I was shocked to come across this thread and read that there was a possible problem with having massages.
I am currently half way through 23 sessions of radiotherapy at a clinic in Harley Street, London. I too, am entitled to 4 complimentary treatments via the Macmillan cancer unit that has an office at the clinic where I have my radiotherapy treatment. I really don't think that they would be offering me aromatherapy massages as part of my treatment it there was any cause for concern. The massage I have received is a gentle aromatherapy one on my back, shoulders, arms and legs.
I'm seeing my one of the oncologist consultants I am under tomorrow evening so I will be interested to get her view or opinion on the subject.
I was intersted in this topic some 3-4 yrs ago. Had chemo,WLE x 2 ANC and rads, I continue on AI. The McMillan centre where I had my rads offered 4 complementary treatments to choose from and I had 4 x aromatherapy massages. I researched quite a bit at the time as I wanted to go on an all inclusive hols which offered 1 spa treatment a day inc these massages. My Onc and BCN were very clear that there wasn't a problem. A close friend is a beauty therapist trainer and says that when she trained she was taught that the lymph system could swish the cancer cells around the body!! But has updated her tarining since. However my Onc ( from a very reputable cancer centre) poo pooed this and was very positive that massage could be beneficial. I feel very confident with his opinion. I have gentle aromatherapy massages and facials when on my 'spa' type hols.I do not like the massages that leave me feeling like my skeleton has been re-arranged. I do not offer the info about BC though ( that is my decision ) and you may like to mention this as you see fit. J x
I started having regular massages again after my rads was finished. (Had WLE, ANC, chemo and rads to breast and superclav). At first we stayed well away from the affected areas, but gradually we have been gently beginning to touch the "bad" arm. So far, no problem and the good results of the massage have certainly been beneficial. I think the problem is not that you might move cancer cells around, but that a lymphatic system which has been mucked around with should not be overstimulated as that might promote swelling. There are specialist physio who actually do lymphatic drainage massage and work on cording. As I have some of the latter, I have been trying -- unsuccessfully -- to get my Surgeon to refer me to one. I would just like to know what it is they do that is different from regular massage!
Whilst you await replies you may find the BCC information on massage helpful, just click on the following link and scroll down almost to the bottom of the page:
Hi ladies, I had WLE & SLNB in October, I finished radiotherapy last week and I am currently on Tamoxifen and Zoladex injections.
I've had a two night stay booked for me at a spa on 6/7th march as a joint end of treatment and birthday treat as hopefully the current level of skin completely leaving my underarm and boob might have died down by then! 😞
Can I ask what your thoughts are on massage? I've read some things saying it should be avoided in case travels through lymphatic system and others saying you should be fine to have a massage. In theory I shouldn't have anything to travel or spread anymore but I just don't know what to do?
Treatments need to be booked asap so any advice or opinions would be great.
