oncology massage

gb2115

Has anyone booked one of those "oncology" massages? I see a couple of massage practices in my area that offer this, by people with lymphedema training. I'm tempted to try it, but am afraid because I easily get afraid and anxious about things. I also have, in the past, been faced with a massage therapist who insisted on working on certain areas that I didn't want her to (this was pre-cancer), and very much sounded like a know-it-all.

I just wonder, if I go to get an oncology massage, and I don't want them to touch my right (cancer) side at all, what would I say if they insist they know what they are doing? Or is it better to go to a regular massage therapist and just tell them to leave that side alone? I have a LOT of muscle tension in my entire body that I think I needs to get worked out...I just don't want it to cause swelling. My body has been flirting with truncal lymphedema, so I fear full on arm lymphedema could be lurking around any corner...

Wised

I go to a medical massage therapist who has her oncology certificate. She's very respectful of my wishes, tells me what she's going to do and asks for feedback. She's super careful with my cancer side. Noone should ever insist on touching you when you don't want them to. Call and ask to speak to the massage therapist and tell her your concerns. I hope you can find someone you're comfortable with. I feel so much better after a massage. After so many uncomfortable, invasive medical interventions, it's nice to do something that makes me feel good in and with my body again.

2002chickadee

I just had an oncology massage today! Couldn't agree more about craving something soothing to help with all the (so many!) aches and pains. It was really lovely and so important for us to do these things, even though it's just another thing to book and pay for -- self-care is not just medical doctors. The therapist was very respectful of what I wanted. I also had a massage a few weeks after my surgery last February and they did a little reiki and other non-touching healing therapies. I agree with Wised that talking to the therapist in advance might put your concerns to rest.

Trishyla

I have truncal lymphedema and have been having regular massages by a trained lymphedema specialist. The purpose of the massage is to help with lymph flow. It isn't just a massage to make you feel better. It is a therapeutic tool to relieve a medical condition.

If you feel you are developing truncal lymphedema, you should go in immediately to be evaluated. They will measure you and make recommendations as to compression garments and therapeutic treatments. It is important to stay on top of lymphedema, because left untreated. It can develop into a chronic or even life threatening condition.

Please don't be afraid of the treatment. Certified LE therapists are usually very gentle and as the other's said, very respectful of your boundaries, both physical and psychological.

Good luck! Hope all works out well for you.

Trish

Wised

Trish, I'm not sure what the symptoms of truncal lymphedema are, but I truly think I have breast lymphedema. I am going to be evaluated by a lymphedema specialist on Friday. And I agree with you about the oncology massage helping what lymph nodes we have left to perform better.

Trishyla

Wised,

Truncal lymphedema is basically breast lymphedema. Your breast (or in my case, breasts) swell up if you carry heavy things, or do repetitive exercises, or even just for no reason. If I don't take care of it as soon as I notice a flare, it just gets worse and can get very painful. Fortunately, my LE specialist taught me self massage techniques to use every day. I also have a compression garment. They really do help.

Good luck with your appointment.

Trish

Jumpship

I used a massage therapist trained at the Klose Institute of Lymphedema Training who was mentored by Isabel Adkins. She was super helpful at the end of my chemo and post-chemo. I looked at medical centers (like UCSF Osher Center) that use massage in their practice and looked for the credentials that their therapist had and then looked for one with similar credentials where I lived. There is also a Society for Oncology Massage that might have more information for you.

gb2115

Oh I have already been evaluated for the truncal lymphedema...it popped up a year ago after a skin biopsy near the breast (treated side). We successfully got it under control and so far as long as I am careful with undergarments it doesn't show up. I have to put light compression (I use a gauze pad) in the side of my bra, if I wear one at all. Do better without, but certain shirts....

I just worry about the arm, because of the trunk issues is the arm a ticking time bomb you know?

Thanks for the feedback!!!

Rah2464

My oncological massage therapist is actually a BC survivor herself so she gets it. I don't have lymphedema, but I did have tremendous adhesions and cording from my BMX. So my massage therapist gets to work on my Foobs and my truncal area. It can actually be a painful massage at times, but when she is finished all those adhesions are released. It has been a lifesaver for me. So whether you go for a specific issue, or for stress relief by a knowledgeable therapist, I think it is a game changer in your overall health.