care of the future.
First, and above all, her approach involves a high degree of emotional and spiritual empowerment for the patient. This is followed by a sensitive eliciting of the state, needs, problems and values of each person she sees before a personalized action plan is created together with the patient. The plan has three phases: preparation to enable the best experience of and outcome from treatment; working to strengthen the body and repair the immune system; and changing the lifestyle of the individual to achieve optimal health in the long term.
In Part 1 of this book, Dr Daniel aims to embrace and comfort the reader, preparing him or her for the journey ahead and providing guidance on how and when to use the information in the Resources Directory. Dr Daniel’s extensive experience has taught her that almost more important than the medicines themselves is to set the right psychological foundations for getting the best treatment outcomes and recovering health. Scientific research has now established beyond doubt that the mind – body connection is one of the most powerful elements in the conquering of ‘dis-ease’ in the body, but this knowledge is scarcely applied in the orthodox approach to health and far from fully applied in many alternative models. The Cancer Directory contains the most up-to-date thinking in this field, and sets out the steps that readers can take to get themselves into the optimal state of mind to facilitate their recovery and get back into the driving seat fully in control of their lives, with a positive plan, hope and peace of mind.
The next most crucial step for those with cancer is to make the right treatment decisions in terms of the most effective treatment that will also be the least damaging in the short and long term. It is also vital that the course of action taken feels right to the individual involved, and is congruent with their personal life and healthcare values. Great emphasis is therefore placed upon help with information gathering, getting the best of all approaches, deciding on treatments, forming a plan, and working positively with doctors and practitioners to achieve the very best treatment outcomes. This is very hard for the recently diagnosed, who are still in shock and emotional turmoil. The objective is to set out guidelines to facilitate this process, and offer as much guidance as possible on when and how to make what types of decisions.
The current best practices in the most advanced orthodox medical treatment centres are outlined, giving the reader a bench-mark against which to measure the treatment they are being offered locally. Information is also given on what is going on at the frontiers of medicine around the world to enable the reader to check out the very best resources, research trials and treatments available for their individual problem, with advice on how to obtain second and third opinions as and when necessary.
Also described are the latest developments in alternative medicine in the fields of:
• herbal medicine, such as carctol, catechins, indole-3-carbinol and turmeric
• immunotherapy, such as immune boosters, dendritic-cell therapy and vaccines
• metabolic therapy, such as essential sugars, essential fatty acids, pH balancing, enzymes and antioxidant vitamins
• mind – body medicine, such as the ‘Journey’ process by Brandon Bays, and the transformational approach of the Bristol Cancer Help Centre
• physical therapies, such as hyperthermia, light therapy and oxygen therapy
• nutritional therapies, such as the Gerson diet and the Nutrition Trust.
The valuable role of complementary medicine as symptomatic relief and supportive care is described, using illustrations where recent research has shown maximum synergy. Information is provided as to how and when to build these into a treatment programme to minimize the symptoms of illness and side-effects of treatment. The Cancer Directory looks at the newest developments within these therapies, and their applications in pioneering hospitals and hospices.
Perhaps most important of all for a long-term sustained recovery is the section on proactive holistic health creation. New research continues to confirm the importance of incorporating the basic principles of promoting positive health and healthy lifestyle changes into any healing regime. Dr Daniel says, ‘After putting out the fire with cancer medicine, it is time to rebuild the house with holistic health creation.’ Long-term survival is most dependent of all, she feels, on this continuing work to achieve high levels of energy, immune function and happiness. She also considers the opportunity created by serious illness for a complete life reorientation, describing her unique new Health Creation Programme, which highlights and focuses the individual on where they are currently vulnerable, exactly what needs to change and how to change to maximize the potential for long-term sustainable health.
Once readers have identified their values and choices, they will be able to find the appropriate resources to get the help they need in Part 2 of the book, which contains the Cancer Resources Directory. This will provide the reader with a comprehensive set of resources in the areas of:
• frontier orthodox cancer medicine
• pioneering hospitals offering integrated cancer care
• alternative cancer medicines
• nutritional organizations
• alternative cancer doctors
• alternative cancer clinics
• integrated medicine doctors and services
• complementary medicines organizations (to find therapists)
• psychological and spiritual support services for people with cancer and their carers
• retreats, spiritual development and holistic holidays
• cancer information services
• cancer care and practical help with nursing, social needs, financial help and insurance
• cancer prevention
• product suppliers for natural medicines and supplements.
There is also a Bibliography containing a comprehensive collection of the most useful reading material, a section containing all of the scientific references for the research supporting the use of an integrated approach to cancer care, a Glossary of the terms used in this book and in the field of integrated medicine, and an Index for easy navigation through this book.
The Cancer Directory is essential reading material for anyone newly diagnosed with cancer and for the healthcare professionals who help them. Only by understanding the full range of needs and healthcare choices available to those with cancer will the very best choices be offered, the chances of survival be most enhanced and the most loving, compassionate care be given.
Only by fully empowering those with cancer during their treatment and recovery process will the innate creative intelligence and inner strength of each person be brought to bear in the quest to heal physically and spiritually through the crisis of illness.
Integrated cancer medicine is the medicine of the future, and Dr Rosy Daniel is undoubtedly leading the way.
This book is essential reading for everyone affected by cancer. Information is empowerment, and this volume contains all you need to know about cancer from both the orthodox and complementary worlds of medicine. This is simply the best guide to integrated cancer medicine there is!
PROFESSOR KAROL SIKORA
Introduction: how to use this book by Dr Rosy Daniel
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