Alternative and Complementary Therapy
When I was initially diagnosed, I searched for any and all ways for lymphoma to be treated, including alternative therapies, but I couldn't find a single piece of evidence that alternative therapies had ever been proven to be effective, so I opted for traditional therapy because I wanted to have the best possible chance to continue living.
Complementary therapies, however, are just that - "assistants" to traditional therapy, and even doctors are beginning to see their value. To name but a few, they can include yoga, guided imagery, art or music therapy, exercise, a healthy diet, and herbal supplements. If you decide to take supplements, you should inform your doctor because even herbals can interact with drugs he or she may be prescribing for you.
Early in my illness, I figured out that my doctor had his role and that I had mine, and part of my role was to keep myself as healthy as possible while my doctor worked to heal my lymphoma, so I did everything I could to complement what he was doing.
Complementary therapies are not meant to replace traditional medicine, but I do believe that they can make illness and treatments more bearable.
Betsy