alternative medicine-no, I don't want your remedies

Getting right to it today. It's been on my mind, and coming out of my mouth. Now it's time to put it in words.
Alternative medicine. Someone has a cure for everything it seems. And everyone seems to have a different solution for ills. What the heck is going on? Is it a big money maker, a scam of the mind, an ego trip, a control thing????? Maybe I should develop some wonderful concoction and market it; i may be able to quit farming!!! :-) No, I'm not a believer in all this stuff. Yes, I'm a medical professional, so I'm trained to think that way. But I do have a mind of my own, and I do try to use it to think outside of the box. Like who doesn't want a fix to all their problems?? Miracle in a box? Yeah, we all want a quick fix to solve and take away all our issues. Not just medical ones. We are truly a selfish society. We expect the world to revolve around us, and NOW!!! But, who are we to play God's role in what happens to us medically. I don't mean to be lazy or an idiot about medical care. You have to be responsible with the body you have. But didn't God give medical personnel minds and wisdom to use to our benefits? And when you have the facts and research data in front of you, isn't that the easiest way to approach the situation? Our country has a wonderful medical system. Yes, some days it sucks in administration and wait times, and lack of beds, but in quality of care, we are on top!! No, I haven't checked out the competition, but I've worked with enough transplanted medical personnel to have listened to the stories from other countries. Then check out the bios of some of the professionals in their fields of expertise-amazing, really!! Who can mess with the history, research, proof, and experience of the people in these fields??!! Okay, you say, I'm ignoring all the 'proof' and 'research' of traditional alternative therapies. I admit, I'm not very educated about the specifics of alternative medicine. And, Yes, I will buy a book next week to study up on it so I know what I'm talking about. But, to take a 'quick fix', or a 'miracle cure', which is most likely expensive, unresearched, unproven, and takes people away from their families, well, it makes me ill to think of who is taking advantage of the people who are struggling with dealing with grief. I don't want to come off sounding sick or full of myself-but, I 'enjoy' working with cancer and Palliative Care nursing. It's a special science. It's about preserving dignity, respect, and taking the most courageous route in one of the important, but sad, passages in life. It's very difficult. People don't want to say good-bye. Who wants to say, I want to let go of my loved one?? People don't want to live with guilt over making end of life decisions, and having to take responsibility for this. But, reality is, we all have to go at some time. When the odds are against you, you look at the diagnoses, the test results, the patient/person/family member in front of you-the pros and cons need to be weighed. It takes a courageous person to come to grips with quality end of life. Not everyone comes to the same conclusion, and certainly the time frame for everyone to work through this issue, is very different. Just because my friend can do it in one day, doesn't mean that my struggling can't take a week! Respect, dignity, acceptance, .........and more of the same. That brings me back to alternative modes of treatment. I do have a problem with people offering all different forms of 'healing'. Do simple conversations have to turn into modes of treatment? Just a kind listening ear, and a simple "is there anything we can do for you", would be sufficient.
I had a visit with a friend yesterday, who has had cancer, received treatments-chemo & radiation-, and is now 'cancer-free'. Rumor had it that this person had dabbled in alternative medicine. I didn't think this had happened and had to clarify my take on the situation. They suggested they had tried a 2 week period of a herbal concoction, just to satisfy family members, and then had stopped. Due to feeling ill from the concoction, angry at the pressure from the people selling the stuff, and a general waste of money. ( a great deal of money)!
It concerns me that the search for a cure takes people on a journey-emotional, and sometimes, physical-that will take them away from their loved ones during a time which should/could be dedicated to quality time together.

End of sermon!! :-) P.S.-I don't disrespect anyone wanting to try or is using alternative treatment, but please be wary of why you are involved. And to take vitamin supplements, (approved), and to eat well, by all means, should be done anyway! Healthy living is always a good thing.

You may get the drift from the above rant that my mom is on her death bed. No, she's up and coping. She is scheduled to have her 'big' oncology consult on Tuesday morning. 9 am. I have asked all the siblings to be present at this pow-wow. I think it would be good for everyone to hear all information first hand, and be able to ask questions, and discuss this with the professionals. My parents need the support as well. So, it will be a time of bonding, I'm sure.
I spent the afternoon with my parents at the docs yesterday. That was quality bonding!! Oh, to have the patience to deal with families, eh? We don't pay our docs enough!! (had to throw that in) My mom came home on Wednesday evening. She is coping with her illness as best as can be expected. I've been so proud of her. She is being very strong. Yes, she's dreading Tuesday. who wouldn't?? But, it's part of the course, and I truly believe she's ready to hear what will be said. Decisions will need to be made regarding treatment. I believe chemo will be offered, and maybe radiation as well. I guess it might make a difference what the scan reports will show.

Yesterday morning, I spent time doing paperwork, laundry, house cleaning, and tried to increase the efficiency of the computers internet issues. Went town in the afternoon, was going to clean out stuff in the garage at my parents, but that kind of got way laid by other stuff. Got home at 530, and cleaned up another pail of strawberries. Oh, yeah. when I got home from the city on Wednesday after bringing home my mom, i got to go pick up 7 pails of strawberries from my inlaws. They have a large strawberry patch which they pick and sell strawberries from. I went to pick up my berries, and lucky me, got to pick the greens off all evening. and watched TV while I did that. So, Yesterday, I cleaned the last pail, and made 2 strawberry pies/cakes. Took one to Garvis & Andreas for supper. She was such a sweetheart and had us over for supper last night. MMMMMmmmm, it was wonderful. Chicken, chips, roasted potatoes and veggies, and fresh rye bread.
I know this is a terribly long post, but I have to add one more item. If you've read till here, you are to be commended. I have to brag about my boys. They are not perfect, and they have their moments where they don't get along as well, but they are wonderful. I have made them lists of jobs this week, and they have done them, while I've been away. Here's some of their list-wash windows, cut grass, clean out garage, sweep floors, whipper-snip long weeds, fill drain holes with dirt (in the lawn), set up pool, maintain flowers...... And they have not complained. Del and I are so blessed.
We are leaving for a short 2 nights of camping today when Del gets home from work. I can hardly wait! Enjoy the wonderful summer weekend!