Navigating the Journey of Cancer: From Surviving to Thriving

Cancer is a word that carries weight. It can bring fear, uncertainty, anger, and grief all at once. It confronts us with our mortality and what it means to be human. So, how do we navigate this journey? How do we not just survive, but thrive?

Once the initial shock of a cancer diagnosis fades, it’s important to take action. Clear, reliable information becomes essential, and a well-informed treatment plan is crucial. Many patients initially consult with a team that may include surgical or medical oncologists. But the short amount of time spent with the doctor, often discussing medical terms and treatments that are new to the patient, often leaves them with a limited understanding of their cancer, treatment options, and the reasoning behind those options. Fear can make it hard to take everything in, making it easy to overlook the need for a deeper comprehension.

As a practicing naturopathic oncologist at the Riordan Clinic, I witness the transformative power of education daily. This is why we adopt a ‘co-learning’ approach with our patients. While we teach, we also learn about their needs.  Together, we explore both conventional and integrative treatment options to understand how to best support them through diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and thriving beyond cancer. Our goal is to help patients achieve a level of health that surpasses their pre-diagnosis state. Cancer serves as a signal of underlying physiological disharmony, indicating a need for cultivation and a shift toward building a stronger, more supported foundation for health.

Beyond education, we must also nurture our nervous systems. The stresses of a technology-driven world, social media pressures, and societal disconnection can weigh heavily on us.

Understanding the Nervous System

To understand this, it helps to look at our nervous system, which consists of two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). Think of the SNS as the “gas pedal” and the PNS as the “brake.” While the SNS is often viewed negatively due to its association with stress, it plays a crucial role in our survival. It becomes problematic when we experience chronic activation, leading to elevated cortisol levels, inflammation, immune suppression, disrupted sleep, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances. Conversely, the PNS is linked to rest, digestion, and healing—where true restoration occurs. Supporting balance in the nervous system plays an important role in how the body recovers.

In integrative cancer care, heart rate variability (HRV) serves as a valuable indicator of how well the body is handling treatment, managing stress, and building resilience. HRV measures the variation in time between heartbeats; greater variability signifies better adaptability, while lower variability indicates a nervous system stuck in a stress response. Low HRV has been associated with poorer outcomes and quality of life in cancer patients. Fortunately, HRV can improve with lifestyle changes such as breathwork, movement, restorative sleep, and nervous system practices.

The Role of an Integrative Team

To navigate this journey effectively, the role of an integrative care team is essential. Understanding options is one step. Putting a plan into place is another. From the moment of diagnosis, patients should reach out not only to traditional oncologists but also to integrative oncology practitioners. These professionals support patients’ needs and facilitate a holistic approach to care.

At Riordan, we collaborate with conventional oncologists to mitigate side effects without compromising treatment efficacy, using evidence-based recommendations. We leverage current treatments for optimal outcomes, conduct advanced testing to identify nutrient imbalances, and create structured follow-up plans—all with the goal to support the body through treatment and recovery. This co-learning partnership empowers patients to take ownership of their health, fostering renewed energy, purpose, and long-term wellness.

Seeking Support

Patients often seek support from integrative providers later in their cancer journey.  At the time of diagnosis, many patients feel overwhelmed. There is a lot of information, a lot of decisions, and often very little time to process it all. This can create a stressful and physiologically taxing experience. Assembling an integrative oncology team may feel daunting and overwhelming,  but doing so from the moment of diagnosis can significantly ease this journey by providing clarity and reducing stress. This additional guidance and support facilitate progress beyond the disease and toward healing. It’s not just about targeting cancer cells; it’s also about nurturing the surrounding environment, the terrain that fosters health. Essentially, integrative oncology aims to create an inhospitable environment for not just cancer, but for disease as a whole. Integrative oncology focuses on supporting the whole person alongside treatment.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

To thrive amidst the challenges of cancer, consider the following steps:

1. Ask Questions: Knowledge is power. Consult oncology practitioners who can provide clarity and help you sift through the overwhelming general information available online that is usually not specific to one patient’s particular diagnosis or conventional treatment plan.
2. Gather Your Team: Surround yourself with practitioners who approach your journey with humility and a willingness to learn alongside you.
3. Utilize Testing: Data-driven decisions guide your treatment plan and overall well-being.
4. Give Yourself Space: Remember, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Allow yourself grace during setbacks.
5. Seek Connection: Foster relationships with loved ones and nature. Social media interactions don’t replace genuine connections.
6. Maintain Faith and Hope: Empower yourself to take proactive steps in healing and rebuilding trust in your body’s ability to recover.

Daily Practices for Healing

Incorporate these daily tasks into your routine:

1. Breathwork: Focus on elongating your exhales to engage your parasympathetic nervous system, where healing occurs. Even five minutes of meditation can make a difference.
2. Rest: Prioritize downtime to rejuvenate your mind and body.
3. Movement: Engage in physical activity, whether walking, yoga, or weight training. This is essential for healing.
4. Limit Screen Time: Avoid screens for at least 2-3 hours before bed.
5. Nourish with Food: Use food as medicine. Be mindful of the quality of your diet, as much of our food production can be detrimental to health.
6. Connect Daily: Reach out to at least one loved one each day to reinforce your support network.
7. Tailor Your Approach: Work with your integrative oncology team to create a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs.

Cancer isn’t an overnight occurrence; it often develops over years. Therefore, the journey of survivorship begins at diagnosis. Understand your options, assemble a supportive team, and feel empowered in your treatment decisions. Working through fear is an important part of the early stages, but true thriving comes from feeling supported by your team, informed about your choices, and proactive in your actions. We thrive when we feel safe.