Kuala Lampur, April 22 -- It's been nearly a year since my lumpectomy and the stiffness that came on immediately after, still lingers.

My physiotherapist says my shoulder blade isn't working like it should and despite stretches, exercises and supplements I cannot easily raise my left arm.

I thought that perhaps after my immunotherapy sessions stopped, the stiffness would ease some but apparently sudden onset menopause will do this to you.

As I figured I had nothing left to lose (besides money) I might as well try acupuncture.

There is a practitioner right around the corner, next to my regular GP but I decided to look online for more options and settled for a practice that had an all-female staff.

The whole endeavour would be awkward ...