Massage
 

My bosses gave me a gift card for a massage. First I thought, "Yeah, thanks...with my being a candidate for lymphedema, what am I supposed to do with this?" I took the services book to my lymphedema therapist, who at that meeting told me I could stop wearing my sleeve full time. Now just when I do activities. She said I could pretty much get anthing in the book. So I made an appointment...scared to death that something would be done to flare it up, even though I talked with the person doing the massage...

Laying on the table, I almost burst into tears. I had not realized how much stress I had been carrying since my diagnosis last January. I just have herceptin treatments through this year so the bulk of this thing is over...although it is never over...It felt SOOOOO good to have all the yuck pushed out of my muscles, through my fingertips, toes....

My recommendation...if you get a chance, take advantage of massage - safely, of course !

If you don't deserve the luxury, no one does.

Re: Massage
 

I am so glad you had one! They are wonderful and if you find the right person to do it it can be very safe and feel awesome. You have been through a lot and deserve a treat!
Hugs ~ Ruth

Re: Massage
 

There are free massages in many parts of the country for cancer patients.

In San Diego there is a look good feel good program at a local salon one night a month..makeovers, massages, etc..

Regards
Joe

Re: Massage
 

Ooohh. . . I just read your post. Are we not supposed to get regular massages? Do they have to be special ones?

Re: Massage
 

I had massages by a massage therapist at the integrated medicine clinic at my local hospital. He was trained to work with cancer patients. When I had cording and a goose egg size lump under my arm after lymph surgery he got it all out. He was absolutely the best massage therapist I have ever gone to and made a really bad time better
I highly recommend it if you can find someone who knows us and what we need

Re: Massage
 

Henny, I had the cording as well but forgot what they called it until I saw the word. They called what they did for me myofascial release therapy and I agree with you completely.

I'm going to start getting this again tomorrow and I can't wait. Here is a link I found that explains it:
http://www.massagetherapy101.com/mas...l-release.aspx

My therapist who does lymphedema work as well as this, said she had some names she could give me of massage therapists who do this type of massage. I guess I would feel better getting worked on by someone who was referred by my physical therapist.