Can alternative therapy help?

[Arpanus]

Hi,
about a month ago, my mother was hospitalized because she couldnt tolerate the pain in her lower abdomen. upon surgery, the docs saw cancer that had spread in her intestines. its ovarian cancer, stage four and shes gone through her first cycle of chemo. she has handled this news very well and also handled the chemo and its side effects well.
however, i am unsure if ca-125 is the only test that helps to determine the level or grade of cancer. are there any other tests?
also, i wanted to know if alternative therapy such as reiki or yoga or meditation and such helps? i believe it does but does anyone know of such a case where this has helped? please do let me know.
wishing everyone who reads this, a healthy/happy life.

best,
arpana.


This discussion is related to Is chemo the only answer to decrease CA 125 count.

[cjan222]

As an added note, my doctor and pharmacist have told me to check with them before trying any herbal remedies, as it might screw with both the chemo and side-effect drugs.  Also the pharmacist told me not to drink green tea.

[nyc lady]

I am very sorry to hear of your mother's diagnosis.  Glad to hear that she is handling chemo.  
the CA125 does not determine the grade or stage of cancer.  It is not even a good diagnostic test as there are so many reasons why it can come back false positive and there are also many women, stage 3 and 4, with "normal" CA125 levels.  It is really best used to monitor someone for recurence, provided that the person is producing this particular protein.  If your mom's CA125 is dropping during chemo, it is usually a sign that she is responding to chemo.  Can't hurt to ask for a CT Scan every couple of months or so, maybe they will, maybe they won't, but, it can't hurt to ask.
Alternative therapy such as reiki,  yoga, mediation even acupunture can help in many ways.  These therapies are wonderful for the mind and helping us relax and feel better.  I doubt that they will cure cancer, but, will most definately help get us through the diagnosis and treatment.
Be careful with taking any type of supplements or vitamins, this must be discussed with your mother's doctors.  Doctors differ in their beliefs on whether these things help fight cancer and build the immune system to those that believe it feeds the cancer.
You have stumbled upon one of the greatest communities on the internet....we are all here to help you, your mom and your entire family through this.  The people that post on this forum are survivors, care-givers, family and friends...and all have a experiences that they will share.  
Best of luck,
Pam