Healthy Living: Acupuncture helps cancer patients tolerate treatment
It’s an ancient form of eastern medicine that’s becoming more and more accepted in the western world. Acupuncture is now being offered to cancer patients through their primary doctor. It’s being used in combination with traditional treatment options to help relieve symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment.
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"Really sharp pain coming," said John Fallon.
For the first time in months Fallon is feeling pain. Not from the acupuncture needles that are being used to treat his legs, but from the sensation he's regaining
"They're coming back to life," Fallon said.
In 2001, Fallon was diagnosed with a form of cancer that attacks the bones through the blood stream.
"They said don't hope for remission. And you’ll probably have a life expectancy of about seven years," said Fallon.
A powerful medication helped Fallon fight off his cancer, but it cost him the feeling in his legs. Fallon was forced to stop his treatment and his cancer came back. Before he could undergo chemotherapy, his doctor recommended acupuncture.
"She's made it possible to keep going," Fallon said.
The Lipson Cancer Center in Rochester is one of only a handful of cancer treatment facilities nationwide that has a board certified acupuncturist on staff.
"I’m interested in being in the hospital setting and working alongside the patient. So the patient doesn't have to decide if they're going for alternative therapy, as opposed to complimentary therapy," said Shannon Pinckney.
Acupuncture can help cancer patients stave off nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and body aches. While western medicine still doesn't know exactly how it works its hard to argue with the results.
"It improves quality of life. That's huge for a cancer patient," Pinckney said.
After only two months of acupuncture Fallon is showing improvements.
"I'm beginning to feel pain and tingling again," said Fallon.
It may not cure cancer but Fallon is living proof it can help cancer patients tolerate the treatment.
"This is a marvelous thing to work with western medicine. Absolutely," Fallon added.
Lipson Cancer Center