Many individuals count on some complementary therapies for their health and well being: those might be vitamins, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment or other homeopathic or naturopathic remedies. Most people do not share this information with their physicians.
It is often very important, particularly when dealing with serious illness, that complementary therapies be coordinated with the medication and treatment provided by your physician. There are instances where complementary remedies might actually counteract the effects of other medications or where western medications might counteract the effects of alternatives. Whatever you choose to do, let your doctor know. All of your healthcare providers should be made aware of any other providers you are seeing, and of whatever other treatments you use.
In an effort to clarify all of your present treatments, from vitamin supplements to chemotherapy, take the time now to list them. It would also be a help to write down what results you are aware of from using them.