Cancer survivor is one of first to try treatment

Self-acupuncture scheme boost for patient Neil

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A CANCER survivor from Rochdale has been given the option to learn self-acupuncture to help with the side effects his medication is having.

Neil Neaverson, aged 62, from Rochdale, is one of the first patients at The Christie to benefit from self-acupuncture training.

The retired mainframe systems programmer was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021.

He had robotic surgery in 2022, followed by radiotherapy in 2024.

“During my pre-treatment radiotherapy consultation, they mentioned acupuncture,” said Neil.

“When I started having hot flushes from the hormone-suppressing medication and was exhausted from lack of sleep, I asked to be referred.

“I was offered six acupuncture sessions as part of a group of three patients which worked really well as we talked, laughed, and supported each other.

Towards the end of these, the therapist, Eileen Hackman, mentioned learning self-acupuncture. I was very enthusiastic.

“Eileen arranged a one-to-one guided session.

“She put the first needle in and then encouraged me to do the rest, giving me tips on how to find the right place for the needles. Eileen is a great teacher and is so positive and knowledgeable.

“My last acupuncture session at Withington was in December, and I have been doing self-acupuncture weekly at home ever since. It takes about an hour, which includes getting everything set up, putting the needles in, waiting for them to do their magic, and taking them out.

“I feel less discomfort from using the needles myself than if the therapist is doing it. Afterwards, I feel incredibly relaxed.

“It's made a big difference. I’m down from eight or nine hot sweats a night to about three, and I sleep much better.