I didn’t intend to write this blog today. I have to admit to procrastinating pretty much since my last blog, however many months ago that was!

I think it’s the topic that has made it difficult for me to get started.

I wanted to talk about massage for those who are going through treatment for cancer or have been diagnosed with cancer.

It’s a tough subject and one that is close to my heart as my Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer twice and then secondary lung cancer. She died in May 2013 and I remember the horrible side effects of the chemo drugs. My Mum had very dry, peeling skin, her fingers extremely sore, swollen and nails cracked making it hard to use her hands. She endured countless hospital visits, surgeries and medical interventions and all the while was still putting my sister and I first.

 I don’t want to gloss over the all the physical and emotional effects of the disease for my Mum, but even after 11 years it is hard for me to speak about.

Fortunately, research and treatments are evolving every day, and everyone’s experiences with cancer, symptoms and medications will be an individual journey.

The shock of diagnosis hits everyone, including family members and friends, differently and there are services such as the Macmillan Nurses Macmillan Cancer Support | The UK’s leading cancer care charity who can offer support and advice. I would encourage anyone who is going through a similar situation to seek help, as talking to someone who understands what you are going through can be beneficial. I didn’t do this and tried to bury my head in the sand which in the long term wasn’t particularly helpful.

I always wished that there was something more I could do to help my Mum, and over the past few years, friends who have been through cancer treatment, and once I had my massage qualification, I knew I wanted to do further training to be able to offer oncology/cancer massage.

I was spurred into action when one of my lovely regular clients told me she had cancer.

I worked hard and gained my Oncology Massage qualification with the Jennifer Young Training School. This gave me the knowledge and understanding to offer specialist light touch massage treatments to those who arguably need it most.

There has been concern about whether massage is safe for those with cancer. Could massage spread cancer around the body?

Macmillan set out their position on massage below:

Some people worry that massage could cause cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body.

Research has not found any evidence of this happening, but massage therapists will avoid any areas affected by cancer, such as tumour sites or lymph nodes. Massage or other touch therapies | Macmillan Cancer Support

The massage is, like all of my treatments, tailored to the individual, so there is no ‘one size fits all’. I can adapt the massage to suit how you feel on the day and the areas we work on, adjust positioning, take into consideration any tumour/surgery sites, medical devices such as IV lines or catheters, mobility issues and pain/soreness. You don’t even have to get undressed if you would prefer not to or find it difficult.

Massage can be a lovely distraction, an escape from the medical interventions that come with a cancer diagnosis. You may feel emotions surfacing during or after your massage, this isn’t uncommon and there will never be any judgement from me, only kindness. This is a little bit of time for you, in a calm, safe environment for you to relax and switch off from the world listening to gentle music or we can have a good chat, and even a giggle, I have clients who talk for the whole 60 minutes about anything and everything, whatever feels right for you in that moment.

The magic of massage can also help you to sleep better, improve circulation, reduce pain, aching muscles and fatigue. It is fabulous for general well-being and reducing depression and anxiety.

Afterwards, you might feel a bit sleepy or light headed so it might be best to get someone else to drive you to your appointment. I recommend booking in on a day that you can rest at home following your treatment to make the most of your massage.

You will get an online consultation form to complete before your appointment which helps me to make sure that the treatment is suitable and tailored to your needs but we can do a paper version on the day if that works better for you.

There are some circumstances in which a treatment should be delayed, for example after surgery, whilst you are taking some medications and if you just don’t feel well enough – please do be open about what’s going on. I also encourage everyone to check in with their oncology team or chat to your cancer support to make sure they have no objections to you having massage and discuss any concerns. I’m always happy to speak with your doctor/nurse for further reassurance.

Please do ping me a message or call me for a chat if you have any questions or are unsure of anything. I’m in this business to help make things a little bit better for you and I want you to feel comfortable and confident coming to me for treatments.

I think my Mum would be proud of everything I’ve achieved so far and I’m sure I’d be giving her lots of lovely treatments.