The Stages of Cancer: Treatment and Side Effects
The following article is in response to requests for more detailed information about the stages of cancer, treatments, and ways to negate side effects. NOTE: as always, consult your doctor or practitioner for exact food/diet suggestions, as not everything works for all people.
Cancer takes it time to become know in the body. The stages of cancer are determined by the number of cells involved and the spread of those cancerous cells to other parts of the body. Stage zero begins with a few cells localized in one area. In the next three stages, I, II, and III, the cancerous cells begin spreading to nearby organs and increase in their rate of growth. In stage IV, often referred to as terminal cancer, the affect is now metastases, affecting many other organs and tissues.
The typical treatment protocols for cancer vary as to the type of cancer and the current stage. Surgical treatment may be used to cut out the cancerous cells. Radiation may be used to kill the cancer cells or shrink cancerous tumors. Chemotherapy is another treatment that inhibits the growth of cancer through drugs or chemicals. Immunotherapy is a nutrient or drum treatment that either stimulates inhibits the immune system. Transplant therapy uses healthy bone or stem cell tissues to give a reminder to cells of a healthy environment.
The Side Effects of cancer treatment protocols (includes, but aren’t limited to) the following. The most common: nausea; delayed healing; hair loss; nail changes; digestive problems; pain; loss of smell, taste, or weight; fatigue, anxiety and depression.
The less common side affects in cancer treatment include: allergies; shock; blood pressure changes; serious infections; seizures; vision problems, and etc. Long Term: mental problems; heart attacks (especially from chemotherapy); increased malignancies, and certain death.
How do we downplay the side effects caused by cancer treatment? There are two powerful methods. First we have diet. A healthy diet includes lean non-red meats, fiber and whole grains, plenty of vegetables, especially the cruciferous variety, and lots of water. In addition: gravies, cottage cheese, yogurt and shakes, and non-acidic fruits. It is recommended that these meals be divided into multiple small meals throughout the day.
The next in the top two self-care side effect therapies is energy healing. The beneficial effects of Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, and Quantum Healing are well documented. The benefits range from decreased mental, physical, emotional stress and pain; balancing bodily processes; and increased healing responses.Energy healing sessions increase the body’s ability to survive.
There are many other helpful tips in dealing with the stages of cancer, treatment and side affects. Many who endure those strong cancer treatments have complained of changes to their taste. Most of us do not consider the pleasure we derive from the taste of our food, and to remove that taste or change it to a metallic taste often affects our ability to eat. Add a little juice for a better flavor. Serve smaller portions, and make sure food is easy to chew and digest. Provide hard candies to stimulate saliva production and aid digestion.
Remember to be patient and gentle, regardless of the treatment or interaction. There are many helpful healing aids we can provide through energy healing, therapeutic touch, massage therapy, and other interactive sessions. Allow the patient time to react and respond.