COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES Complementary therapy refers to medicines or modalities that are used along with the recommended treatment. Many complementary therapies are safe and may help relieve symptoms or side effects, ease pain, provide relaxation, and help your child enjoy life. Examples include herbal medications, massage, music, dance, acupuncture, meditation, and yoga. Consult your child’s healthcare team prior to starting any of these therapies. It is especially important to prevent possible harmful interactions between chemotherapy and herbs. Alternative therapies are sometimes used in the place of standard medical care. These therapies have not been tested in clinical trials and have not been proven safe or effective. If you chose an alternative therapy method for your child before seeking standard medical care, the delay in treatment may give the tumor time to grow, lowering your child’s chances of being cured. HOW CAN I WORK WITH MY CHILD’S HEALTHCARE TEAM? The care of your child requires a team approach. You are a key player on your child’s healthcare team. You know your child better than anyone else, and your input is important. Other members of your child’s healthcare team include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers.
Always communicate openly with the members of your child’s healthcare team. If there is anything you are not sure about, ask the team. Write down your questions as you think of them, so you’ll remember to ask them during your next meeting with your healthcare team. HERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT WANT TO ASK: • What stage is the disease, and what does that mean? • What treatment choices are available? • What treatment do you recommend and why? • What are the risks or side effects during the treatment? • What are the risks and side effects after the treatment? • What are my child’s chances for survival? • What are the chances that the disease or condition will recur? Use this space to write down additional questions.
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