Research shows that massage of muscle and soft tissue does not spread cancer cells. body-based practices on people having cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery. These studies have shown that massage may reduce: • pain • fatigue • nausea • anxiety and depression.
People with cancer should avoid very deep massage. Gentler types may be safer. Some people worry that having a massage when you have cancer may make the cancer cells travel to other parts of the body. But no research has proved this to be true.
Avoid saying: 'It'll be okay' | Replace with: 'I love you' or 'I'm with you every step of the way' Try not to trivialize your loved one's experiences by telling them everything will work out. These statements may appear hollow and more for the benefit of the friend, than the person facing cancer.
Some other general guidelines suggested by Salvo include: Postpone massage after chemotherapy for at least one day, as this treatment often leaves people feeling especially tired. “I wouldn't massage the day before or the day after a chemotherapy treatment,” Salvo said.
Gentle massage is tolerated by most people with cancer, and is sufficient to release "endorphins," the "feel good" chemicals released by the brain that can reduce pain. For those who have muscle tightness and stiffness, stronger methods of massage, such as Swedish massage, may be needed.
It is safe to touch other people while on chemotherapy. You can hug and kiss. But you do need to protect others from coming into contact with your medicine. Follow these safety tips while taking your chemotherapy pills and for two days after you're done.
Severe Pain
This might seem a little obvious. But sudden, severe pain is always a red flag, even if you think you know the cause. If it causes nausea, vomiting or loss of consciousness, you need to seek medical attention, stat.
Do not take a hot bath or shower. Your body needs time to adjust after a massage therapy session, and a hot bath or shower will only make the process take longer. The temperature of the water can cause your muscles to tense up, which can negate the benefits of massage therapy.
Ring them up, send a card, note or text to say you're thinking of them. Let them know that if they want to talk you'll be there to listen - then make sure you are available. Respect their need for privacy. Offer support throughout the whole diagnosis - at the beginning, during and after treatment.
Don't try to tell the person with cancer what to think, feel or how to act. You don't know what they're going through, so don't act like you do. Instead of saying "I know how you feel," try saying "I care about you and want to help." Don't suggest alternative forms of treatment, a healthier lifestyle, etc.
The massage therapist should not touch your breasts or groin area without you giving them explicit permission to do so. Most forms of massage therapy do not include these areas. The massage therapist should not touch areas that you have explicitly requested that they avoid.
A massage therapist should never touch the genital area of the client. This is either sexual abuse or prostitution. In most parts of the U.S., massage of the breast is off limits. In the few states where it is legal, there must be written consent by the client.
Typically, a massage therapist will ask you to undress to your level of comfort. Many people prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage, while others prefer to be nude. It's up to you.
Yellow. Beliefs, appraisals and judgements. Unhelpful beliefs about pain: indication of injury as uncontrollable or likely to worsen. Expectations of poor treatment outcome, delayed return to work. Emotional Responses.
You may worry about the safety of family and friends while you are having chemotherapy. There is little risk to visitors (including children, babies and pregnant women) because they aren't likely to come into contact with any chemotherapy drugs or body fluids.
There's usually no medical reason to stop having sex during chemo. The drugs won't have any long term physical effects on your performance or enjoyment of sex. Cancer can't be passed on to your partner during sex.
Traces of chemotherapy drug may be found in and on toilets, in disposable diapers or any clothing or laundry that a person has soiled after having a treatment. Cleaning the bathroom or handling body wastes or soiled laundry can expose you to these chemotherapy drugs.