Massage while on chemotherapy

Hi everyone

has anyone had a massage on chemo or is it not recomended?

I have had all my lymph nodes removed on my right underam. Had mastectomy and reconstruction on 17th December, have lymphodema in my right hand and phlibitis in my left arm due to my first chemo.

Also have portocath fitted and had second fec on Friday.

Look forward to hearing from anyone.

Hi - I’ve MLD massage for my lymphoedema whilst on chemotherapy - onc had no objections, altho’ I don’t think he’s got much more than a vague idea about what it is.

I usually steer clear of other types of massage in case they aggravate the big L.

Hope this helps a bit.

X

S

Hi S

My lymphodema nurse told me not to have mld when on chemotherapy. I guess they are all different aren’t they?

Best wishes

Hi there - I treated myself to an aromatherapy massage with Reiki about a week after each chemo last year (and am still having them now as they are fantastic and really lift my spirits). Since surgery though the massages have been different and avoid the lymph area. My lady has done courses in treatments for people with cancer, so knows which oils to avoid, and she helps out at Maggies in Edinburgh when they have sessions there.
If you can find someone who has experience with cancer patients you should be fine. I do recommend them as they really cleared my head after each treatment.
Bev

HI there

I asked my Onc if it was okay to have a back massage and he said yes. I have been having regular massage for years due to a previous back injury. I did though ask my therapist to be a lot more gentle.
I think the thing is to ensure that the person you see is fully qualified. I’d also had a full axillary clearance on one side and had had a blood clot in arm on the other side so I told her to steer clear of my arms altogether and not go near the under arm area.

I find massage provides a lot of pain relief but is also relaxing. I’m having quite a lot of shoulder problems post op so feel it is really important way to help keep mobile along with physio and exercises.

I have found some people that say it can increase risk of lymphodema and others that say as long as the therapist steers clear of the arms and that under arm area it’s okay. It seems like a lot of things in that there’s never a definitive answer!

take care
elinda x