Acupuncture

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kmf
kmf Member Posts: 79
edited June 2014 in Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment

  I have had a lumpectomy for ILC and am waiting for Oncotypedx score to see if I need chemo or just radiation.  Some friends just gave me a gift certificate for Acupuncture -- to help my immune system or for other specific needs for my treatmemt.  I'll talk to the acupuncturist after I find out my course of treatment.  Has anyone had particular help from Acupuncture for treatment related issues?  I've never done acupuncture but am excited about the prospects of this. Thanks. Karenanne

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  • pk0199
    pk0199 Member Posts: 586
    edited December 2009

    Karen,

    I did not have chemo but lump with rads. Had a hyst and ooph in Aug. had terrible hot flashes, about 20 a day, some were so intense I physically felt ill. Saw a chinese herbalist/acupuncturist/doctor from China and she told me to take extra vit e and b. Along with the acupuncture. I had 3 sessions and they cut back my hot flashes from 20 to 3-4 day. They are increasing again but I haven't seen her in 3-4 weeks so will go back after xmas. I am fairly new to alternative medicine and was skeptical about acupuncture but will definately go back for another treatment.

    Penny 

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited December 2009

    kmf: I started 3 weeks ago.  My only regret is I didn't try it during chemo.  I did it for the insomnia, hot flashes, and neuropathy I was left with after chemo.  It is also helping with some recent back pain.  I wouldn't say all my symptoms are gone, but after 3 weeks they are much better and I am a true believer.  The other recommendation I would make is yoga if you haven't tried it.  I kept it up during and after chemo.  Some things I was doing before I couldn't do during chemo, but I believe it and my other exercise regimen slowed down the muscle loss and weakness.  The yoga helped me some with the balance issues due to the neuropathy.  On the days I had bone pain from neulasta and muscle aches from taxotere some of the gentle stretching yoga really helped me. Like I said, wish I had had my acupuncturist to help me during chemo. I'm sure there is variance in acupuncture practioners the same way there is with doctors.  I received the name of mine from another cancer survivor.  If your friend gave someone as a recommendation can't hurt to try it at least.

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  • althea
    althea Member Posts: 1,595
    edited December 2009

    I tried 3 sessions of accupuncture earlier this month. I believe rads knocked my thyroid off balance and I've been trying for literally years now to get my mojo back.  Directly after my 3 consecutive treatments, I felt more tired than ever.  The accupuncturist was more concerned about my high blood pressure than anything else.  He has a botanical pharmacy also and said he could mix up some medicine for my high bp -- for $675.  Plus he was recommending I drink soy milk.  I didn't even partake in that discussion, I avoid soy for a lengthy list of reasons. 

    Also, did you have any lymph nodes removed?  I highly recommend you spend some time reading the lymphedema section of these forums.  Not one of my doctors ever mentioned it to me, and it's a condition that every bc patient should be aware of.  I had one node taken for the SNB and thankfully my nodes were not involved, but the risk of developing lympedema lasts a lifetime.  Personally, I'm 4 years out and not having a problem with LE, but between my aversion to needles and the risk of LE, I doubt I'll be seeking more accupuncture.  My visits were $130 each.  

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  • kmf
    kmf Member Posts: 79
    edited December 2009

     I did have a SNB -- came back clean of cancer  Yeah!!  I have a small knot where it was removed. I see the surgeon tomorrow and I'll ask him how long this will be knotted up -- it's only been 12 days so probably still some swelling and probably some scar tissue.  No signs of Lymphedema so hopefully that won't be something to deal with.  Thanks to all for your input.    Karenanne

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  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited December 2009

    Hi, my breast health center had acupuncture as a option..I had it for a couple of months, it did help with my neuropathy in my feet and settled my stomach from chemo reactions...

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited December 2009

    Althea makes a point about the LE and acupuncture.  I did get lymphedema from my sentinel node biopsy, (but I had 6 nodes removed).  She doesn't put needles in my LE arm.

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited December 2009

    Sorry about what sounds like a terrible experience Althea.  When I got my recommendation for the person I use I was told "and she won't try to sell you a bunch of herbal products".  I kind of wondered about that at the time, what you described makes me happy I found someone who doesn't do that

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  • hlth4513
    hlth4513 Member Posts: 267
    edited January 2010

    I have been doing accupuncture since two weeks after my mastectomy. Not for any particluar issue, but because I thing it is an imp[ortant tool for healing and dealing with underlying issues that caused my breast cancer. I go to a Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor who is known for specializing in cancer patients and has even had a trial on one of his herbal formulas at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa.

    I was inspired to get accupuncture after reading Dr. Nan Lu's book. It was The first book on breast cancer that I read that really resonated with me - Traditional Chinese Medicine - A Woman's Guide to Healing from Breast Cancer. I really suggest at least going to his website.

    http://www.breastcancer.com/.  

    He has a wonderful set of QiGong exercises that are geared specifically for breast health. He shows them at the website, but I bought the DVD for $30 and do it at least 5 days a week. They take about 25 minutes, are easy and It is aimed to keep the chi flowing. I figure it can't hurt and it made a lot of sense to me.

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