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The
Editor of this substantive, weighty, yet inspiring book, Jennifer Barraclough,
deserves congratulations in putting together an incredibly diverse groups
of contributors, including Rosy Daniel, Tony and Ann Neate, George Lewith
and Julian Kenyon, Heather Goodare, Sally Baldwin, Michael Baum, Beata
Bishop, Catherine Zollman and myself, not to mention a cast of numerous
other specialists from many varied disciplines.
Academically
oriented and hence geared to professional cancer healthcarers, there is
a wealth of information, particularly in chapters devoted to describing
the history and development of various seminal approaches to cancer treatment
– acupuncture, aromatherapy, art therapy, healing, homeopathy, music therapy,
hypnosis, guided imagery and meditation and psychospiritual therapy.
Additionally
there are highly informative chapters regarding research, surgery, nursing
approaches, paediatric care, nutrition and models of complementary care
within the hospital setting.
Several
of the contributors, themselves having suffered cancer, provide moving
and insightful accounts of their experiences. In this category is the
chapter by Robert Ross, who had adenoid cystic mouth cancer, and who combined
his holistic treatment approach around the Bristol Cancer help Centre,
writing satirical comedy, having Reiki treatments, eating organic fruit
and vegetables and a very healthy diet, and practising visualization,
relaxation, meditation, exercise and counselling. Perhaps the most powerful
chapter in this book was by Sally and Edward Baldwin. Sally, diagnosed
with a Grade II, Stage 3 infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma, and who
had been basically sentenced to a quick death, described poignantly and
exceedingly clearly her journey with the Gerson diet, even mentioning
her initial errors with the therapy, which were corrected upon her visit
to the Gerson Clinic in Mexico. Most readers of Positive Health
will know Sally and her husband Edward, principal spokesman for complementary
medicine in the House of Lords. He describes his role as Sally’s research
and information officer, as well as being her buffer against the world.
Their story is difficult, with Sally still pursuing a variety of other
treatments, including the Plaskett regime. (Sadly, Sally Baldwin passed
away on 22 June 2001 - Ed.)
This
book will be an invaluable addition to the bookshelf of cancer patients
and their physicians.
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