In the early days of my practice (1970′s), complementary and alternative medicine were, at the very least, not accepted by mainstream medicine. People had to be at the end of their options to come to someone like me. And then, of course, there were the patients/people who turned away from Western medical treatments due to a bad experience or memory of a friend or relative who had one. They came, in large numbers, looking for hope and help with alternatives.
So many times I was asked by a new patient if I thought they could be helped. Many times this question was asked by someone nearly at the end of their life or at least nearing the end of help available to them from the scientific communiity and Western Medicine.
I have always been the kind of professional who believes in the best of both worlds. Fortunately, there are huge inroads now with the marrying of both Eastern and Western concepts and treatments. Granted there will always be die hards, but they are becoming outnumbered as the reality of the facts are coming in proving the efficacy of the utilization of multi disciplinary modalities.
Believing in the best of both worlds, I made it a practice to encourage people coming to see us, to work with a willing oncologist or specialist. While the patient may have chosen to refuse Western treatments or surgery, the fact that they were being monitored still gave them important feedback about their condition along the way. Really, the team approach is so much more valuable to patients. If everyone is working together for the ultimate well-being and care of the patient, it can bring about a better outcome.
Searching for answers, people found me.They came by train and plane from places where they could not get the support they needed from Western physicians unless they were willing to comply with the protocol determined for them. Actually, I always saw myself as a bridge. My intention was to do the best I could to offer people whatever I thought could make a difference while at the same time making part of the recommendations that they be open to work also with willing physicians. In time, many of the patients in those days saw the benefits of having the best of both worlds and, in fact, even accepted Western treatments because they felt safe and supported.
In 1976, I had the honor of cultivating an excellent working relationshiip with one of the top oncologists in RI at the time. This oncologist was a gem among gems. He was known for his famous bowties and his stage presence which was a bit of a combination of father knows best and a brillant scientist. He smiled, he laughed, he was tender and most of all, while he was a physician dedicated to his expertise, he was open to give the patient the right to be involved in the decision making process. We continued that connection for 19 years. I brought many patients to him.
The nicest thing for me personally was he observed that my patients appeared to get better faster, and stayed better longer. He used to always, almost in a whisper say, ‘I don’t know what you are doing, but keep it up!” A lot of people were helped. Of course, this is all anecdotal, since, in those days, no one would consider doing a serious study with alternatives. There were virtually none of the things we make available to patients today: counseling, support groups, meditation, acupuncture, healthy and natural nutritional advice, among others.
The reason I am sharing this with you, is to remind you that it is key to your total health and peace of mind to find your own team of people who are willing to work together for one ultimate goal- That is, that you receive the best possible care. At this time, it is possible to have a multidisciplinary team of experts all willing to respect each others expertise and work together for your ultimate good. Granted, it will take persistence, patience, and well rewarded effort to find your team.
This article will be continued…..