I can have a massage right?

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Turtletots
Turtletots Member Posts: 35
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I made a massage appointment tonight and then it hit me--will they tell me I can't get a massage if I tell them I have breast cancer?

I did a little online research and some people say  you have to have a person trained in "oncology massage" but others say it's no big deal.

Should I just go and not worry about it? Should I even mention about my DCIS? I'm having my bilateral mastectomy in two weeks and I really need some relaxation. But I dont want to cause any further problems if i can avoid it!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2010

    It should'nt be any problem, since it is a non-invasive bc; I wouldn't even mention it. Go and enjoy!

    anne

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  • Turtletots
    Turtletots Member Posts: 35
    edited April 2010

    I dont want to defraud the paperwork or anything, but it would be nice to not have to put anything down about it. I'm always thinking that there could be something hidden that's more invasive though. I called the oncologist and their nurse said no problem.

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  • ladyod
    ladyod Member Posts: 152
    edited April 2010

    I agree with Anne---I went in before my surgery to relax and made the mistake of telling them why I was there. The masseuse proceeded to talk about his bout with cancer the whole time.....just go, relax, and destress!  I even had massages following my surgery (with the permission of my breast surgeon)---you just can't lay on your tummy for a while so it has to be a pregnancy massage.  It was the best money I have spent because the woman actually came to my home when I couldn't drive.  Good Luck!

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  • iHEARTu
    iHEARTu Member Posts: 213
    edited April 2010

    No, go and enjoy yourself!!!! If you have lymph nodes taken out, it will be different since massaging can (from what I've read, I'm not a medical professional) irritate the side the nodes were removed. Ask your Dr. first. Also, if you have expanders put in, you won't want to be on your stomach (OUCH!)... I was thinking a massage chair after surgery might be ok, if you as you your Dr?

    Go pamper yourself! And if you can afford it, get your toenails done too! It will be a while before you can reach them.

    Prayers to you in two weeks and don't be shy to ask for pain meds!

    catherine :)

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  • mlrbelle
    mlrbelle Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2010

    Go for it!  I was told the only thing you need to be careful of was after the surgery due to the lymphedema risk.

    Just don't get those toes done right before surgery - I was all set to do that a few days before and was told no.  They don't want any nail polish on your toes or fingers in the OR.  I was soooo disappointed!

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  • dee1961
    dee1961 Member Posts: 1,672
    edited April 2010

    Since you have DCIS and haven't had your surgery yet, go for it. I have massages and I had IDC. I just don't let them massage my arms because I have lymphedema. Funny thing mrlbelle, I have my nails and toes done all the time and noone ever said anything to me about not doing it before surgery. Sorry they won't let ya!

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  • lorrhaw
    lorrhaw Member Posts: 751
    edited April 2010

    I made the mistake of putting my diagnosis on a form when I went in for a massage shortly after being diagnosed.  They refused to do the massage without written authorization from my doctor.  I was so bummed.  I asked my surgeon and now oncologist and they know that I get massages frequently and they said that as long as the massage wasn't deep and didn't hurt me it was fine.  If the massage place has a form where you need to list health issues I would by accident forget to mention that you have cancer otherwise they might send you away which I know would be disappointing.

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  • Lovegolf
    Lovegolf Member Posts: 513
    edited April 2010

    I had massage and energy work done before my bilateral Mx and after.  It helped so much I have had the same person working on me for almost 20years,  She knows my body better than the doctors.  Enjoy i think 30 minutes of massage a day in the key to world peace.

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  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited April 2010

    I think I was told no nail or toe polish for surgery as well.  I think they said the color of your nails is one way they can monitor how you're doing with the anesthesia. 

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  • greytmom_17
    greytmom_17 Member Posts: 162
    edited April 2010

    So do what I did - French pedicure!  I had the prettiest toes in the hospital and the nurses loved it!  As for massage, I asked my breast surgeon and she said to go ahead and do what I wanted, to enjoy my life!

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