Chemotherapy, or "chemical treatment," has been around since the days of ancient Greece. The application of chemotherapy in cancer treatment began in the 1940s with the use of nitrogen mustard. Often referred to by the abbreviation of "chemo", chemotherapy is the description often given to drugs that kill cancer cells directly. Chemo is primarily used:

• To cure a specific cancer
  
  
• To control tumor growth when cure is not possible
  
  
• To shrink tumors before surgery or radiation therapy
  
  
• To relieve symptoms (such as pain)
  
  
• To destroy microscopic cancer cells that may be present after the known tumor is removed by surgery (called adjuvant therapy). Adjuvant therapy is given to prevent a possible cancer reoccurrence.

There are however a number of side effects produced by chemotherapy such as:

• Anemia, low red blood cell count
  
  
• Low white blood cell count (this increases risk for infection)
  
  
• Hair loss or thinning hair
  
  
• Bleeding or bruising (due to low platelet count)
  
  
• Dry skin or rashes
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Diarrhea, constipation
  
  
• Nausea or vomiting
  
  
• Muscle and nerve problems
  
  
• Lung problems and difficulty breathing; coughing excessively
  
  
• Fertility and sexuality problems

The main reason why there are so many side effects is because chemotherapy works by killing cancerous cells. Sometimes however, in the process, healthy cells are killed as well. Many times, this destruction can take place in many places in the body because chemotherapy travels everywhere in the body. Coping with some of these side effects can be extremely grueling.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer and your life is at risk, the decisions that you make with regard to treatment are extremely important. Should you decide to move forward with chemotherapy, you may want to also consider applying some holistic treatments as well.

Maitake mushroom is a great start. In preliminary government-regulated studies, prostate and breast cancer patients have experienced growth inhibition, symptom release, tumor marker reduction, and immune enhancement as a result of being given Maitake.

Legend has it, the maitake mushroom was given the nick-name "dancing mushroom" because mushroom hunters danced with joy upon discovering it.

Many studies conclude maitake can aid the body in protecting itself from life-threating diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. Aside from that, it has been shown to enhance the immune system, shrink painful fibroid cysts and even lower blood pressure.

The active ingredient in medicinal mushrooms are polysaccharides called beta-glucans. The Maitake mushroom contains D-fraction which is a rather unique beta-glucan, that sets it apart as a health elixir. This D-fraction is believed to be responsible for the many health benefits of Maitake.

Most of the research with regard to the Maitake mushroom have been based on cancer prevention. While Maitake isn't believed to abolish cancer cells directly, it does protect the body from cancer by stimulating certain immune cells that fight off cancerous cells. Some experts believe that Maitake may help suppress tumors that are already growing, eradicate the admission of new cancers, and prevent (or at least slow down) the severe secondary symptoms associated with cancer.

Maitake can also provide some relief to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Impaired immune functions is one of the most recognized side effects of chemotherapy because anti-cancer drugs tend extinguish everything in their path, including some healthy cells. Therefore, synergistically combining this extract of Maitake with chemotherapy may produce increased benefits while making the treatment easier for the patient to endure. I recommend taking Maitake mushroom in capsule form or as an alcohol extract. Also, be sure to take it with Vitamin C to increase absorption.