Complementary therapies are types of therapies not scientifically proven but accepted as ways that may help treat a certain condition.
Alternative therapies are used in place of conventional therapies and the risks may be unknown. You should always consult your treating clinician when considering complementary and/or alternative therapies.
The following complementary therapies are examples that can be used in combination with conventional medicine for those with melanoma.
To maintain energy levels and enhance your immune system it is important to have a nutritionally balanced diet. This should include fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy carbohydrates that are low in fats and sugar (bread, pasta, rice, cereals) and protein (lean meat, eggs, milk, beans/lentils). Alcohol and caffeine should be kept to a minimum. Discussing your diet with a dietitian may be helpful.
Dietitians Association of Australia www.daa.asn.au
Exercise can have a positive impact on your mood and wellbeing but you should be active at a level that is comfortable for you. Even small amounts of activity may make you feel better and improve your sleep.
Evidence shows that physical activity can be effective in lifting low mood, improving sleep, lowering blood pressure and reducing stress.
Discussing your physical activity with a physiotherapist may be helpful.
Australian Physiotherapy Association www.physiotherapy.asn.au
Fatigue is commonly experienced by people with melanoma and can be a side effect of melanoma treatments. It is important to allow yourself adequate time to rest and recuperate. To manage excessive fatigue you should talk with your treating clinician.
Research has shown that relaxation and mindfulness techniques can counter the harmful physical effects of stress. Methods to elicit deep relaxation include guided imagery, visualisation, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, massage, breathing techniques, yoga, Tai Chi and prayer.
Ensuring a healthy mind and spirit are important and self-care is essential, especially when dealing with the stress of melanoma. Self-care is any activity that helps you maintain your physical, mental or emotional health and is best when practised routinely.
Connecting with communities of faith or accessing local counsellors may also help in anxiety and stress reduction as well as enabling avenues to discuss difficult and often avoided issues such as the meaning of life, death and dying.
“By having a short walk outside each day I feel better in myself and have noticed that I am less stressed and sleeping better at night.” – Chris
Feeling anxious about your early melanoma diagnosis?
You are not alone. Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a condition that impacts around 75% of the population at any stage of diagnosis.
The reality of FCR, together with the unpredictability of melanoma, can often lead to heighten levels of anxiety.
If you would like to talk to someone who cares and understands how you’re feeling, please call our National Support Line 1300 88 44 50.
Surviving Melanoma for 1,461 days
chicagonow.com
The date was February 14, 2015. Valentine’s Day. I was drying off after a morning shower. I noticed this new mole on my upper back. It looked exactly like the one in the above picture. I immediately...
Every single day I worry 😕
FCR doesn’t only lie in the patient but the carers too 💔
I used to feel this way but it has lessened over time. I am vigilant with applying sunscreen and covering up and have educated my family and friends. I even volunteered at MPA with the lovely Danielle in Brisbane for 6 months as MPA were so wonderful and gave me advice, support and their time. Such a great organisation ❤
They are a curse spread through your body even where you cannot see them every organ
I'm 12 years on from diagnosis and I still think about it every day :(
Australian researchers believe they've made a breakthough in the treatment of the deadly skin cancer melanoma. They're homing in on a patient's unique immune system receptors - an approach that allows more precise drug delivery with implications for all cancer treatments. Please share this exciting news. #7News
7 News Sydney on Twitter
“Australian researchers believe they've made a breakthough in the treatment of the deadly skin cancer melanoma. They're homing in on a patient's unique immune system receptors - an approach that allows more precise drug delivery with implications for all cancer treatments. #7News t.co/3Vyh...
I’ve been on Autoimmune treatment since 2016 and was told I was in the middle percentage to that may take a little longer as I also was Stage 4 but no Braf just had a brain tumour set back But I’ve been specifically Radiation zap so hopefully be 💯 soon Great treatment
Yvonne Bewes
Lance Marsh Isobel Marsh
According to the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc (Aust), did you know UV is the main cause of melanoma and other skin cancers? February's average UV rating for Australia is in the Very High and Extreme ranges. Remember to wear SPF50+ when the UV rating is 3 or above. Download a UV app today and protect your skin for life.
Anne De Manser
Georgia Mills-Thompson
Cover up. Hat and Zinc Cream not harmful chemical laden so called sunscreens.
***Important Survey Number 1. Adjuvant Nivolumab.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) will consider two important melanoma drugs for listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) at their March 2019 meeting.
The PBAC value and consider the views of people that have been affected by melanoma when making these important decisions.
MPA is writing submissions for both listings and your view is important. We would very much appreciate 5-10 minutes of your time to complete this survey, regardless of your personal experience with melanoma.
1.Nivolumab (Opdivo) for “adjuvant” treatment of patients who have had completely surgically resected Stage III or Stage IV melanoma.
This is the second time this drug is being considered by the PBAC for treatment in the adjuvant setting as it was not accepted at the July 2018 meeting.
This needs to be completed by midnight this Mon 11th Feb 2019 please.
With Thanks - Victoria Beedle CEO
PBAC consideration of Nivolumab (Opdivo) (in the adjuvant setting) - Second attempt
surveymonkey.com
Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.***Important Survey Number 2. Adjuvant Dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and Trametinib (Mekinist).
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) will consider two important melanoma drugs for listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) at their March 2019 meeting.
The PBAC value and consider the views of people that have been affected by melanoma when making these important decisions.
MPA is writing submissions for both listings and your view is important. We would very much appreciate 5-10 minutes of your time to complete this survgey regardless of your personal experience with melanoma.
2.Dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and Trametinib (Mekinist) for “adjuvant” treatment of resected Stage III melanoma in BRAF mutation positive patients.
This needs to be completed by midnight this Monday 11th Feb 2019 please.
With Thanks - Victoria Beedle CEO
PBAC consideration of Dabrafenib/Trametinib Combination in the adjuvant setting
surveymonkey.com
Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.
