The Natural Connection

We have all heard those words at some time in our life. Perhaps it was the mortifying moment when your prom date pointed at the small drool of spinach lasagna that was easing its way from your fork to the lapel of your rented tuxedo.

Or maybe the time that your daughter lost control of the pickle relish and ruined your new silk blouse. Luckily, enzymatic detergents were invented for such occasions, and with a little luck and elbow grease, all will be like new in a few hours.

But for many people, the mention of a spot comes in the small, cold, confines of their doctor’s office. There is a shadow, a spot, something not quite right on the chest x-ray or the mammogram. With the whisper of that four -letter word-“spot”- life hits a bend in the road. 

The unknown and the unfathomable lie beyond the line of sight. The world has suddenly become a dark and scary place, where spots become like little Pac-men chewing their way through our sense of safety, stability, and self-esteem.

The diagnosis of a life-threatening illness in yourself or a loved one is a terrifying and paralyzing event. How or will I survive this? Who will care for my family? Will I be in pain? What should I do next? What will happen next? How could this happen to me?

Usually, the diagnosis of cancer or other serious condition is shortly followed by a mind and body- numbing marathon of complicated medical procedures, medications, and visits to specialists. The patient barely has the time to ask his or her doctor a question, before being shuttled off to the next appointment, blood test, or x-ray examination. Or more commonly, there are so many questions, that you don’t know where to begin. 

For patients and families struggling with navigating the unfamiliar labyrinth of cancer and its myriad of potential therapies, I find that it is helpful to have a sort of cancer road map. One excellent publication that I recommend to my patients is called “Fighting Cancer”, and is available free of charge by calling the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-433-0464). 

The first requirement of any patient who wishes to fight their cancer, is solid information and knowledge about their condition. It is generally recommended that all patients with a diagnosis of cancer receive a consultation from a Board Certified Oncologist, or cancer specialist. It is helpful to bring a notebook with your questions to your doctor visits. In particular, you should ask your doctor to explain in clear language the answers to the following questions:

1. What kind of cancer do I have?
2. What are all the possible treatments for it?
3. What are the advantages or disadvantages of each?
4. What are the expected side effects of each treatment?
5. What do you recommend and why?
6. When will you know if the treatment is working and how?
7. What is there if this doesn’t work?
8. What should I do if I have a question or a problem with my treatment?
9. Exactly what is my next step?
10. When am I going to see you again?
11. Are there any supplemental treatments, vitamins, or nutritional supplements that would help my treatments?
12. Why should I not get an independent second opinion?

For further information you may write to The Natural Connection, c/o Pauline Bellecci MD, PO Box 777, Waycross, GA 31502 or contact us on our website www.swampdocs.com

“Fighting Cancer” is also available on-line at www.blochcancer.org

©2000-2003 Pauline M. Bellecci, MD