Does anyone have any comments or experience in the use of acupuncture to augment chemotherapy, radiation, surgery with oral cancers

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stage IV SCC base of tongue, currently has received 3 sessions of taxol/carboplatin

Joerx,

If you search this forum for the term "acupuncture", you'll find lots of posts from people who have used it to try to improve salivary function, or to try to combat nausea from chemo, or to try to deal with neck pain following treatment. I'm not sure there's a consensus on it - some have found it helpful, while others thought it was a waste of time, but there are plenty of experiences here.

Cathy

Hello Joerx

I had acupuncture to increase my general 'chi' once a week while I was having radiation. I had it in my feet. I believe it was one of the things which helped me get through with minimal side affects. Another was positive visualisation during the actual radiation treatment.

I was not having chemotherapy so can't comment on that.
I wish you the best for your treatment.

Love and light from Helen

I had three sessions of acupuncture to try and alleviate some shoulder pain and loss of sensation. I have to say I'm one of those who didn't have a good experience...each time I spent 3 or 4 days almost unable to lift my arm, and taking percoset to take the edge off of the pain. It wasn't a good experience at all for me, I'm afraid
Wayne