Category Archives: Cancer Care Tips

Cancer Care Tips, Testimonials

The Secret Tips on Beating Cancer from Survivors

Its Good
Beating Cancer

For cancer patients, advice and knowledge from people who have experienced the same anguish, pain, and worry that they are currently experiencing can be some of the most important medicine they receive. It can make the difference between giving in to the disease or finding the necessary strength within themselves to overcome cancer. At Issels® Integrative Immuno-Oncology, part of our mission is to empower cancer patients by providing them with the information they need to make informed choices about their treatment and to live their life to the fullest.

UPLIFT

UPLIFT: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors is a collection of interesting and sometimes amusing anecdotes from women who have experienced and survived breast cancer. They are various ages and come from different backgrounds, but they are all part of the sisterhood that has faced a cancer diagnosis, dealt with the harsh side effects of treatment, and overcome this horrible disease. They share the same goal of empowering other women by sharing the strategies and tips that helped them find the right support groups, cope with hair loss, and manage their relationships with family and friends.

Remain positive

Well meaning friends and family often make it is easy to slide into a negative frame of mind and focus on the worst aspects of your situation. This book maintains a consistently upbeat tone. Each breast cancer survivor in UPLIFT serves up encouragement and inspiration. They know firsthand that wallowing in self-pity is a pointless waste of time and energy for every cancer patient.

View testimonials from our Issels® family of cancer survivors and contact us to learn more about our personalized immuno-oncology treatments.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Care Tips

National Cancer Institute Is Emphasizing Spirituality in Cancer Care

Your Body Knows Best
Spirituality

After receiving a diagnosis of cancer, it’s natural to have questions that can’t be answered by your care givers or loved ones. You may wonder about life’s purpose and meaning and where you fit in the universe. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends making spirituality a major part of your care resources.

The role of spiritual coping

Most adults in America define themselves as a follower of a specific religion. Even those who don’t often believe in God or a higher power and live their lives based on certain doctrines.

Patients often find great comfort in reaffirming their spiritual beliefs to cope with the uncertainty and anxiety caused by their illness. Your particular beliefs and traditions can also help as you and your health care provider make important decisions about treatment.

Your spirituality offers valuable guidelines to your health care providers and other care givers as well. Spiritual and religious beliefs are intensely personal, which makes it difficult for many patients to bring up the topic. Don’t be reluctant about proactively initiating these discussions.

What is the difference between spirituality and religion?

The two terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Religion usually involves a formal set of practices within an organized group. Spirituality is a more individual concept referring to your beliefs about the meaning of life and your connection with others. You can be highly spiritual without belonging to a specific religion.

Our natural immuno-oncology treatments are personalized to take into account your lifestyle and other individual factors. Contact us to learn more about our innovative program.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Care Tips

Some Health Providers Alter Cancer Care Payments by Bundling

Reducing Cancer Care Costs
Reducing Cancer Care Costs

A new payment method for treating certain types of is cancer being tried by the country’s largest health insurer. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) has announced they will soon launch a pilot program with Houston based MD Anderson Cancer Center. Rather than multiple fee-for-service payments, UNH will pay the cancer center a single bundled payment for treatment of head and neck cancer.

Eliminate billing inefficiencies

The innovative payment plan is to last for three years. Studies have shown that paying several individual fees for testing, radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy cost more than the bundled payment method. UNH believes they can eliminate cost brought on by bureaucratic red tape and give both doctors and patients a better idea what the treatment will cost before it is underway.

Better coordination among doctors

Cancer treatment and related drug cost account for about 11 percent of UNH’s health plan expenditures. While treatment of head and neck cancer is a small part of that, it does involve physicians of various specialties. They will have to work together more closely under the bundled payment plan. If the pilot program does prove successful, UNH plans to expand it to the treatment of other types of cancer.

Our Approach is Different

These are just two of the many types of cancers that Issels® Integrative Immuno-Oncology has successfully kept in remission for thousands of patients. Without the problem of bundling by such as by some providers, Issels® is able to provide the treatment that you need instead of a “cookie cutter” approach.

For more information about the highly personalized treatment protocols, non-toxic cancer vaccines, and cell therapies used by Issels® Integrative Immuno-Oncology, contact us today. Our therapies are based on 60 years of successful cancer treatment and extensive scientific research.

Cancer Care Tips, Living with Cancer, Uncategorized

Ten Herbs and Vitamins to Steer Clear of While in Chemo or Radiation

What Not To Get During Chemo
What Not To Get During Chemo

Herbs and other supplements can provide an added boost for patients with cancer. In many cases, alternative cancer therapies can succeed where standard therapies have failed.

However, in some cases, complementary medicines that are recommended for some patients can actually have adverse effects on certain other patients. An herb may be excellent for one form of cancer and hazardous for another. In all cases, patients should confirm recommendations with a doctor before taking supplements.

These products may not be prescription drugs, but they do have a powerful ability to interact with chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and anti-cancer medicines.

Below are common supplements with anti-cancer properties that may also cause serious problems if taken during other treatments. Consult the American Cancer Society website or other trusted sources for a helpful guide to vitamins, minerals, and herbal medicines.

1. Fish oil: May induce bleeding if you have a low platelet count.

2. Ginger: Also may induce bleeding.

3. Turmeric: Could decrease the effectiveness of chemotherapy — or increase the effects, with toxic results.

4. Coenzyme Q10: Antioxidant properties may interfere with chemotherapy and radiation.

5. Milk thistle: May affect estrogen levels, which could pose an issue for breast or ovarian cancer.

6. Licorice: Also may affect estrogen levels.

7. Green tea: Negates the benefits of certain anti-cancer drugs.

8. Reishi mushroom: May interfere with certain drugs or chemotherapy.

9. Astragalus: May interfere with certain immunosuppressants.

10. Acidophilus: May cause infections or other problems if taken during chemotherapy.

Despite the risks for some patients, these substances do have successful results for many people. Issels® Integrative Immuno-Oncology can always help with information about alternative cancer treatment.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Care Tips, Stress Management

Tips for Treating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats While in Cancer Treatment

melatonin-cancer
Treating Hot Flashes And Night Sweats

Do you sometimes wake up in the middle of the night to warm skin and damp sheets? Night sweats and hot flashes are a common occurrence with cancer patients. It can result from your course of treatment or from the tumor itself. Women tend to be more susceptible, but men can also experience either condition.

Sweat is your body’s natural way of regulating temperature. When the moisture evaporates on your skin it creates a cooling effect. Patients being treated for breast cancer or prostate cancer often have hot flashes because treatment can trigger menopause or menopause-like symptoms.

Help is available to control hot flashes and night sweats, allowing you to rest more comfortably. Discuss these options with your physician to determine which one is most appropriate for you.

  • In some cases hot flashes may be treated with hormone replacement therapy. Some patients have had success with certain antidepressants or anticonvulsants.
  • Stress and anxiety are contributing factors, so learning coping skills to deal with these emotions can help moderate night sweats and hot flashes. Meditation is a powerful method, and hypnosis is a newer treatment that has shown positive results.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibers and keep your home well-ventilated.
  • Manufacturers of herbs and supplements such as Vitamin E and flaxseed make extravagant claims, but studies show that the results are mixed at best. Do not attempt this treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.

At Issels® we utilize a course of immunotherapy that strengthens your own immune system and reduces side effects. Visit our website to see and hear success stories from our patients.

Cancer Care Tips, Cancer Research, Immunotherapy

Keeping a Healthy Weight While in Cancer Treatment

Eating During Cancer Treatment
Eating During Cancer Treatment

You may be thinking to yourself, “isn’t going through cancer treatment enough without the need to worry about my weight?” While this is a legitimate complaint, following your doctor’s instructions is vital in order to remain strong throughout the treatment.

Going through cancer treatment takes its toll physically and emotionally but you have a hand in controlling how much. Treatment can have a decided affect on your appetite which impacts your eating habits. If both are in a negative mode of operation, the end result is weight loss, plain and simple.

Weight loss and weight gain can be a significant side effect of cancer treatment. For those losing weight, this may be caused due to a lack of appetite. Nothing seems tantalizing and while you do eat something, you may not eat as much as before taking in less calories. This will cause a loss in weight and also impacts the amount of nutrients your body needs.

For other patients, especially those who are obese, weight loss may be recommended while treatments are ongoing. A nutritionist or dietitian are good options for helping determine healthy menus that provide the calories, nutrients, vitamins, and protein to help maintain a healthy weight.

Dietary supplements are also an option for getting the fuel your body needs to handle the rigors of cancer treatment.

Learn more about integrative immunotherapy and holistic treatments at the Issels® blog. The informative articles can help answer questions and concerns you may have about the best approach to cancer treatment.