Dichotomy
August 2025
in “
JAAPA
”

TLDR Barbara prefers natural remedies but is advised against certain supplements and mistakenly links her cancer and hair loss to unrelated causes.
The document presents a narrative about Barbara, a patient with an early-stage hematologic malignancy, who prefers natural health approaches over conventional medicine. Despite her skepticism towards pharmaceuticals, she is undergoing antibody therapy, which she mistakenly associates with hair loss. The healthcare provider clarifies that her treatment does not typically cause hair loss and advises against using certain supplements like milk thistle and probiotics due to potential risks. Barbara attributes her cancer to a COVID-19 vaccine, despite her doctor's explanation of the unknown causes of most cancers. The narrative highlights the tension between scientific understanding and personal beliefs, as well as the hope for effective treatment.