Has anyone tried acupuncture for pain, nausea or hot flashes associated with chemo???

[IrvineFriend]

From some internet searches today, it seems that acupuncture can help with a lot of symptoms from breast cancer treatments. Any personal stories to share? I know I'm going to go for a few sessions if I have any negative experiences with chemo to try it out as I start my chemo next week.

Thanks!

-Julie

[TanyaRD]

We had an acupuncturist on staff in our cancer center. She was very well trained (must seek this out because many are not well trained-look at this link to find a nationally certified practitioner http://www.nccaom.org/find-a-nccaom-...d-practitioner ). She was excellent and we used her services for a multitude of symptoms from nausea, pain, bowel dysfunction, stress, etc. I was not a supporter when she was first hired thinking it was not a valid treatment but she proved me wrong. Best wishes.

[Razzleberry]

I went to acupuncture throughout chemo (4 cycles Taxotere and Cytoxin). Acupuncture is GREAT. I had minimal side effects - almost none, I did lose my hair. Highly recommend the acupuncture. At the "better" cancer centers (like the one in SLC) they offer acupuncture as part of the wellness center. Unfortunately the cancer center near me did not offer it but I found a good acupuncturist through a personal reference. He wanted me to come one week before each infusion. So, you might want to find your acupuncturist and visit him before you start to see what plan would work for you.

He would listen to my pulse and somehow understand the state of my internal organs. I did also get approval for some herbs to take with my chemo - he went through my doctor for approval. In my case, I went once every three weeks and that was sufficient however before we started he said that sometimes he does see patients as often as once a week.

If you are near SF, you might want to check into my acupuncturist: Robert Levine in Berkeley.

[Mel3]

I went to acupuncture usually one or two days after chemo and weekly during radiation. It helped with nausea, hot flashes and fatigue. I still go monthly. It is the best thing I did for side effects and I highly recommend it.

['lizbeth]

I received weekly acupuncture. It was fabulous. Really helped with aches and pains, insomnia, etc.

I had an infection that started around a drain. Incredibly painful, 10/10. Received acupuncture needles in a knuckle and the pain went away in less than 20 minutes. I've tried it for back pain, totally effective.

If you find the right acupuncturist it is totally worth it.

[sdstarfish]

Oh my gosh, acupuncture was my favorite thing ever for helping with chemo. I was just sharing this in another thread - I had severe nausea and migraines from treatment. I tried several meds with horrible results. Acupuncture alleviated both. It only lasted a day or two though, but any break was huge to me. I started scheduling my appointments the day after chemo to try and prevent my side effects from being as bad. It really helped. I wish that it was covered by insurance - cancer can be so expensive, can't it?! - but lots of acupuncture schools have clinics that are much cheaper, and the students are closely monitored so you are getting great care.

[ElaineM]

I have been getting acupuncture for over 14 years and love it.