An Appointment with an Integrative Oncologist
After this week’s posts about doctors spending more time with patients, I thought it would be fitting to describe a typical initial appointment with an integrative oncologist. Crossing the threshold from cancer diagnosis to treatment is, of course, filled with fear, anxiety, and depression. The experience of the first appointment with an oncologist makes a tremendous difference in the success of the entire treatment. Most patients of conventional oncologists leave this visit with too few options, insufficient information, and not enough individual attention. Let’s look at how the initial visit with an integrative oncologist might be conducted.
The first moments would be devoted to just getting to know the patient–family life, support network, work situation, values, beliefs, spiritual connection, goals, etc. This is important in understanding what motivates and inspires the patient. Then the doctor discusses his or her own background and principles of practice. This is to comfort the patient and build a positive relationship. Next, the doctor explains the details of the type of cancer the patient has and is frank about its threat. He or she shares that the treatment will be for the patient as a whole person and not just the disease. The therapy will certainly involve conventional means, but will also be immune system building, emotionally stabilizing, mentally challenging , spiritually enhancing, and physically stimulating. Then the doctor will lead a lengthy dialog to determine what specific therapies would most prepare and sustain the patient for their particular battle ahead. The ultimate decision on the types and levels of therapy will be the patient’s. The culmination of this visit will be an all-inclusive prescription including a vitamin supplement regimen, a custom designed nutritional diet, an exercise program, and several other lifestyle adherence requirements. If you have been a patient or care partner who has experienced an initial visit to a conventional oncologist, you will likely agree that what I have just described is far removed from what you received. Integrative oncology is the future of cancer treatment. Patients must insist on it and go out of their comfort zone to get it. It is far better treatment with less pain and higher survivability rates.