In order to discuss the topic of "therapies," I need to define some terms.

Complementary and alternative medicine is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.^1,2 While some scientific evidence exists regarding some CAM therapies, for most there are key questions that are yet to be answered through well-designed scientific studies. Questions about these multiple myeloma treatment therapies persist, including whether these therapies are safe and whether they work for the diseases or medical conditions for which they are used.

The list of what is considered to be CAM changes continually, as those therapies that are proven to be safe and effective become adopted into conventional health care and as new approaches to health care emerge.

Are complementary and alternative medicine for multiple myeloma treament different from each other?

Yes, they are different.

• Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine. An example of a complementary therapy is using aromatherapy (original) to help lessen a patient's discomfort following surgery.
• Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. An example of an alternative multiple myeloma treatment therapy is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor.

What is integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine, as defined by NCCAM, combines mainstream medical therapies and CAM therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.

As I've discussed in other sections of this site, conventional multiple myeloma treatment therapies didn't work for me for more than a few short months. In addition, these therapies caused a great deal of damage to me physically and mentally.

The multiple myeloma treatment therapy that did the most damage to my body -local radiation - was effective therapy for immediate reduction of the tumor burden in my spine. This was 1996.

Antineoplaston therapy then, beginning in 1997, reduced my tumors and put me into complete remission where I have been for the past eight years. During those eight years, I have researched and implemented a series of complementary multiple myeloma treatment therapies. I believe that these complementary therapies help me stay in complete remission.

First and foremost, it is important to point out that Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski's antineoplaston therapy, once considered "alternative" is now considered "complimentary" in that, as stated in the alternative section, it is safe when taken with other therapies according to Ramona Williams, Executive Director Clinical Operations at the Bursynski Clinic.

"Dr. Burzynski's approach is to use a holistic approach in support of the patient's desires. Conventional and non-conventional treatments are used... For additional questions please do not hesitate to contact us

Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski and the therapy that he developed, antineoplaston therapy is controversial. I have heard oncologists tell me that he is both a quack/charletan and others say he is a true pioneer. The therapy is expensive and was not covered by my HMO. For more on this topic go to "insurance" under "issues."

As far as my own myeloma is concerned, in a 17 month period, the therapy shrank my lesions and put me into complete remission where I have been since the beginning of 1999. The therapy saved my life.