Ok, I'm a product of the 80's and therefore am a big fan of Patrick Swayze's work (although "Ghost" technically came out in '90 and my all time favorite Swayze flick, "Point Break" came out in '91).  I mean, what's not to love about movies like "Red Dawn", "Dirty Dancing" or even "Next of Kin"! I was therefore really saddened to hear that 55 year old Swayze if fighting pancreatic cancer.  Pancreatic cancer is one of the worst possible cancer diagnoses you can get, with only 4% of those diagnosed alive after 5 years, according to this USA Today article.  Sources say his doctor is cautiously optimistic and Swayze himself seems like a positive, upbeat person, which is a bit help in any cancer battle.  My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Anyhow, I decided to research what complementary treatments may also prove helpful in a battle with any form of cancer and I came across a great article on the Mayo Clinic website with a list of 11 complementary treatments to consider, which I will summerize for you:

  1. Accupuncture.  Accupuncture might prove to be useful in combatting nausea and vomitting associated with chemotherapy and my be helpful in managing pain as well.
  2. Aromatherapy.  Aromatherapy is helpful for reducing stress and may prove useful for reducing nausea and vomitting associated with chemo and may be helpful in reducing pain.
  3. Biofeedback.  Biofeedback may be helpful in managing pain.
  4. Exercise.  Exercise is helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and may help you sleep better.
  5. Hypnosis.  Hypnosis may help the patient manage pain, reduce stress and reduce anxiety.
  6. Massage Therapy.  Massage therapy is another great stress reducer and it may also aid in reducing pain and anxiety.
  7. Meditation.  Meditation is another tool to aid in the reduction of stress and anxiety and potentially reducing the amount of pain.
  8. Music Therapy.  (This is on my list of future topics to cover more in depth).  Music therapy may be useful in controlling pain, as well as reducing nausea and vomitting.
  9. Relaxation Techniques.  These will obviously help promote relaxation and subsequently aid in reducing stress and anxiety.  Relaxation techniques may aid in a better nights sleep as well.
  10. Tai Chi. (another topic on my list for future in-depth coverage).  A gentle form of exercise/moving meditation that may aid in stress reduction.
  11. Yoga.  Yoga is another great stress reducer.

Until next time, stay healthy everyone.