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 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. I don’t like taking medication,” 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 Dr. Santosh Rao, Medical Director of Integrative Oncology at UH Connor Whole Health.

Integrative oncologists customize a plan 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. 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, and even when cancer is cured, it can leave behind anxiety, depression and fear.

“We work collaboratively with our counterparts at UH Seidman Cancer Center,” said Dr. Rao. “Our role is to address individual patient needs with complementary therapy solutions so that our 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 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 Dr. Rao and attended group therapy sessions. She participated in yoga and meditation. She did reiki healing as well as medical massage. For the hot flashes, which can be associated with breast cancer treatments, she tried acupuncture.

“When I first met with Dr. Rao, I liked him immediately,” said Catledge. “I felt like he really saw me and understood my concerns and what I wanted to accomplish.”

“Rorkishe has been very proactive with taking charge of her own health and improving her quality of life,” said Dr. Rao. “It brings me joy as a caregiver to hear her speak about improvements in her symptoms. This is why we do what we do.”

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.”