Naturopathic Medicine: Assessment & Plan
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Your naturopathic assessment and plan
When you arrive at CTCA at Eastern Regional Medical Center, you will meet with a naturopathic clinician during your initial evaluation period. This first visit, which usually lasts about 30 minutes, is an introduction to the department. “We believe in the therapeutic relationship. As our relationship develops, we are able to better understand how to support the patient’s individual vitality,” Qaqundah says.
Your naturopathic clinician will also review your symptoms, including appetite, weight changes, sleep disturbances, energy level/fatigue, pain, and so on. They will review any supplements you may be taking and help educate you about proper and safe use.
“A lot of patients come here depleted. They haven’t had naturopathic supportive care and they are experiencing a lot of symptoms,” Qaqundah says.
After the assessment, your naturopathic clinician will work with you to develop an individualized naturopathic plan to complement and support you through your conventional cancer treatments. This plan will be tailored to your needs and will be based on your specific cancer diagnosis, symptoms, general state of health, results from diagnostic tests, and primary course of conventional treatment.
“We give the patient very individualized care to help address each symptom. We will use whatever is appropriate for each patient. We may use two totally different approaches for two different patients with similar symptoms,” says Qaqundah.
Throughout your treatment, your naturopathic clinician will closely monitor your supplements and other naturopathic therapies, making modifications to your plan as needed. They will try to lessen the potential side effects of cancer treatment so you can feel better as you heal.
“Our goal is to see the patient once each cycle. Often times we follow up with them in the Infusion Center to make the best use of their time, or we may see them in the clinic if they prefer,” Qaqundah says.