Recently, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center started an integrative medicine pilot program for pediatric and young adult patients with the hope of easing the side effects of their cancer treatments.

Nobody expects to hear the words “Your child has cancer.” Nobody is prepared. And in our family’s case, our son Emmett was diagnosed with leukemia in an emergency room, and treatment began that day in the ICU. We had no time at all to prepare, or even to comprehend it all at the time.

What happens when patients are given greater access to their medical records, including the notes written by their doctors during each visit?

You’re getting ready for treatment and you’re trying to do everything you can to make sure your experience is positive, productive and proactive. But let’s face it, healing journeys are always easier when we look and feel better.