Alternative methods of treatment studied

Fourteen years ago, Catherine Greene, a parishioner of St. John the Baptist parish in Schenectady, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

After a mastectomy, she underwent months of chemotherapy. But, in 2003, tests indicated that her cancer had returned and metastasized throughout her body.

For seven months, she underwent chemotherapy treatments in the hope of stopping the tumors, but she was told her condition was terminal.

"I was devastated," Ms. Greene recalled.

Alternatives

Advised that she could possibly "buy some time" with extra chemotherapy treatments, she was also told they would make her progressively sicker with no promise of being effective.

"I just decided that I'd had enough," she said. "I wanted to find out if there were any alternatives for me."

She went online and began her search. Eventually, she decided to undergo alternative treatments in Mexico, treatments which are considered experimental in the U.S.

Although she is hesitant to say that the treatment cured her, she is nearly 100 percent cancer-free.

Forum

As part of her recovery process, Ms. Greene has become a member of Gilda's Club, which provides emotional and social support for those with cancer, their families and friends.

On March 26, 6-8 p.m., in Latham, Gilda's Club will sponsor a panel discussion on "Alternative and Integrative Approaches to Cancer."

The speakers include a registered pharmacist, a macrobiotic counselor, a clinical herbalist, an acupuncturist, a Chinese herbalist, an integrative physician and a Reiki master.

"We are hoping that, by offering this panel discussion, we can give those who are interested in alternative treatments an opportunity to have a choice and a voice in their own treatment," she said.

(Admission to the panel discussion is free, but registration is requested. Call 782-9833.)

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