finally #2 chemo, update. Anyone tried acupuncture to help symptoms?

Posted by MommaCandy @mommacandy, Mar 28 6:48am

so I finally got my second chemo done yesterday. doc was VERY happy with the way I looked and agreed not to give me another nuelasta shot right off the bat since I had such horrible reactions to it. he said we'll wait and see. genetic results are back I am brca1 positive no surprise there with family history/connections and daughter is already lined up for testing.
now here's another thought. one of my hubby's clients is an acupuncturist that has been in practice over 30 years. he swears he can help bring my wbc up with acupuncture as well as treat the nausea...my oncologist has okayed it if I want to try it.. has anyone ever used acupuncture before? if so, what was the results?

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I do acupuncture. I am treated for neuropathy, hot flashes, and nausea. I have not had any of those symptoms and am on round 3 of chemo. I don't know if it's the acupuncture keeping me free of these symptoms or not, but it's working for me right now!

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Definitely yes to acupuncture. I honestly don’t know exactly how it works but it certainly can bring the energy levels up and improve how you feel. I highly recommend getting it as do many cancer docs.

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I have had acupuncture treatment for severe dry eye when all other extreme treatment measures were not adequate. (The constant discomfort can be extremely distressing.) I did it after extensive research and finding a published report how it worked quite well in one study. So, my ophthalmologist (Duke) approved it. It changed my life. After the second week of treatment, I had 90% improvement! This was my personal experience. Others may have different results. I’d use it more, except it’s not covered by my insurance.

I attribute my great response to a very skilled, gifted and experienced acupuncturist. He’s the kind of person that when he walks into the room, the energy level changes. He is dedicated his life to healing and I’m not the only patient who reports similar positive results with this professional. I have no affiliation with him, otherwise.

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@celia16

I have had acupuncture treatment for severe dry eye when all other extreme treatment measures were not adequate. (The constant discomfort can be extremely distressing.) I did it after extensive research and finding a published report how it worked quite well in one study. So, my ophthalmologist (Duke) approved it. It changed my life. After the second week of treatment, I had 90% improvement! This was my personal experience. Others may have different results. I’d use it more, except it’s not covered by my insurance.

I attribute my great response to a very skilled, gifted and experienced acupuncturist. He’s the kind of person that when he walks into the room, the energy level changes. He is dedicated his life to healing and I’m not the only patient who reports similar positive results with this professional. I have no affiliation with him, otherwise.

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Acupuncture administered by a knowledgeable practitioner can work wonders for a wide range of conditions. Every cancer patient dealing with fatigue should look into having it.

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I have had acupuncture in the past. Not for my cancer treatment symptoms, but other problems. It was very helpful to me. Unfortunately, not covered by insurance, & became cost prohibitive.

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@amyb5

I have had acupuncture in the past. Not for my cancer treatment symptoms, but other problems. It was very helpful to me. Unfortunately, not covered by insurance, & became cost prohibitive.

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fortunately i'm in a situation where i can barter for the acupuncture...just mainly hoping it will help with the nausea, lack of appetite and getting those wbc and neutrophils up quickly

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@mommacandy

fortunately i'm in a situation where i can barter for the acupuncture...just mainly hoping it will help with the nausea, lack of appetite and getting those wbc and neutrophils up quickly

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That’s a good position to be in. I hope it helps. Best wishes!

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@heatherb123

I do acupuncture. I am treated for neuropathy, hot flashes, and nausea. I have not had any of those symptoms and am on round 3 of chemo. I don't know if it's the acupuncture keeping me free of these symptoms or not, but it's working for me right now!

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I had many months of acupuncture after developing Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. My medical practitioner said I was wasting my money. Reluctantly forced to agree with her. Once those nerves are dead, they stay that way.

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@freckle1

I had many months of acupuncture after developing Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. My medical practitioner said I was wasting my money. Reluctantly forced to agree with her. Once those nerves are dead, they stay that way.

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good to know, it SEEMS to be helping with the nausea, we'll see on Wed if it helped with the neutrophil counts...

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I went for lots of sessions of acupuncture after chemotherapy and found them really helpful. Love the treatment but it does depend on the therapist.. but if he’s been practicing for 30 years I’m sure he’ll be good. All the best

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