And Then, She Died.

Recently, I wrote about an acquaintance who had breast cancer return and metastasize. I wrote about how the medical community had done her a disservice and how she may have done a disservice to herself too.  I wanted to write a follow-up this week but I wasn’t sure at first what I to write. You see, she died.

She was extremely vocal about her beliefs regarding natural medicine. I give her credit for having the courage to put herself out there. However, in the end, she suffered a lot, more than she needed to because her doctor stepped away from helping her.  And, she died sooner than expected had she gone the chemotherapy route. That is the first truth. The second truth is she is free to make any choice and she did. And both options result in temporary pain and suffering. There is no right side and wrong side, as the “fake news” can so convincingly make you believe.

We need to stop believing the overabundance of fake news. Natural medicine has so many, that it upsets me how people are pandering on other’s illnesses and fears. And guess what, the pharmaceutical company has been doing this for decades too. The majority of adult society does NOT need expensive cholesterol lowering medication. And, no, there isn’t a magic plant in the Himalayas to cure every disease. What I see so little of, is judgement put aside. Options discussed. A patient’s decision resulting from an integrative team treatment plan based on actual FACTS . Where is that? The patient at the center of the plan of ALL options.

Maybe it’s not news worthy enough. In today’s headlines, we can’t afford insulin but diabetes is killing us. The pharmaceutical companies are being sued again for collusion. Our health care costs are unaffordable and ineffective. Vaccinations are suddenly the cause of all diseases and mental illnesses, never mind that they annilate many deadly diseases. We have an opioid crisis killing off an entire early adult generation. And, our life expectancy as a country is starting to decline.

So, here is my takeaway from her shortened life. The answer seems so simple, yet no one occupies the space. And I believe it’s because it’s not sexy enough to cause people to pick sides and find a burning platform. Have you noticed?There are a lot of burning platforms lately, but less and less action to a peaceful solution.  And, there’s little attention to whether what is being written is factual or just another opinion.

Here’s the solution. You need both. We need integrated medicine. We need healers. There may come a time in your life where you can no longer manage your knee pain.  And, because of quality of life issues, you need a knee replacement.  And, guess what?  You will need a surgeon and a hospital for that. But, you also need to use few to none narcotics after surgery.  We all know it’s a dangerous proposition. This is where natural medicine fills the gap and, gives better outcomes.  The result to you – the best of both worlds at a lesser expense, physically and financially.

And then, she died anyway…what does it mean if there are no health care providers willing to fill that space. We can best give her life meaning, in providing a voice and service in that space. WE exist. People like me, who are traditionally trained, as a pharmacist for example, but realize the value in natural or alternative therapies. Our voice needs to become louder and united.

“See” you next week!