A note for your oncology team

I am a licensed acupuncturist with training in supportive care for people in cancer treatment. I do not treat cancer, diagnose, or change a treatment plan, and I don't ask a patient to stop or delay any treatment. I use fine single-use needles sparingly, acupressure and ear seeds.

What I ask you to share, with your patient's permission

• Diagnosis and stage, in the words you use with the patient
• Treatment plan and dates: infusion, radiation, surgery
• Recent counts, and any limit on needles, such as a platelet or neutrophil threshold
• Blood thinners and other medicines that affect bleeding or healing
• Lymph node removal or limb precautions, ports, lines and pumps
• Anything you would like me to avoid or to look for

What I do differently

• No needles in a limb at risk of lymphedema, near a port or line, or in a radiated or healing area
• Touch and ear seeds instead of needles when counts are low
• Shorter, less frequent sessions, planned around treatment days
• No herbs, cupping, moxibustion or electrical stimulation during treatment

What I send you

• A one-page visit summary on request: what I did, where, and what the patient reported
• A call the same day if I notice something your team should see first, such as fever, new swelling or bleeding
• Nothing, unless your patient has signed a release

You can call or write with questions. I would rather hear a concern before a visit than after it.