The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com offers a monthly online support group for those that have been affected by mesothelioma. In this session, licensed mental health counselor Dana Nolan will give a brief educational presentation on a mesothelioma-specific topic, then open up the discussion to patients. In this month's session, Asbestos.com writer Michelle Whitmer opened up the session with a presentation on Complementary and Alternative Medicine options for mesothelioma patients. For more information about this online support group, please visit: www.asbestos.com/support-group/

1. Michelle Whitmer
Associate Editor Asbestos.com

2. Welcome
Hello and welcome! My name is Michelle Whitmer, and I’ve been a writer and
editor at The Mesothelioma Center for more than five years. I’ve spent the past five
and a half years solely researching and writing about mesothelioma and
asbestos, so you can imagine that I’ve read a lot about natural therapies for
mesothelioma.
 In college I studied biology, environmental sciences and English, which prepared
me for the world of medical research and writing I was about to enter. I’m a
certified yoga instructor and a member of the American Holistic Medical
Association, and I pursue ongoing education in natural medicine.
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3. Welcome
 I’m fascinated by technology and science just as often as I’m impressed by the
power of natural healing, and I want mesothelioma patients to know it isn’t an
all-or-nothing thing. Patients can take the best from both worlds!
 I am not an expert in complementary and alternative medicine. I’m not able to
answer specific questions about CAM, but I can point people in the right
direction to find answers. And our Patient Advocates are available to answer
many general medical questions about mesothelioma.
Now that you know a little about me, I’ll sum up what I’m about to discuss, then
give the short presentation. After that I’ll turn things back over to Dana.
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4. What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?
The acronym CAM refers to complementary and alternative medicine.
 Complementary medicine refers to therapies that are used in conjunction with
standard treatment.
 Alternative medicine refers to therapies that are used instead of standard
treatment.
 Another approach, known as Integrative Medicine, strives to integrate the best
of complementary and conventional therapies using a multidisciplinary tactic to
address the unique needs of each patient.
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5. Examples of CAM Therapies
Some examples of CAM therapies include:
 Alternative Medical Systems
o Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy
 Energy Therapies
o Therapeutic Touch, Reiki, Qi Gong
 Exercise Therapies
o Yoga, Tai Chi
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6. Examples of CAM Therapies
 Manipulative and Body-based Methods
o Chiropractic Care, Therapeutic Massage, Osteopathy, Reflexology
 Mind-body Interventions
o Meditation, Hypnosis, Art or Music Therapy, Biofeedback, Relaxation
Therapy, Support Groups
 Spiritual Therapies
o Prayer, Spiritual Healing
 Nutritional Therapeutics
o Vegetarianism, Vitamins, Macrobiotic Diet,
Gerson Therapy, Budwig Protocol
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7. Why Do People with Cancer Choose CAM?
People with cancer may use CAM to:
 Help cope with the side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea, pain, and
fatigue;
 Comfort themselves and ease the worries of cancer treatment and related
stress;
 Feel that they are doing something more to help with their own care;
 Try to treat the cancer.
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8.  Paul Kraus was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in
1997 at the age of 52. He opted for an alternative approach
and decided against conventional therapies.
Paul switched to an organic vegetarian diet, juiced, took
supplements, exercised, practiced mind-body therapies like
meditation, and incorporated a spiritual perspective that
helped to reduce stress. Paul also used Ukraine, which is a
compound made in Austria that is half herb and half
chemotherapy, for nearly 18 months.
Paul is alive and well, living in Australia with his family.
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CAM Therapies that Mesothelioma Survivors Have Used
The following mesothelioma survivors used CAM therapies in their
treatment plans.

9. CAM Therapies that Mesothelioma Survivors Have Used
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 Judy Glezinski was diagnosed in 1990 and underwent surgery and
radiation for pleural mesothelioma. She lived with mesothelioma
for 18 years and incorporated the following CAM therapies:
prayer, aromatherapy, massage (including reflexology), and
mangosteen juice (reported to shrink lung tumors in some people).
 J.R. O’Connor was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2001
and didn’t qualify for surgery or radiation, and he refused the
chemotherapy the doctors offered. He lived seven years after
diagnosis by making changes to his diet (he ate organic, cut out
most meat, ate more fresh produce, and eliminated sugar and
processed foods), taking supplements, exercising, and practicing
mind-body therapies such as hypnotherapy for stress reduction.
 Bob Oberstar, 71, refused chemotherapy and radiation following
his surgery for pleural mesothelioma. He wanted to avoid the side
effects of those treatments and instead decided to boost his
immunity and health with a new diet and exercise regimen. His
diet focused on eating foods high in antioxidants to strengthen his
immune system. Bob likes to remain active outdoors through
fishing, hunting and gardening.

10. CAM Therapies that Mesothelioma Survivors Have
Used
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 James Broomer, 74, didn’t see much success with chemotherapy
for his pleural mesothelioma one year ago. After doctors told him
to turn to hospice, his wife decided to try a special diet called the
Budwig Protocol. Six months later, James had gained 20 pounds
and was no longer in need of an oxygen tank or the pleural
catheter that used to drain fluid that no longer collects in his lungs.
In addition to a special flaxseed and cottage cheese recipe taken
daily, the Budwig Protocol includes lots of fruits and
vegetables, and omits animal fats, dairy, seafood, white bread and
sugar, certain oils and trans-fats.
As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each of these survivors did
something different that worked for them. It is important to note that all of these
survivors worked with licensed medical professionals while undergoing CAM therapies.
You too should work with a licensed professional, and our Patient Advocates can help you
if you encounter difficulty locating one.

11. The Importance of Involving Your Oncologist
 Your oncologist can explain why some alternative therapies might conflict with your
traditional treatment.
 They can also prevent you from being duped by questionable sources of alternative
medicine. Be open and honest with your doctor.
 If your doctor isn’t receptive to your interest in CAM therapies, consider finding an
oncologist who will work with your interests. Integrative medicine programs staff
oncologists who use both traditional and CAM therapies, and these programs are
available at certain cancer centers throughout the U.S.
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12. Trustworthy Resources of Information on CAMM
The Mesothelioma Center is growing their online resources on CAM, so keep checking
Asbestos.com for new information. And though we are not experts on any form of
treatment, you can feel free to contact one of our Patient Advocates if you have any questions.
We’ll help you find the answers!
Online Resources
 The Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine
www.Cancer.gov
 Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Cancer (non-profit)
www.Cam-Cancer.org
 National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
www.NIH.gov
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13. Trustworthy Resources of Information on CAM
Cancer Centers offering integrative medicine programs in the U.S.
 Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center
www.MDAnderson.org
 Bendheim Integrative Medicine Center at
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
www.MSKCC.org
 Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology
www.SimmsMannCenter.ucla.edu
 Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
www.Dana-Farber.org
 Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine & Digestive Center
www.JohnsHopkins.org
If you have any questions for me, email me at Michelle@asbestos.com or call (800) 615-2270.
(800) 615-2270

14. Dana Nolan MS LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

15. Why CAM?
 Lack of faith in Western Medicine
 Avoid side effects/long term effects of traditional treatment
 Mind/body connection
 Lack of control
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16. Loved ones want to DO something
 Offering to help investigate treatment options
 Strong opinions
 Love
 Concern
 Fear
This can lead to mesothelioma patients feeling pressured by
family/friends to pursue one type of treatment over the other.
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17. How to help
 Ask your loved one if they want your assistance in investigating
treatment options/centers
 Accept their treatment decision
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18. When the patient feels overwhelmed
 It is okay to set limits
 Ask for their unconditional support
 Understand that loved ones want to do something to help
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19. Challenging decisions
 Don’t underestimate the importance of supporting a cancer patients
treatment decision
Questions?
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20. Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270