Cancer Massage
Cancer changes one's life forever. It affects the family and loved ones and everyone surrounding this person. Before surgery, there may be little preparation for what is ahead, especially about how to teach women to care for themselves. Being a breast cancer survivor myself and helping my son survive cancer when he was 3 years old, I have first hand knowledge of the affects of cancer; mentally, physically and emotionally.
The word massage may be misleading for a person with a life threatening illness, especially if they have never experienced one. The Swedish technique as taught in massage school is overpowering during the acute and terminal stages of cancer, AIDS, and hospice. The terms touch and bodywork seem to evoke a positive response. This is a time for gentle, nurturing, supporting, tender, calming, relaxing, peaceful and loving touch.
The techniques I have learned are proven effective for the person with life-threatening illness. Since each person will be at a different stage with their illness, the techniques I use are modified to fit their level of comfort.
I do not do manual lymphatic drainage. This must still be done by a certified manual lymphatic drainage specialist. The techniques I use provide relaxation, comfort, stress reduction, quality of life, minimize the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, relieve pain especially from surgery, restore vital energy, reduce cancer fatigue, reconnect the body, mind and spirit, promotes the removal of toxins without hepatic overload, boost the immune system, elevate T-cells, reduce scar tissue, increase range of motion and mobility, restore feeling and sensation by stimulating nerve endings, promote better health and overall sense of well being, improve body image, and provide education for empowerment and self healing.
IMPORTANT: I will need a note from your doctor or surgeon for permission to do the massage, your diagnosis, and what you would like me to help you with. I'm sorry, but at this time my services are not covered by insurance.