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CLL - newly diagnosed

Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Aug 2 11:42am | Replies (117)

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@lucksuen

I'm also taking curcumin capsules, 500 mg each, two a day.
Natural therapies, that's a pretty complex field. Some MDs in our country, including some hematologists, have actually teamed up to do some scientific experiments, looking into whether curcumin, green tea extract, and papaya leaf extract can help alleviate the symptoms of blood diseases.
From what I've dug up, the scientific conclusions they've reached are just limited to specific conditions, particular experimental settings, meaning that when leukemia cells are in a certain environment, using some natural therapies can lead to apoptosis, but these studies haven't been further confirmed in clinical trials.

Why do many doctors at big hospitals look down on natural therapies? I've heard some doctors say this: If the patient isn't short on cash, they can try supplements, vitamins, and all that.
The implication is, they think taking supplements doesn't really help with the treatment outcome, just a waste of some money.

Patty,I think there's no need to be troubled. We're looking for ways to help ourselves. Even if it's not recognized by doctors, even if it doesn't pan out in the end, we've given it a shot.

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Replies to "I'm also taking curcumin capsules, 500 mg each, two a day. Natural therapies, that's a pretty..."

@lucksuen
Absolutely!
I view my relationship with my various specialists as teamwork to optimize my overall health. I have actively searched for the right match when I require a specialist. At the top of my list is a physician who listens to me and is responsive to my concerns or requests. If I take the time to read and research to be better informed about my options and want to try something outside of his comfort zone, I want to know why. He tends to be well versed on recent data.
I advocate for my own empowerment in the healthcare system. That makes me feel less a pawn in a big system of care, and more like a decision maker. The mind/body connection is crucial to my sense of well being. If my physician does not support that, we would have this very discussion.