The hard questions & numbers

It is difficult to explain to my family and friends the numbers involved in prognosis and treatment options around melanoma.  I’m sure many other young adults with cancer go through a similar Q&A throughout their treatment.

Calm down – how to be a skeptic

Photo credit: ottawacitizen.com

Being healthy is very straight forward – don’t smoke, stay out of the sun, eat a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables, and get some exercise.  Outside of this any extra things we spend money or time on (supplements, juices, weight loss pills, alternative health treatments, etc) are rarely found to work as effectively.

Naturopath – not the man of my dreams

So I went and saw a naturopath shortly after my diagnosis.  I had high hopes for dietary changes I could make or supplements I could take to work in conjunction with the interferon.  Rumor has it they care about you way more than your medical doctor.

Lymphedema – on the subtle side

Since I had my complete lymphadenectomy I have suffered from mild swelling in my right leg, or lymphedema.

Don’t tell my oncologist – Traditional Chinese Medicine

My herbal prescription

Erm – can anyone identify these traditional Chinese medicines, because I sure can’t!