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.

There are many treatment systems used for cancer, depending on the severity and type of cancer. Chemotherapy is the most well known, using chemicals to inhibit the reproduction of cancerous cells. Radiation is sometimes used to inhibit the cancer cell growth or shrink tumors. Surgery is another option, removing the cancerous tissues. Immunotherapy involves treating the immune system, either stimulating or inhibiting through nutrition or drugs. Transplant therapy takes healthy stem cell or bone marrow and is placed as a reminder to the other cells to grow healthier.

There are many possible side effects in any cancer treatment protocol. Of the more common side effects reports often include nausea, slow healing, loss of hair, changes to nails, digestion issues, pain, loss of smell or taste, weight change, fatigue anxiety and stress.

There are additional side affects that are not as common. Those can include allergic reactions, changes to blood pressure, shock, serious infections, seizures, and visual changes. The more long term problems stemming from cancer treatment are mental problems, increased malignancies, and especially in treatment through chemotherapy, heart attacks. The most profound and permanent affect to cancer intervention therapies is death of the person.

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 second of the top-two self care aids in reducing the affects of cancer treatment is energy healing. This includes reiki, healing touch, therapeutic touch, quantum healing or other healing modalities, including meditation and prayer . Many report decreased fatigue, and less mental, physical and emotional stress. It is believed that these self awareness practices bring balance to the body processes and improve the healing response.

Things To take into account: Many people with cancer have their sense of smell, taste, or appetite affected (or things taste metallic). Be creative with favorite/comfort dishes, or new ones, and/or use wood or plastic utensils to cook or eat with. Prepare food in smaller amounts, vent odors, make sure the foods are easy to digest (generally not raw), and have hard candies available to stimulate saliva/digestive processes. Add a splash of juice to water to make it more appealing/palatable.

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.

Tags: Cancer

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