Charm, Jennifer,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts re. retaining a ND. I wasn't thinking of a ND in lieu of rad/chemo, but just to help manage the side effects. One RO I met with was adamant that I not retain a ND who in addition to consultation "pushes" botanical medicines. His concern was that some of these NDs do not know if the botanical medicines have antioxidants, which apparently is a no-no during radiation.

On a side note, I do some yoga and "pranayam" (breathing exercise). During procedures I find myself focusing on my breathing and trying to forget everything else around me. It does work for me to get through the procedures without too much emotional drain.

Best Regards,
Chetan


Chetan
SCC, lateral tongue, age 53, Tongue resection & neck dissection 5/6/11; T1N2BM0, RTX (35 sessions starting 6/8/11)/chemo (3x starting 6/10/11) Last cisplatin 7/22. RTX complete 7/27. PEG in 6/9/11, out 8/31/11