Cancer Treatment Support & Symptom Relief
The combined approach with herbs and acupuncture for my constipation has worked wonders. I did not experience any problems at all associated with the chemo last Thursday. Getting a head start seems to be the key. I look forward to seeing you again for more acupuncture the following week. Thanks again for all your help.
— K.D., Durham, NC
Breast Cancer Recovery & Radiation Side Effects
Here’s my story. Six months ago, I was diagnosed with a very early-stage breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ), for which it was recommended that I have a lumpectomy and a six-week course of radiation. After the first surgery, I had to have a re-incision to make the margin around the tissue that was removed and the rest of the breast tissue wider. At the same time, I was bitten by a tick and contracted Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
After the acute stage of this painful infection abated, I began the radiation treatments on my breast. I truly do not know how I would have made it through both surgeries, the radiation, and recovery from the tick-borne disease without the benefit of acupuncture and other advice from OHS. I had a remarkably rapid recovery from all of these conditions.
Thanks to the acupuncture treatments, nutrition advice, and a nutritional supplement recommended by a practitioner at OHS, I experienced less fatigue than many other breast cancer patients. Compared to others I met in the radiation waiting room, I experienced much milder side effects. My skin never burned, I had no lymphedema, and I was able to carry on almost normally throughout the six-week radiation period.
Recovery from RMSF was also rapid. I’ve read recovery can take years, but I’m pretty much back to normal after six months. Acupuncture and electronic stimulation also helped me wean off pain medications. I am convinced that acupuncture and the knowledge of my practitioner helped me recover more rapidly than otherwise possible.
— N.S. O’D., Durham, NC
Immune Support During Chemotherapy
I was diagnosed with lung cancer in November 2003 and began chemotherapy in February 2003. During treatment, at the urging of my daughter, who had greatly benefited from acupuncture, I made an appointment at OHS.
He was very thorough in learning about me—my symptoms, my strengths and weaknesses, and my history. My practitioner was extremely knowledgeable about whole body healing and the importance of the immune system.
I truly believe acupuncture played a key role in my immune system staying strong through four months of chemotherapy. I continue to periodically go for acupuncture and continue to do well as a cancer survivor. Thank you, thank you, Oriental Health Solutions!
— J.M.S., April 6, 2006
Nausea & Side Effect Relief
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I was distraught. I was petrified of the upcoming chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. I knew nothing about acupuncture but went to OHS at a friend’s suggestion.
My husband stayed with me after the needles were placed and said my face and body relaxed for the first time since the diagnosis. He says my spirits improved from that moment forward.
After my fourth week of radiation and second week of inpatient chemotherapy, I became so nauseous I could keep nothing down. Prescription meds barely helped, and I was hospitalized due to dehydration.
My practitioner changed everything by placing needles in my wrists—the nausea disappeared immediately. We worked out a way to keep small needles in place, and I began regaining strength.
— V.P., April 2006
Complementary Care After Recurrence
I was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2003. After surgery, I received traditional treatment—chemotherapy and radiation. Eleven months after completing treatment, the cancer returned.
Remembering the difficult chemo side effects—low blood counts, lack of energy, nausea—I decided to try Oriental medicine as a complementary treatment. This was fully supported by my oncologist.
We focused on maintaining overall health and countering the negative side effects of chemo. Special attention was given to immune support, and I never got sick or missed a treatment. My energy and well-being have been amazing. I highly recommend Oriental medicine as a complement to traditional care.
— V.F., March 2006