You or a loved one might have questions regarding the stages of cancer, the treatments typically prescribed, and how to deal with the side effects of those sometimes aggressive treatments. This article will focus on answering each of those questions. Always consult with your health care practitioner before you start any new diet program.

The Stages of Cancer are as follows: Zero: small number of cells in one area. I, II, III: how involved; original area plus nearest organ affected, rate of growth and etc. IV: other areas/organs affected, numerous metastases, etc. (sometimes stage IV cancer is referred to as - terminal - where the patient is given six weeks to a few months to live.)

There are many treatment systems used for cancer, depending on the severity and type of cancer. Chemotherapy is the most well known, using chemicals to inhibit the reproduction of cancerous cells. Radiation is sometimes used to inhibit the cancer cell growth or shrink tumors. Surgery is another option, removing the cancerous tissues. Immunotherapy involves treating the immune system, either stimulating or inhibiting through nutrition or drugs. Transplant therapy takes healthy stem cell or bone marrow and is placed as a reminder to the other cells to grow healthier.

The Side Effects of cancer treatment protocols (includes, but aren't limited to) the following. The most common: nausea; delayed healing; hair loss; nail changes; digestive problems; pain; loss of smell, taste, or weight; fatigue, anxiety and depression.

There are additional side affects that are not as common. Those can include allergic reactions, changes to blood pressure, shock, serious infections, seizures, and visual changes. The more long term problems stemming from cancer treatment are mental problems, increased malignancies, and especially in treatment through chemotherapy, heart attacks. The most profound and permanent affect to cancer intervention therapies is death of the person.

What are the two best ways to downsize side effects? First we have diet. Diet is the more potent preventative treatment. The recommended diet is high in protein and calorie, with plenty of liquids, given in several small meals throughout the day. Include lean meat, preferably no red meat, and lots of vegetables. Whole grain/fiber, non-acidic fruits, juices, smoothies, yogurt, cottage cheese, and of course clean water.

The next in the top two self-care side effect therapies is energy healing. The beneficial effects of Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, and Quantum Healing are well documented. The benefits range from decreased mental, physical, emotional stress and pain; balancing bodily processes; and increased healing responses.Energy healing sessions increase the body's ability to survive.

Things To take into account: Many people with cancer have their sense of smell, taste, or appetite affected (or things taste metallic). Be creative with favorite/comfort dishes, or new ones, and/or use wood or plastic utensils to cook or eat with. Prepare food in smaller amounts, vent odors, make sure the foods are easy to digest (generally not raw), and have hard candies available to stimulate saliva/digestive processes. Add a splash of juice to water to make it more appealing/palatable.

And last, but not least, when doing energy work on someone with cancer, be gentle; don't overwhelm them, and give them time to respond. You can serve in an important role as a caregiver, practitioner, healer or friend.

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