Re: Massage and CLL Questions

July 13, 2005

Thanks Bruce for posting this, Yes all you say is my understanding of things

and I have been through those procedures myself.

Chonette

Message: 1

Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2005 09:41:36 -0400

From: " Bruce Hopkins " <hopkins@...>

Subject: Re: Optimum Health

Perhaps this ACOR post will help with the massage question.....

Bruce

Re: Massage and CLL Questions

Since I was diagnosed with CLL in 1997, I have retired, returned to school,

become a state licensed massage therapist and taken in-hospital training in

massage for cancer patients. My practice is almost exclusively cancer

patients in all stages of diagnosis, treatment and recovery. (What a

blessing to help someone whose body has brought so much pain and worry

discover that the same body can still bring pleasure and peace.)

If I am working with a CLLer who is watch and wait, I want to know the

status of the lymph nodes and spleen. Any enlargement indicates a degree

of fragility as well. Enlarged nodes or an enlarged spleen should be

avoided completely when doing deep tissue work.

I also want to know about low platelets. As Dr. Hamblin has said, deep

tissue work is not advised if the client has low platelets. Small blood

vessels may break and may not clot promptly.

Working with a CLLer who is in treatment may be a whole different ballgame.

There are numerous other things to consider regarding surgery, chemotherapy

and radiation.

Deep tissue work can be great for sciatica and many low back conditions.

Lymphatic work is generally unrelated.

" Lymphatic drainage " is normally done with no more pressure to the skin than

the weight of a nickel on the tip of each finger. It can be very helpful

and has no particular downside except for a patient with lymphedema.

Working with lymphedema is ill advised without special training - most

oncology departments have lymphedema specialists on staff.

Finally, as a matter of safety, professional liability, professional ethics

and courtesy, a massage therapist should not work on any cancer patient

until the patient has asked for his oncologist's consent and any

restrictions. This is not a hindrance - consent is freely given and

restrictions are rare.

Massage is a wonderful gift, a mini-vacation that lasts. Enjoy.

Bruce

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