Questions people ask first

Acupuncture has risks, and some of them matter more during cancer treatment: soreness, light bruising and, rarely, bleeding or infection. That is why I ask about your blood counts, your medicines and your surgery before any needle, and why some days I use touch and ear seeds instead. I work alongside your oncology care, never in place of it, and I explain the risks before we begin.

Yes. Tell them, and with your written permission I send them a short summary after your first visit. If a plan changes, such as a new medicine, a new port or a surgery date, tell me before your next visit and I will change what I do.

Most people feel a small pinch, a dull ache or a heavy, warm feeling, and some feel nothing at all. The needles are much thinner than the ones used for shots, and I use fewer of them than usual. Tell me if anything feels like too much and I will adjust or stop.

Tell me the date and the numbers of your latest blood work. When your white blood cells, platelets or red blood cells are low, I may skip needles and use gentle touch and ear seeds, or ask you to wait. If you have a fever, chills or bleeding, call your oncology team's number first.

It changes where I place needles. I keep needles and cups out of the arm or leg on the side where nodes were removed or treated with radiation, unless your surgeon or oncologist says otherwise. Tell me which side and when.

No. Keep taking everything your oncology team and your prescribers gave you, and tell me everything you take, including vitamins and supplements. Acupuncture works alongside your oncology care, never in place of it.

I suggest a plan after your first visit, such as visits close together around a hard stretch of treatment and fewer after that. It is a suggestion and results vary. You can change the plan or stop whenever you like.

Some plans pay for acupuncture and many do not. I am out of network, so I give you an itemized receipt, and your plan decides whether to reimburse any of it. Ask your plan whether it has an acupuncture benefit, how many visits it allows, whether there is a copay or deductible and whether you need a referral. For an HSA or FSA card, ask your plan administrator.

Yes. Many people bring someone to drive, and they are welcome to sit in the room or in the waiting area. I also see family members and caregivers for their own visits.

A fever of 100.4°F or higher, chills, bleeding that won't stop, new shortness of breath, a swollen or red arm or leg, or a sudden change in how you feel means calling your oncology team's number now. For an emergency, call 911. I will never ask you to wait for an acupuncture visit instead.