"Many years ago, one of the challenges for those teaching oncology massage was to eliminate the myth that "massage is contraindicated because it will spread cancer." The metastasis hurdle has mostly been cleared, thanks to knowledge gained from genetic and biochemical research. There is another goal I would now like to work toward-basic training for all massage students in oncology massage so that the real issues are understood."
-Gayle MacDonald, "The Progression of Oncology Massage-Difficult Lessons Learned
-Gayle MacDonald, "The Progression of Oncology Massage-Difficult Lessons Learned
Chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is the systemic use of drugs to treat cancer by interfering with the growth of cancer cells. It's administered on an outpatient or inpatient basis. Because it is such strong medicine, it is generally delivered in cycles of doses alternating with rest periods. Medication may be taken orally or administered intravenously by infusion. A device called an implantable access port (IAP or simply "port") can be surgically implanted under the skin, serving as a reservoir to distribute drugs into the bloodstream. A common port site is the chest.
The side effects of chemotherapy are legendary. Fatigue, from slight tiredness to profound chronic exhaustion, chemobrain (also called brain fog-a chronic loss of memory/attention), diminished blood cell production, gastrointestinal effects, hair loss, peripheral neuropathy, etc...
Chemotherapy is the systemic use of drugs to treat cancer by interfering with the growth of cancer cells. It's administered on an outpatient or inpatient basis. Because it is such strong medicine, it is generally delivered in cycles of doses alternating with rest periods. Medication may be taken orally or administered intravenously by infusion. A device called an implantable access port (IAP or simply "port") can be surgically implanted under the skin, serving as a reservoir to distribute drugs into the bloodstream. A common port site is the chest.
The side effects of chemotherapy are legendary. Fatigue, from slight tiredness to profound chronic exhaustion, chemobrain (also called brain fog-a chronic loss of memory/attention), diminished blood cell production, gastrointestinal effects, hair loss, peripheral neuropathy, etc...
Chemotherapy and massage.
For most people chemotherapy is completely consuming, and all need to be treated with hands of kindness.
Light massage only.
•Because chemotherapy places heavy demands on the body the massage should be low-impact. Even if a deeper massage feels good at the time, quite often later in the day or the next day the recipient might not feel well.
•Many people who have been through cancer treatment are at risk of lymphedema because of the effect of radiation on the lymph nodes. Massage that is too vigorous can cause or exacerbate it. Avoid heat in the treated quadrant, which may exacerbate lymphedema.
The above was lifted from:
-Gayle MacDonald, "The Progression of Oncology Massage-Difficult Lessons Learned
-Tracy Walton, "Chemotherapy and Massage: 11 Questions to Ask Your Clients,"
( both articles are in massagebodywork.idigaledition.com/issues/18/, May/June 2011)
"With everyone, I sit quietly for a time, with soft still hands holding a head or a shoulder. I place one hand at the sacrum, the other between the scapulae. I bear witness to the courage and spirit of the person on the table. With my hands, I wish them strength and support for the next treatment and the next step on the path."
-Tracy Walton, "Chemotherapy and Massage: 11 Questions to Ask Your Clients,"
massagebodywork.idigaledition.com/issues/18/, May/June 2011
11 Questions to Ask Your Clients
(see article above for further info re: questions)
1. When do you have your treatment and how often?
2. How does it affect you?
3. What has your energy level been like? Activity level from day to day, week to week?
4. How are your blood counts? White cells? Red cells? Are you vulnerable to infection?
5. Has your gastrointestinal tract been affected?
6. Has your skin been affected?
7. Would you like head/scalp massage?
8. Do you have any numbness, pain, etc? Where?
9. Any effect on your brain? Troubles with memory, etc.?
10. Do you have a chemo port? Where?
11. Do you notice any lingering effects of chemotherapy?
