Feeling alone after a cancer diagnosis? Here’s how to break through that isolation
Many of my patients here at UT MD Anderson report feeling isolated. Whether they’ve just received a cancer diagnosis, are in treatment or have finally entered survivorship, this is a very common complaint.
But why are feelings of isolation so common among cancer patients? And, what can you do to ease yours?
Here, I’ll answer these questions and share tips to help you feel connected again and find the support you need.
What is yoga therapy?
While yoga may draw to mind images of mat-filled studios, yoga can be practiced in many places, including healthcare settings. The use of...
Triple-negative breast cancer survivor finds success with integrative medicine
Jewel Johnson was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in December 2019 at age 57. She’d visited her primary care physician in Houston...
Olfactory neuroblastoma survivor champions self-advocacy and integrative medicine
When Regina Gibbs began having nasal congestion and a sore throat in late 2020, she assumed she’d caught COVID-19. The symptoms were similar, and she had been traveling.
But to Regina’s surprise, her physician referred her to a specialist who diagnosed her with nasal polyps. For almost a year, Regina took medication and used nasal sprays, but her condition didn’t improve.
“When treatment was unsuccessful, the specialist...
Meditation: 7 things to know
Meditation used to be a fringe practice, but now it’s regularly recommended by health care providers to help with symptoms ranging from stress...
How to use acupressure points to relieve headache, nausea and anxiety
Acupressure is an ancient practice from traditional Chinese medicine. It can seem mysterious because the theory is based on pressure points...
Houston symphony brings music to hospitalized children, with three-time cancer survivor's help
Pam Blaine was on top of the world. She’d just graduated with a master’s degree in arts administration and landed a new job with the Utah...
Can mushrooms help during cancer treatment?
In some parts of the world, mushroom extracts are often used by patients for their medicinal benefits. They’re packed with vitamin D, which...
Should you use dietary supplements during cancer treatment?
From vitamin A to calcium to folate to zinc, there are dozens of types of supplements. And if you’re undergoing cancer treatment, you may...
Hypnosedation: Is it possible to have surgery without general anesthesia?
If you were told that there was a way to have surgery painlessly without general anesthesia, would you try it? Breast cancer survivor Kelly...