Here are some tips to prepare for your discussion:

• Educate yourself first. Before beginning a conversation with your physician, research the proven treatment for your disease. Then, find out as much as you can about the alternative treatment that you wish to discuss. Some questions for patients to ask the doctor are: what do you know about this alternative? Can you give me additional sources of information? Do you know someone who tried the alternative therapy? What was their experience?

  "It is important that patients try and be as informed as possible before going to the doctor's office," said Dr. Feldman.

  Barrie Cassileth, PhD, author of The Alternative Medicine Handbook, cautions when looking at information, particularly on the Internet, determine whether or not the information is provided by someone selling a product. "The objectivity and accuracy of information on a web site offering a product for sale may not be reputable," said Dr. Cassileth.

• Be Nonconfrontational. Let your doctor know that you are thinking about taking an alternative therapy, but you want to make sure it does not interfere with the treatment he or she prescribes.

• Ask Questions. Dr. Feldman encourages patients to write down a list of questions for the doctor and bring in any literature you want to discuss. "You need to let your doctor know you are an educated consumer-even though you may be apprehensive about what you are facing, you are seeking as much information as you can." Let your doctor know you want him or her to be a supportive partner in your education and treatment process.

• Understand the Doctor's Perspective. If a patient takes herbs, megadoses of vitamins, or starts on a special diet, the doctor needs to know. Some therapies are considered alternative because they have not been proven to be safe and effective in controlled scientific studies. The patient may run the risk of jeopardizing his primary treatment because of possible drug interactions or harm himself with unsafe therapy. You should realize your doctor might not have heard of your particular alternative therapy. If he or she hasn't heard of it, don't become discouraged. Ask your doctor to help you find out more about it.

• Bring Someone With You to the Doctor's Office. A friend or relative can help you communicate with your doctor and understand the information you are given. Support from your loved ones will not only help you communicate, but can also help lessen the stress of making decisions alone.

• Follow Up. On your next doctor's visit, be sure to continue your conversation about the alternative therapy. Share with him or her any decision you have reached about using an alternative treatment. Your doctor may or may not agree with your decision, but it's important that your doctor know if you're planning to use alternative therapies so that he or she can provide you with the best possible care.