If the diagnosis is cancer, chances are
you and your doctor want to take a pretty aggressive approach to remove it and
make sure it’s gone for good. That’s wise, however, there are sometimes when
the more aggressive approach is more aggressive than necessary for the
condition at hand. There are procedures in some cases that can preserve your
quality of life while still proving extremely effective at eradicating cancer.
The key is knowing about them, when to ask about them, and how to find an
oncologist skilled in performing alternative treatments effectively when
they’re indicated.
Common cancers such as prostate and
breast, for example, do have alternative treatment methods that preserve the body
inasmuch as possible while targeting the cancer directly. If your doctor hasn’t
discussed all the alternatives with you, here are some tips to open the lines
of communication:
Play an active role
in treatment discussions – Do your homework to understand the type of cancer
you have and all the options for treating it. Ask about recommendations and
don’t be afraid to step back to formulate questions about procedures.
Ask for alternative
options – If your doctor is recommending prostate removal, for example, ask
about seed implant therapy and if that would be right in your case. Breast
cancer patients, too, may discover mammosite therapy could work in their case,
especially in the early stages of the disease. If your doctor won’t discuss
these therapies, seek out a second opinion. It may be that your cancer has
progressed too far, or it could be your doctor doesn’t perform these lifesaving
procedures.
Be open and honest
about everything – You and your doctor make a team when it comes to fighting
cancer. Be sure to answer questions thoroughly and ask questions when you don’t
understand something. Never be afraid to questions.
