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It is not headline news that a holistic approach to cancer care is mandatory to successful cancer management. Overwhelming data has proven that cancer patients respond far better and greatly improve their quality of life when involved in an exercise program, have a strong belief system and have a supportive social structure in place. However, what is headline news is that patients must be the ones responsible for obtaining and coordinating this holistic plan of care for themselves. The health system is too burdened these days to provide holistic care for all cancer patients.
Holistic care is defined as an integration of your medical, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs into one plan of care. Cancer patients must approach their care holistically and not just focus on the tumor. Surviving cancer and healthy survivorship requires that all parts of the body, mind and spirit are mobilized and in sync.
So how does the cancer patient do it now? You must first find the best cancer doctor (oncologist) you can. They will manage your tumor and if you’re lucky, they might have the resources to help you design your holistic care plan. If not, then you’ve got to plan it yourself. We can help you.
Your holistic plan will be uniquely yours to design. People have different needs and at different times. Don’t forget to have a plan for all of the parts which are required for healthy survivorship. This is what you need to do:
- Focus on the medical and physical – plan your exercise and nutrition. Pick a diet and an exercise regimen and get going. Optimize medications and sleep patterns to manage your energy. Get help with managing the side effects and get rid of the pain. Involve your primary care doctor, dentist, pharmacist and any other health professionals already on your case.
- Take on the mental – organize the finances, the job, the living wills and the everyday chores. Maintain good health records. Involve the financial counselor, social worker, case manager, make a friend at the insurance agency, enlist an advocate at work and rally the troops. Say yes to help from friends and neighbors.
- Explore the emotional - manage the relationships with the family and the friends. Experience the sorrow and the joy. Use a counselor or a friend. Consider complementary medicine. Try acupuncture or aromatherapy. Involve a support group or schedule a massage.
- Seek the spiritual – gain the peace of mind and take the journey. Involve your pastor, rabbi, or spiritual mentor. Help others. Read, reflect and pray. Science has proven patients of faith do better. Learn the lessons and pass them on.
Don’t be overwhelmed with it all. The NavigateCancer Foundation helps patients help themselves and provides patients with the necessary tools to design and create their own holistic care.
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