I was just wondering what everyone’s experience of massage has been since diagnosis. I am so very confused. My consultant says gentle massage is safe. I have had regular facials and shoulder massage in the almost 5 years since my diagnosis and treatment. However yesterday I was booked for a full body massage but the therapist wouldn’t treat me. I understand there is some theory that a massage can spread lymph fluid around your body and my blood cancer is NHFL so it is in the lymphocytes of my blood, so does this mean I shouldn’t have the shoulder massages either that I have already been having ?
It’s very confusing as there are specific therapists for massages for patients with cancer ? Yours confused and knotty 
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Hello there @Jules, thank you for posting. Whilst it must be disappointing to not get your massage I expect the therapist was being very careful. I have some resources to read below regarding complementary therapies. I would suggest asking for a letter from your Consultant or Nurse Specialist to support you in getting a massage so that you can take it along next time. Also, if you have a Macmillan Information Centre or Maggies Centre near to your hospital they often have therapists that work within their units.
I do hope you get your massage again soon,
Kind regards
Gemma
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Hi @Jules you must be so confused and knotty.
I cannot do better than @GemmaBloodCancerUK.
I have read @GemmaBloodCancerUK response with interest
Look after yourself and I hope you feel less knotty soon, somehow.
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Hi @Jules I have been thinking about you how is your knottiness now?
I have just thought of relaxation/meditation techniques, and I believe there are some on the Blood Cancer UK website that some have found helpful.
Blood cancer: mind and emotions | Blood Cancer UK
Look after yourself
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Massage isn’t a bad idea. Especially if we talk about gentle massage. I gifted a recliner to my grandma 5 Best Massage Chairs under $500 (Fall 2022) – Which One to Buy? the third one. She has terrible cramps in muscles from hips to feet every day and was hoping that the vibration and heater would help with the pain. She said she feels a little relief. But I would advise you to consult a doctor about this recliner first, her doctor allowed it.
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Hi @Jules ,
I trained as a massage therapist some years ago ( more than I like to admit now 
) and I worked with cancer patients and their families at a hospice as a volunteer. Massage was a huge part of patients wellbeing and has been proven over the years to lower stress levels and contribute to a better quality of life as well as the physical benefits of reduced pain and tension. We always asked for permission from doctors or consultants but this was always given. Many hospices offer all sorts of massage therapies and your GP or consultant may be able to refer you. The therapists there will have the experience. Don’t be put off that they are in a hospice. Hospice care is about quality of life, not end of life and services are generally free, although most patients would give a donation.
Hope you find someone to get rid of the knots.
Take care
Alex
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Thank you @AllyBally
That’s great advice and not something I’d ever thought of but I would be more than happy to go to a hospice what a great way to support a brilliant charity too. I will look into this in the New Year.
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