R.J.’s Story

A diagnosis of cancer brings with it significant stress, and it certainly did for Rorkishe “R.J.” Catledge, a juvenile detention center teacher whose days were rewarding yet stressful enough. Her cancer journey led her down a path to holistic healing and complementary treatments at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health.

After her breast cancer diagnosis in January of 2023, Catledge underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy of one breast. She must go for a medical follow-up every six months to monitor the other breast and take a medication for five years to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

“I don’t like taking pills,” she said. “With chemo, I’ve had so many drugs in my body. This drug has one side effect, that drug has another side effect. There are things I have to take, but I wanted to minimize the drugs.”

Catledge’s oncologist referred her to an integrative oncologist at UH Connor. Integrative oncologists customize plans for patients with cancer, incorporating aspects of integrative medicine. Integrative medicine focuses on treating the whole person – not just their individual symptoms – by addressing the person’s physical, emotional, behavioral and spiritual well-being. It’s a team-based method anchored in a trusted long-term relationship between patient and caregiver.

Integrative medicine treatments can be used to directly address problems and/or prevent them. Treatments are used on their own or as a complement to traditional interventions. Integrative medicine includes acupuncture, massage therapy, meditation, stress management, sleep management, herbal supplements, and diet and exercise consultation.

Traditional oncology aims to treat the cancer and save the patient’s life. But treatments can cause debilitating side effects. Even when cancer is cured, the disease can leave behind anxiety, depression and fear in its wake.

Working collaboratively with its counterparts at UH Seidman Cancer Center, UH Connor addresses the individual needs of cancer patients with complementary therapy solutions so that patients can heal – not just in body, but also in mind and spirit.

“The stress of taking on cancer and cancer treatments can’t be underestimated,” said Catledge. “I struggled with anxiety and hot flashes. I needed something to calm my mind and bring me peace, but also something to address some of the side effects I was dealing with. I wanted to go holistic and try approaches that didn’t involve drugs.”

Through UH Connor, Catledge worked one-on-one with an integrative oncologist and attended group therapy sessions. She participated in yoga, meditation, reiki healing and medical massage. For her hot flashes, which are often associated with breast cancer treatment, she tried acupuncture.

“I felt like my integrative oncologist really understood my concerns and what I wanted to accomplish,” said Catledge.

After several months with UH Connor, Catledge, now 54, says her hot flashes have decreased. She experiences less daily stress and more mindfulness.

“I use the breathing techniques I learned daily, and I’m even teaching them to my students,” she said. “Regardless of my cancer journey, I plan to continue many of these therapies throughout my life because of the benefits I’ve experienced.”