24 Homeopathy TODAYMay/June 2008

In the mid-1990s, I had the pleasure of meeting Gene, a 60-year-old, retiredpostal worker, who came to me for a consultation. Eleven months earlier, this gentle,kind man had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with metastasis to the liver andwith lymphocytic leukemia. This was not good news for anyone. The fact that Genewas one month from retirement at the time of diagnosis was heartbreaking. He andhis wife had been through a lot over the years and had been looking forward to thistime of life.

Taking an integrative approach: Homeopathic treatment for people with cancerby AMY ROTHENBERG, ND, DHANP

Facing Cancer... What Can We Do?

Facing Cancer... What Can We Do?

25Homeopathy TODAYMay/June 2008

The stress of receiving a cancer diagnosis itself is oftenenough to push a patient toward a lower level of health.

Surgeons had removed a primarytumor in Gene’s abdomen, and he wastaking medication to try to slow thegrowth of the cancer, but his oncologistshad told him a cure could not be expectedat this late stage in his illness. Gene wasnow experiencing abdominal pain thatradiated to his back. It felt like heartburn,and burping helped some. The pain wasworse when he sat up and worse the morehe thought about it. For years, Gene hadhad terrific pains across the front of hisabdomen that were worse from eatingpeanuts, potato chips, or other high fatfoods, and occasionally, he would stillhave those pains.

Gene had come to me for help inrelieving his digestive pains, improving hiscomfort, and enjoying his life for as long

as he could. I went to work taking hishomeopathic case, listening to his story,and trying to understand the symptoms ashe described them—how they fit into hishealth history and how they fit into hisoverall life at the time of our visit. Gene’swife was very helpful, offering informa-tion along the way and lovingly support-ing her husband of nearly forty years.

How can we help?I don’t know whether this is true for otherhomeopaths, but during my earlier yearsof practice, I saw many pregnant women,young children, and growing families. Istill see such folks, but as my patient pop-ulation has aged, I seem to be seeing morepatients with serious pathology, includingcancer. What is the role of the homeopathwhen a patient comes to us with a cancerdiagnosis? What can we expect homeopa-thy and other natural medicines to do forsuch a patient?

In my experience, homeopathic andother natural medicine care is extremelyhelpful, whether used at the time of diag-nosis, during conventional cancer treat-ment, or afterward for healing andprevention of further disease. That said, Ibelieve that, in general, an integrativeapproach is best. No one practitioner hasall the answers. No one healing philosophyhas to be embraced to the exclusion ofothers. And thankfully, there is nowincreased availability and access to infor-mation on how to take the best fromseemingly different healing paradigms.What is most important is to be sure thereis full disclosure on all sides, so all practi-tioners and physicians understand whattreatment approaches the patient is using.

The homeopathic approachWe homeopaths treat each patient indi-vidually. With cancer, as with any illness,we have no set homeopathic remedies togive based on say, what type of cancer the

person has or where the cancer is. There isno list to go check against and prescribeaccordingly. Oh how we sometimes wishthere were! But homeopathy’s beauty, itschallenge, and ultimately its promise, is tofind medicines that fit the particularpatient at a particular point in time.

To the newer homeopathic prescribersthat I train, a patient with cancer can seemdaunting. The stakes seem higher, but intruth, we use the very same tools of thetrade; it is careful case taking and theunderstanding of all aspects of the patientthat will lead to the best remedy possible.

Patients with different needsPatients recently diagnosed with cancerusually come to me looking for help andinformation to get through surgery,chemotherapy, and radiation, and to dealwith the emotional impact of a cancerdiagnosis. They are hoping to reduce sideeffects and increase the efficacy of theconventional medical approaches they are using.

Many other patients come to see me ayear or two after their conventional cancertreatments have been completed. Thesepatients usually fall into one of twocategories: 1) those who report that eventhough they have survived cancer and thetreatments, they just do not feel well(perhaps they are tired, or feel they are notthinking clearly, or maybe they aren’tsleeping well or feel depressed) and 2) those who feel well enough but areseeking all the help they can find to pre-vent recurrence of the cancer.

Still other patients, like Gene, arrive atmy office in more advanced stages of ill-ness with strong symptoms from the can-cer itself—perhaps in the digestive tract orthe respiratory tract or the musculoskele-tal system. They are seeking symptomrelief and an improved quality of life for aslong as possible.

Each of these patients is unique and

Homeopathy TODAYMay/June 2008

26

each must be addressed individually.Sometimes their prognosis is very goodand sometimes it is dire, but I find thatthere is almost always some help that wecan offer them with homeopathy.

No apparent cancer symptomsMany patients who are diagnosed withcancer are seemingly asymptomatic. Forexample, a breast lump might have beendiscovered on a mammogram, or aprostate cancer may have been diagnosedafter a blood test showed elevated PSA(prostate-specific antigen). For thesepatients, who have typically undergonesurgery or other treatment before seeingme, I generally take the full homeopathiccase and prescribe a constitutional rem-edy; I will include my understanding of thecancer in my analysis, but I am also intenton understanding it in the context of thepatient’s overall health, how their variousbodily systems are functioning (e.g., diges-tion, circulation, etc.), and their physicalgeneral symptoms. (Alicia, described later,is an example of such a patient.)

A stressful diagnosisThe stress of receiving a cancer diagnosisitself is often enough to push a patienttoward a lower level of health. So, forexample, a patient who tended towardallergies and eczema when under stressmight experience these symptoms to agreater degree than ever before. We mightsay that the stress has pushed the persondeeper into their constitutional remedystate; and they would benefit from a doseof whatever constitutional remedy theyneeded before the cancer diagnosis.

Sometimes, however, the stress of thediagnosis is so great or it perhaps triggerssuch an intense response due to family orpersonal history, that the patient isbumped into another state of health alto-gether. That is, instead of (or in additionto) a worsening of their usual symptomsof allergies and eczema, they mightdevelop new and more troublesomesymptoms like heart and circulatory prob-lems. In such a case, this person wouldprobably benefit from a different constitu-tional remedy than the one they mighthave needed before their cancer diagnosis.

Typically, however, I do not have thecertainty of knowing what constitutional

remedy the person needed prior to diag-nosis because most who come to me withcancer are new patients. (Like many prac-ticing homeopaths, I find that the rate ofcancer among the patients that I have beentreating for many years is rather low.)

Symptoms from cancer & its treatmentThen there are the patients who come tome with strong symptoms from the can-cer, perhaps based on where the cancer islocated in the body, or symptoms thatarise during conventional treatment. Thisperson might also benefit from their con-stitutional remedy if the current symp-toms are within the purview of thatremedy. For instance, perhaps I have apatient who has done well over the yearswith the remedy Phosphorus on a consti-tutional level and is now undergoingchemotherapy for breast cancer. She maydevelop more symptoms, such as easybruising and extreme fatigue due to hertreatments, but she still remains open inher demeanor, in need of affection andattention, and very thirsty. She may bemore intensely anxious and be strugglingwith diarrhea, a new symptom for her. Butsince each of her issues is still well coveredby the remedy Phosphorus, I would giveher Phosphorus again.

Multiple stressorsWe can view the receipt of a cancer diag-nosis, the cancer itself, and conventional

cancer treatments each as stressors on thesystem. Most people respond to stressorsin predictable and patterned ways, as inthe previous example of the woman whowould benefit from another dose of herconstitutional remedy, Phosphorus. Butthose who respond by developing newsymptoms not covered by their usual orformer constitutional remedy will need adifferent prescription. If, for example, thissame woman develops easy bruising andbothersome diarrhea, but she alsobecomes extra anxious, critical, anddifficult to please, this represents a shift inher predictable pattern of response.Her new symptoms may signal thatinstead of Phosphorus, she now needsArsenicum album since the new symptomsare more in line with the indications forthis remedy.

Nonetheless, I do not have precon-ceived ideas about how I will prescribe,except that I will look for the mostbroadly-acting remedy to support thepatient in the broadest possible way. I willbe alert to the possibility that anotherremedy may be indicated, especially dur-ing the course of conventional treatment,based on how the patient responds tothose approaches.

It is fine to have patients use homeo-pathic medicines right alongside their con-ventional cancer treatments. I often use alow strength remedy such as a 12c potency,repeated once or twice a day, although Isometimes use a higher potency, such asone dose of 200c, if I think the patientmight not remember to take a daily dose. Igenerally follow up with patients gettingconventional treatments more frequently;the worse they feel, the sooner I want tohear back from them or see them again. Iinstruct them to call me if side effects fromconventional treatment are becomingintolerable, if their spirits are really takinga hit, or if other seemingly acute illnessesarise during conventional treatment.

Gene’s storyGene had lost 36 pounds after his surgerybut had put back on 20 during his recu-peration. Since the tumor, Gene reportedsweating profusely on his back and head atnight in bed and needing to have a fanblow on him continuously. His laboredbreathing was obvious in the office that

In my experience, homeopathic and other

natural medicine care is extremely helpful,

whether used at the time of diagnosis,

during conventional cancer treatment, or afterward for

healing and prevention of further disease.

27Homeopathy TODAYMay/June 2008

day. He had difficulty climbing stairs, feltshort of breath, and felt weak especiallythrough the knees, arms, shoulders, andhips. He would get bad cramps in his legsand in his hands, which were worse sincehe’d been placed on Prednisone.

His spleen was enlarged, and he hadfainted several times in the last fewmonths. When he was younger, he wouldpass out at the sight of blood. He had ter-rible gas ever since the surgery, with con-stant belching and passing gas, whichoffered some relief. He had bowel move-ments two or three times a day, and hedesired sweet and salty foods. He had apoor sense of smell and taste and was notespecially thirsty.

Gene had a history of smoking a pack ofcigarettes a day, but he’d stopped some 20years ago. He had never been a big drinkerof alcohol. He’d had thyroid cancer in hisforties. He had high blood pressure.

When asked to describe his tempera-ment he said, “I am a pussycat. It takes alot to get me going. I don’t need friendstoo much, although I have a few and enjoythem.” Gene was very pleasant throughoutour conversation, supporting his wife at

every turn, holding her hand, and beingincredibly upbeat considering his gravediagnosis and prognosis.

A remedy for GeneThe severe nature of Gene’s shortness ofbreath with his need for constant fanning,coupled with his increasing digestive dis-tress with a lot of gas that was somewhatrelieved by belching, would point mostexperienced homeopaths to the remedyCarbo vegetabilis, since these are strongindications for this remedy. Overall weak-ness and debility is also something we seein patients who need Carbo vegetabilis,along with a tendency toward fainting.

Gene received much help from thisremedy within the week. He gained imme-diate strength and was even able to resumehis model airplane hobby. He was betterable to breathe and his problem with gaswas greatly reduced; he still had flatulence,but it was limited to the after-dinner hourand it was not as intense or long-lasting. Itold him to call if other problems arose.

Had he needed Carbo vegetabilis yearsearlier, before he developed cancer? Hishistory of digestive symptoms and easy

fainting could point to that. Or perhaps hehad needed Lycopodium earlier (a remedyoften used constitutionally for those withchronic digestive issues), and his illnesshad pushed him into a Carbo vegetabilisstate. It is hard to know for certain, as Ihad never treated him before.

Symptom reliefGene next came to see me two monthslater when he reported that although he’ddone well for most of the time since ourlast visit, he was now in a lot of pain. Theredid not seem to be any position, activity, ormedication that would relieve him, and hefelt like he could not bear it any longer. Hedescribed incessant, strong gas pains;added to that, he was unable to get a goodbreath. And he had begun to receive fur-ther chemotherapy. I believed that he hadexperienced a relapse along with a contin-uation of his progressive pathology, so Igave Carbo vegetabilis in a higher strength.Within days of taking the remedy, hereported that the pain was under controland his breathing improved.

The homeopathic remedies continuedto give Gene symptomatic relief over the

In my experience, an integrative approach to treating can-cer is best. For those wanting to receive such treatmentunder one roof, I have referred numerous patients to The

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). Their websitenotes that CTCA: “combines the latest medical, surgical andradiological therapies with supportive therapies like nutrition,mind-body medicine, physical therapy, naturopathy and spiri-tual wellness, bringing to bear many novel and innovativeweapons against your specific type of cancer.” CTCA hashospitals or treatment facilities in Zion, IL, Philadelphia, PA,Tulsa, OK, and Seattle, WA, with a new hospital to open near Phoenix, AZ, in 2009. For further information see theirwebsite at www.cancercenter.com or call 800-615-3055.

—Amy Rothenberg

More integrative treatment resources—from the editor

• The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care in Evanston, IL,founded by Keith Block, MD, is another option for integrativetreatment, and attracts patients from all over the country. Careis personally tailored to each individual and includes a strongemphasis on diet (high in fruits and vegetables, low in animalproteins, high in anti-inflammatory foods) as well as mind-bodyapproaches, acupuncture, exercise, and supportive supple-ments—paired with conventional treatments as needed. It isthe only U.S. center using chrono-modulated chemotherapy,which they believe is more effective and less debilitating. Forinformation, visit www.blockmd.com or phone 847-492-3040.

• www.cancerdecisions.com. Visit this site to research informa-tion about conventional and alternative cancer treatments. It ismaintained by Ralph Moss, PhD, a medical writer who has beenfollowing the subject of cancer treatment for 30 years. An e-newsletter and archive of articles is available at no charge;individual Moss Reports on more than 200 different types ofcancer can be purchased, along with consultations with Moss.

• The Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians atwww.oncanp.org includes a listing of naturopathic doctors withan interest or specialty in cancer treatment.

Choosing Integrative Cancer Care

28 Homeopathy TODAYMay/June 2008

course of six months and reduced his needfor opiate painkillers with their unwantedeffects, for which he and his family weregrateful. Gene did die of his cancer, and Itreated him right up and through that time

with more Carbo vegetabilis, and then withArsenicum album, when his anxiety, fear ofdeath, and restlessness were more than hecould bear. After each dose of theArsenicum, his wife would report that Gene

seemed more comfortable, less agitated,and clearer mentally. She was very thankfulfor our work together, as it gave her hus-band some peace at the end. This pattern ofneeding one remedy, then perhaps another,and then winding up at Arsenicum albumas a person nears death, though not univer-sal, is certainly common. While it is noteasy to experience the death of a patient, itis comforting to have helped to make hislast days as calm as possible.

Alicia’s goal: stay healthyAlicia, another patient who came to seeme in the 1990s, was diagnosed earlier inthe disease process than Gene had been,and her story has had a happier ending. Atage 45, she was just hitting her stride as alawyer and active mother of two robustteenage sons when she found a cancerouslump in her left breast. She had a lumpec-tomy (no metastasis was detected) fol-lowed by chemotherapy and 28 radiationtreatments. She came to see me a half-yearlater, while putting together what shecalled her “dream team” of advisors, doc-tors, therapists, family, and friends.

Alicia had taken on her diagnosis andtreatment plan with energy and organiza-tion. At the time of our first visit, her mainrequest was that I help her to “keephealthy so the cancer won’t come back.”She also wanted relief from the swelling(lymphedema) in her arm on the sameside where she had had the surgery andradiation. She told me that since her treat-ments, she’d been suffering with a fullbody rash that was red, slightly raised, anditchy, and worse when she became warm,especially after a shower, while in bed, or ifshe was out walking.

A good health historyAlicia’s health history was remarkablygood. She was a longtime vegetarian, whohad been running and doing yoga regu-larly for decades. She had no family his-tory of cancer, and most of her relativeslived into their eighties and nineties. Theirony of her diagnosis did not seem tobother her. “Look, bad things happen togood people,” she told me, and she wasjust going to “get on with it” and do whatshe could to live a healthy and long life.

I took Alicia’s homeopathic case andprescribed the remedy Sulphur. My rea-

While chemotherapy could never be described as a pleasant experi-ence, it should be noted that, in general, patients experiencefewer unpleasant side effects than they did a decade or two ago,

as oncologists now pay more attention to preventing and treating themwith various medications.

For some of the more common side effects of chemotherapy, I prescribehomeopathic remedies acutely, often with very good results, and there is norisk of interfering with conventional treatment. [See page 34 for some exam-ples—ed.] I will also suggest some tried and true naturopathic approaches.

Be aware, however, that some non-homeopathy natural medicineapproaches can interfere with the efficacy of chemotherapy and need to beavoided! Other substances are not only safe, but can enhance the efficacy ofchemo or prevent/treat side effects. There are few routine prescriptions inthis area; they must be individualized to the patient, based on many factorsincluding the type of cancer, the exact chemotherapy treatment, and thepatient’s unique circumstances.

For example, numerous patients during chemotherapy do developanemia, but it is not necessarily due to iron deficiency. It would not beadvisable to increase iron ingestion unless specifically recommended by aphysician, as too much iron can actually increase tumor growth.

For one of the most current and up-to-date sources of information aboutwhich substances are both effective and safe to use based on the chemo-therapy prescribed, see Alternative Medicine Magazine’s Definitive Guide to Cancer: An Integrative Approach to Prevention, Treatment and Healing,2nd edition, 2007, by Lise Alschuler, ND, and Karolyn A. Gazella. It contains a wealth of information presented in a reader-friendly fashion. Chapter 10,“Supporting your Body During Conventional Treatment,” does an impressivejob outlining the most frequently used chemotherapeutic agents and then,in chart form, listing the common side effects, those nutrients and herbs thatboth support the efficacy of the chemotherapeutic drug and address sideeffects, and finally, the nutrients and herbs that must be avoided.

Managing Side Effects ofConventional Treatment

29Homeopathy TODAYMay/June 2008

sons included these classic Sulphur indica-tions: the left-sidedness of her complaint;an itchy bothersome skin rash that wasworse from heat; her outgoing and upbeatnature; and the fact that, aside from thebreast cancer, she was quite healthy.

I also instructed her on how to alter-nate hot and cold soaks to her left hand toget the circulation going along with thephysical therapy she was already getting.In addition, I created a vitamin-mineral-botanical medicine program based on herhistory, her diet, and her willingness tomake certain lifestyle changes.

A month later, Alicia returned to myoffice to say that the swelling and range ofmotion were improving steadily on herleft side and that she was feeling good. Therash, while still visible, was fading and nolonger itchy. Alicia was pleased with theseresults, and I judged that the Sulphur wasacting well.

For the past ten years, I have workedwith Alicia on and off through the changesof her chemotherapy-induced menopause,

acute infections, allergies, and the launch-ing of her children out of the nest. Some-times I prescribe a homeopathic remedy(Sulphur has continued to be a very helpfulremedy for her, when indicated), some-times other naturopathic treatments.

We can helpAlicia has remained free of the cancer andhas learned much about taking care ofherself. In the process I have learnedmuch, too: to step forward and treatpatients who have or have had cancer byusing the same tools I use with all mypatients, but at the same time to keep upwith the current research on cancer and its

treatments—and to try to do it all withconfidence and grace.

Between early diagnoses, aggressiveallopathic approaches, and our comple-mentary and alternative medicine offer-ings, many people with cancer live longand healthy, productive lives, post-diagno-sis. In my 22 years of experience, I havefound homeopathic care to be very bene-ficial for patients with cancer—used at thetime of diagnosis, during conventionaltreatment, and afterward for healing andprevention of further disease.

Amy Rothenberg ND, DHANP, practices in Enfield,Connecticut. She teaches and writes widely on topicsin natural medicine. For information about the NewEngland School of Homeopathy’s Two-Year Coursewhich begins in Amherst, Massachusetts in February2009, and for information on subscribing to theHerscu Letter as well as for free articles visit:www.nesh.com.

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