Good Evening,

I always hope to log on and find someone that has the exact same identical issue as my sister. I know that would be impossible, because everyone is different, but even somewhat similar would be satisfying to me. Just to know that she is not alone with this disease and all of the following issues. My sister was diagnosed with (1)tongue cancer. She was fine for a year.

I remember thinking how we were freaked out about the incision on her neck that this would have to be addressed with plastic surgery. Or, that she could only drink frappes and soups. And, they mentioned that she may have dry mouth. Those were the problems? Little did we know. Although, one doctor did say the incision is the least of her problems...what did he know that we didn't know? What did he mean by that?

Then it came back on the (2)base of her tongue. Now, it has showed its ugly face on the (3)base skull. She was treated with agressive RAD with seed implants on her tongue when first diagnosed. Then chemo second time around. Which is when the tumor blocked her airway and needed a trach and feeding tube. That was the last time she spoke or ate - 14 months ago. She did chemo for almost a year and she stopped for about 6 weeks to give her a break...Now is she dealing with the 3rd tumor. She is being treated with meds. lots of meds...for many issues... She also has started with this swelling on her face, which comes and goes and a HUGH opening "FISTULA" on her neck. Does anyone know anything about this wound on her neck? She is constantly in the bathroom to care for this wound. Does anyone have any information please on this subject or with having so many recurrences and swelling issues Has anyone tried reiki or reflexology to help...and suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Take care... XoX - Flo

And now we know what the doctor meant!

Reiki, an old technique of healing touch which comes to us through the teachings of Dr. Usui in Japan, has never stood the scrutiny of documentable scientific questioning. The International Center for Reiki Training, even goes so far as to suggest that perhaps Jesus was a Reiki Master (healing through the laying on of hands). It is all quite

Packer and I are both Reiki Masters, Dana Farber is using Reiki for pain ard palliative care....when my son was in the hospital on a respirator for 3 weeks I continuously reiked him. Two years ago, when Frank was so sick waiting for an appt, I reikied him. Did I cure him, I seriously doubt it, did it make me feel better? Yes. I believe in the power of reiki, as well as theraputic touch, which is a lot less mysterious, In my mind, they are similar to prayer. I think the medical community is beginning to accept these practices as an ADJUNCT to treatment..........Am I going to tell Frank`s docs to just forget it, I`ll cure him ? Hell, no!There is also another practice that I use called Tonglen, where you breathe in the other persons pain, this one really helps, when you feel helpless to do anything...........Please understand me, I am not advocating any of these practices as a substitute for standard medical care. I think they have a lot to do with belief, and I would only consider them as complimentary practice, in a theraputic setting. And quite honestly, you don`t have to go through the whole Reiki mystery thing to do it on your own...Brian, I feel really nervous about posting this, I know how we all feel about quack cures, if I thought I could cure Frank with Reiki, I sure wouldn`t be dragging him back and forth to Boston ! I just wanted to let all know that hospitals are beginning to recognize it`s usefulness in a theraputic setting...........if anyone is interested in learning how to use it, without paying a fortune, or getting mystical symbols written on their palms, just email me, and again, let me stress, as a health care professional, IT IS NOT A CURE.............Dee

I would like to suggest that we come up with a simple way of distinguishing things that can be "helpful" to a cancer patient, and things that are potentially curative. I believe that there are many things that are benificial to the cancer patient that are worthy of discussion. The example Dee is giving is one. Human touch, via massage or what ever you call it, is a positive experience.

We shouldn't forget the mind when it comes to our discussions about cancer patients and loved ones both. The value of some of the homeopathic/herbal/medatation/aroma/psyco/theologic may lie in the simple fact that we regular people are able to take part in helping a loved one deal with pain/anguish/death.

If we had only two choices for health care the first choice being totally at the hands of medicine whith it's tendency toward almost mechanical processing, or the second choice of care given by loved ones, I think many of us would choose the care by loved ones even if there was no cure.

Thankfully we don't have to chose between one or the other, we can have both! So while something may not stand up to the scrutiny of documentable scientific questioning, I don't think we need to shun those that want to check them out. Science is not yet able to answer all questions.

That said we must always be wary of the amount of money that unscrupulous liars/cheats/charlatins are willing to take $$$ from vulnerable people. Indeed OCF would be remiss in taking an official position advocating "fringe" treatments. But I would like to see a way to allow us to feel comfortable sharing thoughts without worry. Perhaps an instant Graemlin that provides for a disclaimer when we go off a bit.

I agree with Mark, the human touch, be it massage or whatever is a positive experience.
I myself have had Reiki and Massage both for pain. They do not cure the pain nor will they stop cancer cells from invading or will it make a tumour disappear. For that 1 hour I am having my massage treatment or the time spent while someone preforms Reiki I am relaxed and at piece. That alone is worth it.
David

Dee, I found your posting (and Mark's follow up) a well-put explanation of it all. Human touch has measurable positive effects on another

Brian, I totally agree with you about some of the published works on these subjects, I`m sure I`ve read them.........but I was thinking if maybe we could explore a mind body thread. After I mouthed off about Reiki, I got to thinking about alot of other stuff I don`t remember on the Board. I was thinking about the use of visualization, when Frank had rad, he imagined little Green Bay Packers attacking the cancer, it made him feel he was acutally taking part in the fight. I got to thinking about the docs telling us this last bout will be the last, and I thought they can`t say that, he can give in and give up, or choose to keep living. I think the complimentary practices, yoga, meditation, etc. give us as patients and caregivers a little bit of our power back. So often, we feel totally at the mercy of western medicine. Lots of times, I forget all this and get caught up in the prognosis word.......There are several excellent books, which I`m sure are available at Amazon HINT by Bernie Siegel M.D. One, "Love, Medicine, and Miracles" was required reading when I was in nursing school, the other, "Living Between Office Visits" is newer. As a MD, he does no advocate quack practice, but talks about the powers we all have within us to take part in our own healing...........Again Brian, I know how you feel about alternative stuff, and I totally agree, but maybe we can explore some of the practices that help us all feel a little more self empowered..........Dee

Thanks for all the information....everyone...I always feel better after a hug or just holding my sister's hand, so I do believe in the magic of the human touch...Take Care Flo XoX Hugs & Kisses is Magical!

Glad you are feeling better Flo, Some of my most comforting times lately are when my wife and I are sitting together holding hands and touching each other. It is very soothing. Good luck, Dan

I too used visualization during both my treatments and the months after recovery. I wish I still had them to recommend to others, but there were a couple of visualization tapes that I used to listen to on my Walkman