The following case study is an extract from the Integrated Medicine Journal Vol. 1, issue 2, based on Freshwinds Charity's Integrated Medicine approach to using complementary therapies.

A young married lady diagnosed with breast cancer Inflowing investigations for a breast lump. Treatment included a mastectomy and removal of lymph nodes from the axilla on the same side. Microscopic examination of the lymph nodes showed evidence of lymphatic spread of the cancer. Investigations confirmed (that the cancer was oestrogen receptor negative, while bone scans revealed that the skull bone had evidence of metastasis. After surgery she was started on chemotherapy, which was to be followed by radiotherapy. After the first chemotherapy the patient was experiencing side effects from the chemotherapy, which included nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, headaches and tiredness. Medication for the side effects helped her and after a period of almost a week she sinned to feel better. Despite this she was concerned about effects from subsequent chemotherapy treatments and starred to become anxious about them. Effects from her operation caused her to have numbness and lymph edema in the relevant armpit, while the chemotherapy caused loss of hair. The patient also has a fear of needles. On an emotional level the diagnosis and treatment of the breast cancer was a shock and she felt that she was a burden on her family and friends.

Treatment Plan

The primary aim was in ensure that the patient was able to continue with her chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. Therefore there was a need to address issues of anxiety and fear related to forthcoming treatments. Building up the patient's sense of wellbeing and immune system as well as maintaining her energy levels during this period was viral. Tackling her fear of needles was another important aspect of the overall plan. A combination of hypnotherapy, reiki and homeopathy was advised.

Hypnotherapy Patient received three session of hypnotherapy. During this rime she responded well working on problems with irregular sleep patterns and guilt feeling (about being dependent on others). Visualisation and relaxation techniques with regards to the chemotherapy and needle phobia were carried out. The patient was taught self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques, which she could use, while at hospital.

Reiki: Patient received reiki over a period of eight months. She relaxed quite easily within the first session and experienced a lot of beat particularly over and around the head area. The experience of relaxation continued during subsequent sessions, which varied from feeling 'great' to failing asleep during treatment, Where possible sessions were arranged to be just before her chemotherapy sessions. After a period of two months (4 reiki sessions), the patient reported that she was reacting better to the chemotherapy sessions. At this time and at the end of her radiotherapy she complained of aches and pains in her limbs. The therapist responded by concentrating on these areas to ease her symptoms.

Homeopathy: There were a wide range of problems addressed during consultations with the homeopath. These were relevant to the effects of the chemo (nausea, vomiting) and radiotherapy, associated personal and emotional, flu like complaints, chest and urinary tract infections. Sessions were regular, approximately 2-4 weeks apart. Various homeopathies remedies such as Arsenic, Lypoeodium, Bone marrow, Nat-M, Sepia and others were advised. Initially these were to address the shock and toxicity effects of the chemotherapy, later to maintain her positively and emotional state, while supporting the low Blood counts. (It is important to mention that during the hospital treatment blood tests showed low neutrophil counts, therefore the patient's chemotherapy dosage was reduced and she coped much better with it.)

Towards the end the client felt confident ill being able to use the relaxation techniques taught to her. She found this helpful in reducing her anxiety during her chemotherapy appointments. Reiki treatments were helpful during her chemotherapy and she wanted to restart these for her radiotherapy treatments as well. The patient's treatment plan was reviewed to suggest the inclusion of counseling to address lingering emotional issues.

Safety Protocols of Contra indications recommended for this particular patient included: avoiding massage and acupuncture of the relevant arm, shoulder and breast area. Also Osteopathy, chiropractic, deep tissue and manipulation were not advised until results from hone scan/CT scan were clear. TT

© Dr Rhonda Lee. For Information on the Integrated Medicine Journal or training please contact: Dr Rhonda T Lee dr.lee@freshwlnds.org.uk

Our thanks to Todays Therapist Magazine for allowing us to share past articles