Patient combines traditional and alternative therapies to survive pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to overcome. The disease is hard to detect and often, by the time it is accurately diagnosed, it’s too late for any treatment other than pain management.

But take heart: Difficult is not the same as impossible. In Iowa City resident Jerry Aldeman’s case, a thoughtful and creative approach has proven successful.

Since being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2000, Aldeman has combined conventional (or “traditional”) treatments with an approach that falls into the realm of complementary/alternative medicine. He has survived—even thrived, by most standards—as the days have turned into months, and the months to years.

“I fully use the conventional medical treatments, and I’m very happy with my oncologist, Raymond Hohl,” says Aldeman, a native Iowan who has traveled to and lived in various places—including Sydney, Australia—but moved back home after the diagnosis in order to be closer to family and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

After the cancer was detected, “I had the Whipple procedure (wherein the affected part of the pancreas is removed), I had radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and I’m still taking medication,” Aldeman says. “But I believe alternative medicine can enhance one’s health and chances for survival, so I pursued that option as well.”

Aldeman’s search led him to Nicole Nisly, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine, who started the UI Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clinic in July 1998. The clinic provides guidance on selecting therapies (including acupuncture, massage therapy, and mind/body healing techniques such as yoga) that can safely be combined with traditional treatments to add to the healing process.

Patients also receive advice on UI and community practitioners who can provide the specified complementary therapies. 

In January 2004, Nisly also created the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clinic at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center to guide cancer patients on safe and effective use of natural therapies in combination with conventional medical treatments.

“The feedback (from patients) has been positive,” Nisly says. “They feel empowered, and they feel safer using herbs and dietary supplements when they can discuss how it might interact with chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments.”

With a referral from Nisly, Aldeman visited the Seashore Psychology Clinic supervised by Susan Lutgendorf, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Psychology, which helped him use relaxation and visualization. “This involves, in some way that is helpful to you, visualizing the cancer being killed,” Aldeman says.

Other components of Aldeman’s long-term treatment regimen include a carefully controlled diet—lots of vegetables, soy, whole grains (such as brown rice), whole wheat bread, and no processed sugar; and the use of herbs and supplements. “The problem is, they’re (herbs and supplements) pretty much unregulated,” he says. “It’s helpful to have good sources of information, such as Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd edition, a book I’ve used often.”

Aldeman also recommends:

• Exercise: “For me, that means walking, bicycling, and in the winter, exercise bikes.”
• Positive thoughts/good attitude: “Patients need to face and understand that they have a serious disease, but at the same time it’s very important to be hopeful and optimistic and to think long-term. Be involved in your therapy and do what you can on your own to promote your health.”
• Spiritual involvement: “Prayer and faith do matter. After the diagnosis, I reconnected with the church after years away.”

For more details about the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clinic for patients with cancer, call the Cancer Information Service, 800-237-1225, or visit www.uihealthcare.com/depts/cancercenter/patients/alternativemedclinic.html.