Therapeutic Massage

[Njsailorgirl]

Had Rituxan/Bendamustine #5 over two weeks ago and suffering with hip and leg stiffness and numbness Also involving the hands. Has anyone tried therapeutic massage and/or Acupunture? If yes, did you first get approval from your oncologist? If yes, did the massage give relief?

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

Absolutely discuss massage with your doctor. There are massage therapists specifically trained to work with cancer patients. Are you getting neupogen/neulasta or some other injection for low neutrophils? if so, ask about taking Claritin (loratadine) to help.

[Njsailorgirl in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

Thanks for your suggestion. Sent MyChart msg to my doctor for advice. I do leave chemo with neulasta on pro to avoid wbc issues. Never feel great after onpro auto injection at 26 hrs after last chemo infusion.

[GMa27]

I have been going to acupuncture for 15 years. Was dx 12 years ago. Helps me with so many issues. But specifically for CLL...it has build up my immune system. I have lots of energy and rarely get sick. Now I will be relying on it to help me thru treatment, which starts next month. If you decide to try it, get recommendations. My insurance pays for it which is rare. I suggest you interview several - initial meeting should be complimentary. Discuss your conditions including CLL and all health issues and see what their plan is for you. I used to take herbs and homeopathic remedies but I discontinued due to treatment soon. So you have choices. Good luck!

[Njsailorgirl in reply to GMa27]

Somehow my reply got wiped out. Thanks for your reply.

Yes, decided to start acupuncture again and seeing a massage therapist at JHopkins Integrative care. Saw 4 neurologist w no help other than meds for my neuropathy (gabapectin and lyrica, both with side affects for me).

With PET this week I will avoid both treatments until next week. Oncologist approved both treatments.

I am ambivalent about acupuncture as I never seem to feel/see results. My Medicare does not cover it. Any thoughts on that? I do go to a community center which reduces the cost of a private session.

Be well.

[GMa27 in reply to Njsailorgirl]

My cousin is on Medicare ..she just started acupuncture. Medicare said if she sees one that has title Dr. , they will cover everything but $40. She was lucky to find Chinese Dr. My Chinese acupuncturist happens to have Dr. title. My previous one didn't. Call Medicare and ask. My acupuncturist charges $80 for people without insurance. Much more to my insurance company. When I am Medicare age, my second insurance will cover. It's not a supplemental.

[Njsailorgirl in reply to GMa27]

I’m seeing an acupuncturist where the center charges $25 for community room or $45 for one-on- one treatment in a private room. None to my knowledge are DR.

If Medicare doesn’t cover neither does my Aetna supplemental

Thanks for staying in touch.

[GMa27 in reply to Njsailorgirl]

Try to stick to private room. You can relax more...they darken room, put music on....I have never heard of a group room. I usually fall asleep! I can't imagine having to hear others and what they are doing. Maybe I don't understand what community room is. But so glad you get treatment. Has helped me so much.

[Njsailorgirl in reply to GMa27]

They have music and grey sound gizmos no one talks out loud. Most are sleeping etc. not sure the extra money for private will change the treatments. Maybe I’ll try it to see. I’m seeing someone who participated in a head neck cancer clinical trial using acupuncture.