I was wondering if any of you see a massage therapist or an acupuncturist on a regular basis. If so do you have any stories to share regarding the positive help or if it has any effect at all. I was told that getting a massage boosts the endorphins that helps elevate the immune levels.
I wish that I was able to get the medicare group to see that and pay for part of my treatments.
This topic crops up every so often, and massages can be wonderful stress reliever, however, you need someone specifically trained in giving massages to patients with lymphomas...
Talk to your CLL specialist, they might be able to provide you with a list of qualified massage therapists... many hospitals offer programs as well for cancer patients.
~chris
Hi ozarkharper,
If you look back on posts, you'll find this subject of interest and discussed quite a bit.
I've always resisted massages since diagnosis because there's some suggestion that they can stimulate lymphocyte production and distribution and many massage therapists won't practice on patients with blood cancers. Certain inflamed and enlarged nodes shouldn't be manipulated. Whether this is only applicable to deep massage I'm not sure.
However the jury seems to be out in this and others believe strongly in their calming and therapeutic benefit.
My advice would be to use a highly trained and skilled massage therapist who has understanding of physiological processes. Consulting your haematologist for an opinion might be advisable too.
Regards,
Newdawn
Interesting topic. I've wondered about this since being diagnosed about 5 weeks ago. I have been going for regular shiatsu (deep tissue) massage. Always felt amazing afterwards. However, sisnce my diagnosis I've wondered whether I should be doing so.
I went for massages after my diagnosis. I discussed with my oncologist and found a massage therapist who was familar with CLL/SLL. She recommended lymphatic massage, which I did a few times but never felt a benefit. I got better relief from the hot stone massages. When I was having neck & shoulder pain that wouldn't go away I went for acupuncture. Did that for about 4-5 months then started treatment for CLL. Surprisingly, the shoulder & neck pain went away after a couple of treatments. Six months post treatment & I haven't felt the need for massage or acupuncture.
My massage therapist is highly trained (also as an acupuncturist) was very highly concerned about continuing to work with me. That said, I think the jury is out, and I'm trying to listen to my body and respond to what it says. It likes to move, and it likes massage to work some of the tension all that exercise causes. My lymphocyte count is now in normal range after three months of treatment (and I started out at with a WBC of 97 and ALC about 76 I think), so it didn't stop anything from working. Everyone has to ask their own doctor, but from what it's worth I asked Dr. Byrd @ OSU about restrictions, and mentioned in particular massage, and he said "no restrictions."
I have been getting regular massages for decades now, but I haven't been getting deep tissue for the last five years or so. I will be starting BR next week and have my chemo education tomorrow and will ask about it. My massage therapist is certified in oncology massage so I'm hoping I can continue. If I can only get an oncology massage I will but that is much gentler than a typical massage.
I also asked my doc about massages as I had read conflicting information and he'd also said it was ok to have them. I enjoy them and feel so much better afterwards.
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