for Wound Healing Wound Healing HELPED by Exercise - Older Adults Hydrogen peroxide could cause absorbable sutures to come apart Antibiotics and Vitamins Work Together Source: Traditional Chinese Medicine World, Fall 2001, Vol 3, No 3 Not necessarily about cancer but contribute to our belief in natural medicine Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever Sweat Contains a Natural Antibiotic Four Natural Anti-bacterial/viral Agents Ultrasound Therapy DOES NOT Heal Muscle Wounds Cinnamon: Diabetes/Heart Disease/Brain Power/MORE Bee Venom Blocks Arthritis Inflammation Shingles & Vit C Articles on Kava Kava from various resources Germany Revokes License for Medicines w/Kava-Kava Kava Vindicated Flavokawain (Kava Kava extract) & Bladder Ca Cells FDA Issues MedWatch Alert on Kava Kava Kava Scare Kava feeding in rats NO liver injury nor enhance galactosamine-induced hepatitis BBC News story 1/23/02 Music Reduces Surgery Stress Enjoyable Music During Surgery : Less General Anesthesia Barry Bittman, MD Director, Mind-Body Wellness Center Wound Repair Regeneration, 8/02 Potato-based Powder Stops Bleeding Articles, links, abstracts, etc. Before treatment, during and after Online: Sexuality & Cancer (USA/UK) Subjective QoL & Sexual Functioning: Germ-Cell Tumor Therapy Product to Help with Vaginal Dryness Help For Sexual Problems: Men & Partners Post-treatment Sexual Adjust:Cervi/Endo Ca Patterns of Change in Marital Relationships:Parents of Kids w/Ca Sexual Healthcare Needs of Women Aged 65+ Sexuality, Intimacy and Gyn Cancer Changes in Sexual Function BCA After Adjv Thrpy "Intimacy After Cancer" - Book for Women and Partners Fertility issues in survivors from adolescent cancers Liz Meyer sent this, 10/02 Prevention of Chemo Diarrhea w/Oral Alkalization Clove Tea for Diarrhea University of Wales Inst, 11/02 NY Presbyterian Hospital, Advance for Nurses, 5/03 Am J Gastroenterol, 2001 Constipation & Breast Cancer Kiwi Helps Ann Fonfa's Advice on Resolving Constipation Clinical Response to Dietary Fiber Ayer-Vedic Tip on 'Elimination' Children and Constipation/Enemas Outlet Dysfunction Constipation Enema-induced Perforation of Rectum Colonic Hydrotherapy (irrigation) Methylnaltrexone: Treats Opioid-induced Constipation Chronic Constipation -Defining the Problem: MD Approaches Zelnorm Taken OFF the Market (FDA Requested) Advanced Cancer Patients & Constipation Issues Low Magnesium Intake & Low Intake of Water from Foods= Constipation Various sources Neuropathy Systemic Artemin & Neuropathy Treatment & Care of Neurotoxicity Oral Cannabinoids: Neuropathic Pain Ascorbic Acid for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Urea Cream Used w/Hand Foot Syndrome:Capecitabine Vit E Neuroprotective w/Cisplatin Acetyl-L Carnitine Improves Diabetic Neuropathy Acupuncture Reduces Pain, Neuropathy Anodyne Therapy for Neuropathy Treatment of (alcoholic) Polyneuropathy w/ Vit B Complex Oral Glutamine Effective Prevents Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathy Colorectal Ca Pts Psychological Review, 6/03 Empathy is in the Brain/Placebo Effect Too Applied Nursing Research, 11/03 Effects of Footbathing on autonomic nerve & immune function LINK to their page on reducing unwanted effects Oncology Nursing Forum, 1/04 Mental exercises from www.drdharma.com JAMA, 5/04 Radiocontrast Nephropathy:Increase in Serum Creatine LINK to "non-profit support network of cancer suvivors who serve the emotional/psychological needs of recently diagnosed and family. All free of charge J Clin Onc 7/01 Links and information WHYME House Foundation, Inc Breast Cancer Research, 12/07 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.