Hi
I was planning a spa day at the Thermae Spa in Bath and looking at the website every treatment specifically states not recomended for those with cancer. I am gobsmacked. How do my little bone and lung mets make having a facial risky. Surely this is the time when you need the odd massage and facial to buck you up.
If anyone knows why these treatments are dangerous i would love to know. I have been really looking forward to this.
cheers JAcqui
I think it’s just the spa protecting themselves in case you say that you felt worse/ the cancer spread after your treatment. I was diagnosed with bc years ago and I asked for and got a letter from onc saying it was ok for me to have spa treatments. I’ve hung on to the letter and show it any time I make an appt. never had a problem as long as they see the letter. Your bc nurse can probably organise it for you
Tillyx
When you mention the word cancer everyone runs a mile… and that’s what the Spa does, it’s trying to protect themselves. If you’re just having a one-off treatment don’t tell them. But am unsure if that works for you, a mastectomy would be a bit of a give away…
I am having my regular facial this afternoon, therapist knows about my bc and has never mentioned anything about it being dangerous.
Enjoy your spa treatments!
N x
What Tillycat and NIM41 said! All these people back-cover like no-one’s business these days. Earlier this year I was on holiday in Hungary and went to a thermal spa famed for its healing properties - the disclaimer list on the wall ran to dozens and dozens of conditions most of which were not going to be impacted by swimming in rather sulphurous warm water! I have a mischievous picture of in my head of the same kind of sign being placed ay Lourdes…
I think there is some advice on massages and saunas, which is about the risk of lypmoedema, but I was told from day one massage anywhere apart from your ‘at risk arm’ is fine.
Go and enjoy yourself. Have a faical. Have a head massage. If you can get your onc to write a letter for you, so much the better.
FOR GOODNESS SAKE!!!..as if we don’t have enough to put up with…this is a new one to me…you would think a spa treatment would buck you up!!!..I blame all these compo adverts on the TV…you go and enjoy your spa day…you deserve it…M
They say that you shouldn’t go into very warm water with lymphoedema, because it makes the problem worse. I go to a thermal baths once a week here in Germany, swimming in 30° water and aquagymnastics in slightly warmer, and the benefit seems to outweigh the detriment. You have to try it out for yourself rather than believing the experts - not that this is going to be the problem in this case.
I agree that it is most likely due to insurance issues. I had a horrible experience when I naively joined my freidn to a surprise ‘spa day’ after my first treatment ended. I was made to sit and wait while the lady on reception phoned her manager in full earshot of everyone waiting! I was so upset. So much so that I would either never go again, or would be liberal with the truth!
Anyway, in the sunday paper a few weeks ago there was an article about spas which were willing to meet the specific needs of people with disabilities, including cancer. So, I am posting it.
spabreaks.com/recovery_retreats
Rattles, x
Rattles what a truly awful experience you had, stupid receptionist.
The Mc Millan centre where I had my rads offers 4 free treatments among them aromatherapy massage. I had 4 and it was such a pleasure. I fell fast asleep during one of them!
I am off on hols soon to a hotel which includes a spa treatment everyday and I will def be availing myself of them as I have done before since BC. I particularly asked a lot of questions re massage of Lyphoedema society,Lymph specialist nurse at the breast clinic,BCC etc etc
I avoid the heated wrap thingy had one pre BC and didn’t like it but it was v.hot so not wise now.I have gentle aromatherapy massages not the one where you feel like your skeleton has been arranged.So far all has been well.And most of the other treatments too
As others have said I think it is a cover one’s back attitude. BTW I don’t mention the BC ( had WLE)
Could you ask your BCN or Onc for a letter as Melissa suggested
xxx
Hi there ladies,
just to let you know i did go in he end and actually stretched the truth and told them I had BC 8 years ago - I do have the scars and tatoos. they were happy with htis and seem to be anxious if it was with in the last 5 years. Did not mention the mets.
Had a lovely day wallowing in hot thermal baths and steam rooms and enjoyed a hot ooil aromatherapy massage. Definitley did not feel that it would do me any significant damage.
I think I will get hold of a letter as suggested for future occassions. Thanks for the link Ratties - you really had a horrible experience and I expect it made your friends feel awful as well to see you treated like this.
Take care and treat yourselves well
Jaacquix
Swanie,
So pleased you enjoyed your spa day, I had the same worries when I went there with my sister in March this year… I was also economical with the truth, but never had any actual treatments that time anyway. The only thing I didnt enjoy was one of the aromatherapy steam rooms actually made me feel faint and nauseous. The worst thing that happened to me was that the turbie towel I had on my head, got washed off when the bubbles were turned on in the FABULOUS roof top spa pool. At that point in time I wasnt really exposing my bald head to the general public… oh well…
Definately going again, in fact when my friend who is currently undergoing treatment for multiple mets finishes her current course of treatment in Feb, I’m hoping we can go together, as ever since we started the BC journey together 19 months ago, we have pledged to have a spa day together. xxx
Oh please what next, don’t tell them and go and have some fun! A spa treatment is not going to make any difference except make you feel better and more positive in yourself. Fr all you know the girl giving you the treatment could be in the same position as you unless you are hearing a badge that says “I have cancer please treat me differently” no one will know xxx
Ps my NHS offered complementary reki and aromatherapy fot cancer patients!
Im being treated at the Royal marsden and they offer free massage and accupuncture for patients, Im going on holiday on Sunday and the hotel has spa treatments, I intend to have facials and back & neck massage I only finished active treatment in september but cannot see any harm in having these im sure if anything it will make me feel better and more relaxed, I shall not mention the BC just incase
Janice x
Hi all
I have just been on a spa day last week , Had a wonderful day . Never mentioned my cancer . Checked with my consultant previously about massages and facials during my chemo . He gave me a letter just in case but never mentioned my cancer now my hair is growing back this time . Just had a ct scan and my secondary cancer has not spread in the last six months so been adviced go and live your life and have fun . So I am doing that now . Trying to get my work to retire me through ill health and then one less worry . So heres to my being a lady of leisure
Love Rosie chin xxxx
I was refused a massage at a spa hotel the receptionist told me it was because massage could ‘activate’ cancer cells and cause them to grow. It was really upsetting as my daughter had arranged it as a treat for us both. My onc just laughed when I told him about it afterwards and pointed out that they have complemetary therapists at the hospital who give massages to hundreds of cancer patients. I’m sure it’s more about covering themselves against possible claims than any real danger to your health.
I don’t have BC (my mum and sis do hence why I’m on here). However I’ve had experience of this as I have a disability and was once refused a massage even though it is helpful for my condition. I lodged a complaint to the spa saying that these beauty therapists have no right to ask these questions unless they have the appropriate training to understand the answers. Either don’t tell them or sign a disclaimer and enjoy.
Mals
I was refused any treatments offering massage at a spa. It was a treat for me between surgery and chemo and I was so upset. I too am being treated at the Marsden which offers massage therapy to cancer patients! I asked my onc to write me a letter to say it was ok and I took this to show the spa at my post-chemo spa day.
Spabreaks.com have a page dedicated to spa days for people with bc