AROMATHERAPY

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AROMATHERAPY

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AROMATHERAPY Hello everyone

I booked myself in for a relaxing aromatherapy back massage last month at a local spa, when I got there she asked me if I had any medical problems, when I told her It was 2 weeks after my 1st chemotherapy for breast cancer she refused to give me the massage, and that I had to get a signed doctors note before she would even touch me, is this right? I thought we are encouraged to have complimentary therapy to help with all the stress and anxiety of all this. She said she didnt want to disturb my lymph nodes which might encourage the cancer to spread, is this a possibilty?

Any advise would be great.

Thanks
xxxx

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hello I have never had aromatherapy but did have reflexology and reiki when having chemo…I did get approval from onc., first.
I think the therapist you saw was right in what she said some therapies do have to be avoided during chemo…I don’t know anything about aromatherapy…but would avise getting onc., opinion.

take care
be interested to to know what you find out
karen x

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Hello, Corinna!

I’m almost four years down the line from chemo, but my local spa has recently insisted that I provide a letter from my onc to say that I can have massage treatments (even though they have treated me a number of times post-chemo without a letter…).

This is about the spa protecting themselves against any possible future litigation, not about any fact-based risk to our health.

My onc gave me the letter with no problem, saying that our lymph moves more when we go up and down stairs than it does when we have manual lymphatic drainage during massage.

So, don’t worry about the cancer spreading because of a massage. Speak with your onc, get your letter and go and enjoy a bit of pampering - it’ll do you the world of good!

All the best,

Mel x

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Like earlier posters, I have booked myself a massage to treat myself.
My first one is tomorrow

I had an onc appointment today and asked her whether I should avoid anything. Her answer was to do what I want, no problem. If I needed a letter she would write one.

I am having chemo before my surgery so i guess that has an influence in terms of massage

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Some oils not appropriate In Hertfordshire we are very lucky to have the Linda Jackson /Macmillan centre on the Cancer site (Mount Vernon Hospital). They provide all therapies free, I am going to have my second lot of aromatherapy sessions after diep flap and I know the centre requires you to fill in a health form of any allergies, tablets taken etc as some oils do react with other elements. They also ask about general health. So it might be the person doing your aromatherapy does not work with lots of cancer patients and is unsure if she could cause another problem.
Try Contacting this centre as they are incredibly helpful Tel: 01923 844014.

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Its like Mel says, its to cover themselves on their insurance. When i did my training this was included in my training and it was to safe gaurd the client and the company. Also it wasnt long after the laws had changed - Reflexology wasnt allowed to be practised on cancer patients but this was abolished about 18 years ago.
Enjoy!

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I went on a healthy living day with breast Cancer Care during my treatment and amongst the therapies available were aromatherapy and reflexology. Apart from advice to anyone taking tamoxifen on aromatherapy oils to avoid, there were no restrictions on anything we could have.

Geraldine

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I was told most therapies are a no go area while having chemo and my GP would not agree to me having reflexology and the therapist said exactly what yours said.

However, my hosp offers very limited (6 sessions) theraputic massage to cancer patients done by a trained nurse with cancer experience. She only used inert oils while I was having chemo for the same reason.

I think it’s an unknown area and most professionals say no to be on the safe side.

Irene

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If anyone is in Glasgow (or the West of Scotland) TakTent at Gartnavel hospital also does complimentary therapies free.

Lola

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Tak Tent Hi Lola

Just for the record, Tak Tent do not offer free therapies. Due to rising costs they ask for a minimum donation of £5. It’s a small price to pay for what they offer. I have been using their services for about two years now and would thoroughly recommend them to anyone living in the Glasgow area.

Go and enjoy!

Regards.

Jeannie

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spa pools jacuzzis and hot tubs Hi
Does anyone know if you are ok to have massaging hot tub sessions and the like whislt undergonig chemo??

With all the aches and pains i would just love to have one, but am not sure??
Thanks
Becks

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For Becks0130
Just come across you post - you probably have your answer by now - but I recently went to Europe for 5 days break during the week before my number 4 chemo our of 8. My onc said everything in moderation except swimming pools, jacuzzies etc, due to risk of infection and the chlorine contect. Swimming in the sea is OK, and was absolutely lovely!!
Anne

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for amdamc
thanks for your comment. seems to vary who you speak to doesn’t it.
my friend has a hot tub, and so I suppose the infection risk is low say compared to public one.
thanks
becks