A Conversation about Unlocking the Power of Integrative Oncology with Riordan Clinic Cancer Patient Jenny Bradley and Naturopathic Oncologist Dr. Lucas Tims
Asking Questions about Integrative Oncology as Riordan Clinic Cancer Patient
Unlocking the Power of Integrative Oncology: A Conversation with Dr. Lucas Tims
In this post, I’ll cut to the chase for you in summarizing episode 18 of the Riordan Clinic Real Health Podcast, where I get to take the reins as host of the show and interview Dr. Lucas Tims, an integrative oncologist who at the time of the interview was practicing at Riordan Clinic’s Overland Park office. Together, we delve into the essence of integrative oncology, its significance, and why it’s a crucial addition to conventional cancer treatment.
What is Integrative Oncology?
Starting the podcast, I ask Dr. Lucas, a naturopathic physician with a focus on oncology, to give us some insights into the essence of integrative oncology. He describes it as a medical specialty aimed at bridging the gap between conventional cancer treatment and alternative holistic approaches. Drawing on his extensive experience, which includes training at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and a residency at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Dr. Lucas emphasizes the importance of considering the holistic picture of a patient’s health, beyond just focusing on the disease itself.
Why Choose an Integrative Approach?
I go on to raise a common question: Why opt for integrative oncology alongside conventional treatment? Dr. Lucas Tims explains that while conventional treatments target the disease, they often overlook underlying health issues contributing to the cancer. Using the common naturopathic oncology analogy of weeds in a yard, Dr. Lucas illustrates how integrative oncology aims not only to eliminate cancer (the weeds) but also to address the underlying factors (the soil) that foster its growth.
Dispelling Misconceptions
Addressing a prevalent misconception about naturopathic & integrative oncology, I bring up the topic of divorcing conventional cancer care. Dr. Lucas clarifies that integrative oncology doesn’t advocate for abandoning conventional care. Instead, it complements traditional treatments by providing personalized, holistic approaches tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Navigating the Cost Barrier
I go on to ask and Dr. Lucas to discuss the financial aspect of integrative oncology, acknowledging the challenges posed by insurance-based models. We highlight the value of longer appointment times, extensive lab work, and personalized treatment plans, which necessitate a departure from insurance-driven practices.
By the way, if you are needing tips for how to raise financial support for getting more holistic therapies and supplies, you may want to check out my workshop The Fundraising Framework which I designed after lots of research on the topic, creating my own successful fundraiser to support my cryoablation procedure, and specifically for those going through cancer or loved ones of someone dealing with cancer.
The Patient Experience
As a Riordan Clinic cancer patient myself, I share my perspective on the depth and value of appointments at Riordan Clinic. I emphasize the significance of personalized care and the role of the practitioner as a guide giving a menu of choices in the healing journey.
Life After Conventional Treatments
I pose the question about what cancer patients are supposed to do after all their conventional treatments are done and they are declared “cancer free”. Dr. Lucas elaborates on post-treatment care, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying health issues to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. He underscores the proactive approach of integrative oncology, utilizing comprehensive testing to monitor patients’ progress and ensure optimal health outcomes.
Closing Thoughts of the Podcast
In our closing remarks, Dr. Lucas and I highlight the powerful impact of integrative oncology and the importance of personalized, holistic care in cancer treatment and survivorship.
The conversation between me and Dr. Lucas Tims offers insight from both a patient and a provider into the principles and practices of integrative oncology. Through our dialogue, I hope you can see the vital role of integrative approaches in enhancing cancer care and empowering patients on the journey toward healing and thriving.
Behind the Scenes of Being a Cancer Patient at Riordan Clinic
I started my cancer journey with Riordan in early 2018 and have been a patient there ever since. Most of my time has been spent at the Wichita campus, but I’ve done various appointments at the Overland Park office as well as virtually. I share lots of my behind the scenes of what it’s like to be a cancer patient there on my @shrinkthemutant Instagram account (you can follow me there and see all the story highlights, feed posts, and more that show me getting therapies at Riordan).
And if you feel like it would be helpful to talk 1-on-1 with me about the experience of using integrative therapies, choosing specific clinics like Riordan, thriving with cancer, and what it takes to do an anticancer lifestyle, you can check out my 1-on-1 call where we get on a zoom together and can chat about the topics that are most pressing to you.
My goal in sharing all these resources, being on podcasts, writing articles, posting tips on Instagram, and connecting on zoom calls with you is to make the cancer journey a little brighter!
