What is cancer care?
At the Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine in Grapevine, TX, we understand that the days and weeks following a cancer diagnosis can be a whirlwind of advice from physicians, family, and friends. Your first impulse may be to ask, "What are my cancer treatment options?" Your second impulse may be to just do whatever your doctor tells you to do. Like a good patient, you might follow the advice of your diagnosing oncologist without exploring or considering other options in cancer care. Although conventional cancer treatments serve most people well, there are some patients who do not tolerate traditional oncology well. Even though the Kotsanis Institute practices integrative and natural oncology, our practice doesn’t claim that it's a better alternative to traditional oncology.
Natural and integrative oncology works on the principle that cancer is a systemic disease that affects the immune system and metabolism. We strive to bring balance to all the systems in your body — i.e., everything from nutrition and digestive system dysfunction to immune/endocrine/central nervous system harmony. Furthermore, we believe that cancer should be managed by addressing all physical, emotional, and spiritual imbalances. Last, but not least, we encourage family participation for optimal healing. Together, as a family, we will fight to help you reclaim your life after a cancer diagnosis. Each patient is assigned a cancer care manager who will partner with you to ensure that you receive personal attention as needed. Our skilled team will work closely with your medical team of physicians: oncologists, primary physicians, or other healthcare providers. You will have continuous support, and your care manager will call you on a regular basis to check that you are making positive progress. For more information, call us today.
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What Are the Benefits of Cancer Care?
The Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine takes a comprehensive and integrative approach to cancer care, emphasizing personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient. By combining conventional medical practices with functional and holistic therapies, our Grapevine, TX practice aims to enhance the overall well-being of patients, improve their quality of life, and support the body's natural healing processes. This multifaceted strategy not only targets the cancer itself but also helps to fortify the body's immune system and optimize health on all levels. Some benefits of our cancer care methods include:
- Personalized treatment plans
- Holistic approach with conventional medicine and alternative therapies
- Immune system support
- Minimization of side effects
- Nutritional support for the body's overall health and recovery
- Detoxification to reduce toxins in the body
- Enhanced quality of life
- Preventative care
Who Is a Candidate for Cancer Care?
Candidates for cancer care typically include individuals who have been diagnosed with any form of cancer and are seeking comprehensive treatment options that integrate traditional medical approaches with complementary therapies. These candidates might be newly diagnosed patients, those undergoing active treatment, individuals in remission seeking preventive care, or patients looking for supportive care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Cancer care is often personalized to address the specific type of cancer, the stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and their individual needs and preferences. Candidates may also include those looking for holistic approaches that encompass nutritional support, lifestyle modifications, and alternative therapies to enhance their overall treatment plan.
How does cancer care work?
Our team believes that cancer is a disease not only of the body but also of the mind and spirit. We are passionate about caring for our patients because we know that family and social support can contribute to healing. Your proactive, positive spirit will ignite a cancer warrior within you. We want you to thrive while surviving cancer. Enjoying a full life with a loving, relaxing, forgiving spirit can help to support your immune system, good health, and general well-being. Our cancer care initiatives are wellness-based programs that use emerging technologies and are reviewed to include the latest scientific developments. Being part of this aftercare program can help you stay healthy and get healthier even after cancer.
Not a patient in remission?
If you are in remission but were treated elsewhere, you can still be one of our after cancer care patients. We also accept patients who have been treated elsewhere in the United States or abroad. Some patients choose to be treated outside of the United States and find it more convenient and cost-effective to have us follow up with them after their initial treatments are finished.
What happens during Cancer Care treatment?
We are not just a treatment clinic. We are highly experienced, listen to our patients, and are committed to delivering superior care and compassion. We will treat, educate, research, and elevate your well-being during your journey with cancer, cancer treatment, and cancer aftercare.
We offer
- Insulin potentiation therapy (IPT)
- Nutritional IV therapies
- Nutritional Supplementation (Poly-MVA or enzyme therapies)
- Oxidative therapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF)
- After cancer care
What happens after cancer care?
Oftentimes, after patients have completed a treatment phase and cancer is successfully in remission, they fail to take measures to keep cancer from returning. Even if their cancer is not in total remission but is contained, the "after" part of cancer care is critical to help maximize comfort, health, and enjoyment of life. We can assist with this by:
- Battling the many side effects and long term miseries of chemotherapy and radiation
- Reviewing your entire medical records, lab images, and treatments
- Conducting a thorough examination and interview
- Discussing your treatment plans with friends and family
- Testing for vitamin, mineral, amino acid, and other deficiencies
- Designing a program specifically for your particular chemotherapy or radiation
- Administering IV and oral supplementation
- Providing timely follow-up appointments for evaluation by physicals and laboratory testing for progress
Cancer patients must be careful to eat the right foods, drink clean alkaline water, check their alkalinity daily, minimize stress, and go to check-ups for laboratory testing and imaging. How often you're seen depends on whether you're in complete remission or have controlled the tumor growth, how aggressive the cancer type was, and other personal factors. Our care manager model is deliberately intended to help you keep track of what comes next.
Cancer Care FAQ
Should I have functional care instead of traditional cancer care?
At Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine, we do not advise that one form of cancer treatment is better than another. Individuals respond to some treatments better than others. Functional care can offer an alternative or additional perspective to traditional cancer treatments rather than competing for your attention.
Are there risks?
The good news about holistic cancer treatment is the low amount of adverse side effects. Chemotherapy has some necessary but harsh side effects. Whether you are looking for rehab as you are in remission, or concurrent care with your mainstream cancer treatment, functional cancer care can have supporting and enhancing benefits that help you feel as settled as possible.
How do you address cancer with functional medicine?
Our practitioners all embody their own unique approach, depending on your case and your needs. Comprehensive cancer care can include a number of different whole-body treatments. Some examples of this include mind-body therapy, nutritional guidance and supplements, and various therapies offered at our state-of-the-art facility.
Is functional cancer care suitable for all cancer patients?
Functional cancer care can complement conventional treatments and be beneficial for many cancer patients. However, it's essential to consult with a medical team that includes both conventional and functional medicine experts to determine the most appropriate and safe treatment plan for each individual. Certain advanced or aggressive cancers may require more aggressive conventional treatments, and decisions should be made based on the patient's specific diagnosis and circumstances.
Is functional cancer care covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for functional cancer care varies widely. Some aspects of functional cancer care, such as consultations with qualified healthcare professionals, may be covered by insurance. However, complementary therapies, supplements, and other integrative treatments may not be covered. It's recommended to check with your insurance provider to understand what aspects of functional cancer care may be reimbursed.
What should I look for in a functional cancer care provider?
When seeking a functional cancer care provider, consider the following:
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Credentials: Look for licensed healthcare professionals with training and experience in both functional medicine and oncology.
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Collaborative Approach: The provider should be willing to work alongside your conventional medical team.
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Personalized Care: A provider who takes the time to understand your individual needs and creates a tailored treatment plan.
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Evidence-Based Practices: Ensure the provider integrates evidence-based practices from both conventional and complementary medicine.
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Transparent Communication: A willingness to explain treatment options, risks, and benefits clearly.
Know your cancer care options
Choosing your cancer treatment may be one of the most difficult and important decisions you’ll ever make. This is your life and your choice. We can help you investigate, research, and learn about your cancer care options at the Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine in Grapevine, TX. Call our office to speak to one of our representatives or reach out to us online.