Integrative Oncology Support
Cancer Care services with Dory Ellen Fish
A Collaborative Approach to Cancer Care
Chinese Medicine offers a specialized, evidence-based framework for managing the complex symptoms reported by patients throughout the cancer journey. I view my role as an integrative practitioner, offering a unique modality that addresses acute physical symptoms while supporting a patient’s internal resilience and emotional equilibrium.
I believe that the most effective treatment plans often include both complementary and conventional oncology. My primary objective is to enhance the quality of life for every patient—prioritizing the reduction of pain and anxiety while providing proactive side-effect management.
Advanced Training & Collaborative Care
I practice acupuncture as a complementary discipline, maintaining an active dialogue with oncologists and medical specialists to ensure a seamless circle of care. To maintain the highest standard of clinical safety and efficacy, I have focused my continuing education on the field of oncology for the past 20 years.
My approach is grounded in advanced training from two of the most highly regarded cancer hospitals in the world:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York: Specialized training in Oncological Acupuncture.
MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston: Advanced oncological training and clinical study.
I’ve also spent over a decade in mentorship with Dr. Jeffrey Yuen (2015-present) studying the Daoist Medical Treatment of Cancer.
Therapeutic Support Across the Spectrum of Care
Acupuncture is utilized as a strategic support system at every stage of your medical treatment plan.
Surgical Support
Pre-Operative: Treatments focus on systemic relaxation and priming the body’s immune response to help mitigate potential post-operative complications.
Post-Operative: Clinical application focuses on reducing inflammation, improving intestinal motility, and promoting efficient wound healing at the incision site.
Chemotherapy & Radiation Management
We utilize acupuncture to alleviate the systemic toxicity of these medical treatments, focusing on:
Symptom Mitigation: Addressing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
Systemic Balance: Managing insomnia, anxiety, and digestive disruptions.
Hematological Support: Assisting the body in managing low blood counts, anemia, and white blood cell fluctuations during radiation.
Immunotherapy Support
As immunotherapy becomes a cornerstone of modern oncology, acupuncture plays a vital role in managing its unique side-effect profile. We focus on:
Inflammation Management: Addressing immune-related adverse events that can affect the joints, skin, or digestive tract.
Energy Restoration: Combating the profound fatigue often associated with immune-modulating drugs.
Systemic Regulation: Helping the body maintain balance as the immune system is stimulated to recognize and target cancer cells.
Post-Treatment Recovery & The First Year of Aftercare
The completion of active treatment is a major milestone, but the first year following surgery, chemo, or radiation is a critical period for long-term recovery. During this "aftercare" phase, we focus on:
Consolidating Strength: Rebuilding the body’s vital energy (Qi) and blood levels after the depletion of treatment.
Clearing Residual Toxicity: Facilitating the body's natural detoxification pathways to move beyond the physical "fog" of treatment.
Monitoring & Maintenance: Addressing lingering neuropathy, joint pain, or "chemo-brain" to ensure you return to your highest level of functioning.
Emotional Integration: Providing a space to process the transition from "patient" to "survivor," supporting the spirit through this period of profound change.
“While I was undergoing chemotherapy, Dory's treatments alleviated my nausea, depression and physical pain. I have been in remission since 2006 and I credit regular treatments with Dory as one of the main reasons for my initial recovery and my ability to remain healthy over the past four years. Dory is a very talented practitioner – but more than that, she is a caregiver, a true human being and a healer in every sense of the word."
- Jim
Resources & Advocacy
I am a frequent speaker and writer on the necessity of integrative care. You can find more in-depth information on these protocols in my featured article for Living Beyond Breast Cancer.