Choosing a complementary therapist for mesothilioma

If you are considering using complementary therapies, the following suggestions may help:

• Always use a qualified therapist who belongs to a professional association.
• Ask first to make sure you understand what they charge for their services. The professional association should be able to guide you as to what charges are on average.
• Talk it over with your doctor or nurse, especially if the therapy includes taking vitamins, herbs or other medicines. You don't necessarily have to take their advice, but you should know what they think about it and give them the opportunity to caution you about any possible drug interactions. Check with your pharmacist about drug interactions as well.
• Ask your doctor or nurse if there are complementary therapies available at your treatment hospital or through your regular doctor's practice, or if they can recommend any therapies or practitioners. Again, you don't have to follow their suggestions, but using people who know each other and often work together is sometimes more convenient and can contribute to your overall care.
• Choose a complementary therapy that suits your individual needs. If you are not sure which alternatives to choose and would like to know what other patients have found to be helpful, contact a patient support group. Support groups often offer or can direct you to complementary therapies.

Don't be misled by promises of cures. Reputable therapists do not claim to be able to cure cancer.

Click here for more information on complementary mesothilioma therapies. Click here for more information on mesothilioma support groups and other resources. Go here for a mesothelioma discussion board.