Cancer Survivor “Still Going Strong” Thanks to Acupuncture
The year 2020 was tough on most people, but for Michael Tyler, it presented a trifecta of bad news. Not only was the Barry University accounting professor trying to teach during a pandemic, but he was also diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer.
“I was the healthiest person in the world before that. I exercised and was a pescatarian,” says the native Miamian.
COVID-19 interfered with Tyler’s ability to get an accurate and timely diagnosis. Tyler says he was initially “underdiagnosed,” and when he sought a second opinion at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System, his diagnosis was more serious than previously thought. Sylvester’s oncologists helped identify the right treatments, which included a prostatectomy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. He soldiered through, but like most cancer patients, he struggled with pain and anxiety until a nurse practitioner suggested acupuncture, which is offered through Sylvester’s Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care services.
Acupuncture is a 5,000-year-old Chinese treatment that promotes the body’s natural healing abilities.
During treatment sessions, an acupuncturist inserts tiny, sterile needles into specific areas of the body. Practitioners believe that stimulating these points re-balances the body’s energy or “chi.” In so doing, acupuncture reduces inflammation, promotes circulation, and releases neurochemicals in the brain that elevate mood and decrease stress and depression.
“Acupuncture is a highly effective treatment, not a placebo effect,” says Glenda Harris, Ph.D., a senior acupuncturist at Sylvester.
It made Michael Tyler a believer.
Acupuncture not only helped with my pain, it helped my anxiety and mental outlook. It gave me something to live for.
Michael Tyler, patient
Dr. Harris also noticed a difference in her patient’s well-being. “Michael’s chemotherapy regimen was extreme. He credits acupuncture for keeping him healthy enough to withstand the strongest chemotherapy. I also saw him throughout his extensive surgery, followed by one year of immunotherapy.”
In nearly 30 years as a practitioner, Dr. Harris has watched acupuncture gain wider acceptance. “At Sylvester, the breakthrough came from nurse practitioners. Patients came to them complaining of nausea and neuropathy (nerve pain). Most medicines to treat those things don’t work well for a lot of people, and some patients have a hard time swallowing pills. If patients get acupuncture during chemotherapy, there’s less risk of developing severe neuropathy because it keeps the nerves more active,” Dr. Harris says, adding, “Our oncologists started noticing that patients receiving acupuncture felt better, had more energy and were happier.”
Tyler can attest to that. “I’m a 68-year-old cancer survivor, and my prognosis is very good. I did a two-hour spinning class yesterday, lifted weights today, and do CrossFit tomorrow. I’ve traveled to Spain, Italy, France and Israel. I’m still going strong.”
He credits acupuncture and Sylvester’s other cancer support services for helping him thrive. “I go to support services several times a week for yoga, massage, and art therapy. I’m a believer in being proactive about whatever you can do to participate in your own healing. I would encourage other patients to try acupuncture. It helps relieve the pain and beats taking pain medications. Dr. Harris is extremely bright and talented and really cares about her patients. It’s all positive; there are no negatives.”
Some insurance companies cover or reduce the cost of acupuncture treatments. Patients should check their policies to determine what services are covered.
To schedule an acupuncture session, call 305-243-3414.
Nancy Moreland is a regular contributor to the UHealth Collective. She has written for several major health care systems and the CDC. Her writing also appears in the Chicago Tribune and U.S. News & World Report.
Tags: acupuncture treatment, acupuncture work, Dr. Glenda Harris, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
