I was diagnosed with ER/PR+ HER- primary breast cancer in February 2022. I was treated with a lumpectomy followed by 12 sessions of chemotherapy and 24 sessions of radiotherapy; I am now on a 10-year course of hormone therapy. None of this was easy and I didn’t want to do this, but it was all necessary.
Recently in the press reports about a celebrity being reported as refusing chemotherapy, against many doctors’ advice and treating her cancer with holistic therapies. This is extremely irresponsible and misleading and the press reporting this. People who have been diagnosed with breast cancer could read this and think this is the answer for them as they don’t want to do the chemo and radio as it is tough: it can make you sick, lose your hair, burn your skin.
My chemotherapy and radiotherapy were for “preventative” purposes as I was technically cancer-free after my surgery. My doctors clearly explained to me the reason for this was to try and reduce the risk of reoccurrence of the cancer or me developing metastatic breast cancer, why this was done and the effectiveness of this treatment. There is no guarantee that I will remain cancer free, but I have been given the best shot at it by following my doctors’ advice.
As a patient you need to be able to trust your medical team and listen to their advice. If you don’t trust your team or you are uncomfortable with them, ask to see another doctor, get a second opinion, move hospitals if you need to. Speak up for yourself to get what you need. But there is no replacement for traditional medical treatments like chemotherapy at this time.
All that being said, there is a place for complimentary/holistic therapies alongside the medical treatments. I had Reiki before my chemotherapy sessions. During these sessions I got to completely relax in the moment but it also helped me stay relaxed during treatment time and in between treatments, I feel that this reduced my side effects, and I coped quite well. I used aromatherapy oils for nausea, appetite and sleep. None of these replace medical treatments but they can help you manage your treatments. If you are wanting to use these alongside your treatment, ensure that practitioners are experienced with cancer patients and check with your oncologist to make sure any oils etc. don’t interact with your treatment.
Whatever you do, don’t listen to people on social media or the press telling you how to treat your cancer, they aren’t doctors and can only speak of their own experience. Do your own research from reputable sources, speak to your doctors and nurses: they have your best interests at heart.
Once I had completed my treatment, I had an end of treatment meeting with my breast nurse who reviewed my diagnosis and treatment, she also shared the METUPUK metastatic breast cancer red flags infographics. It is important to be aware of these signs and act upon them if you have any concerns and make sure they are investigated. If you have trouble with doctors taking your concerns seriously or you feel brushed off, take the infographic with you and show them why you are concerned, that this is a red flag and needs investigation. Early detection of metastatic breast cancer gives you the best opportunity to start treatment early and do the best you can to live longer.
Who Really Cares?
Jane Cooke
Instagram @jane_cooke