Lymphatic drainage massages

[Rando21]

After reading CLL is dormant in the blood stream but active in the lymph nodes I wondered if it might be be beneficial to keep the cells circulating out of the lymph nodes as much as possible. It seems intuitive exercise and hydration would be good for this potentially but should have no real negative side effects. Lymphatic drainage massages on the other hand sound like something that could carry risks. Has anyone tried lymphatic drainage massages? Are there any issues with using this therapy or with the idea of keeping CLL out of the lymph nodes? I’m not even sure CLL is dormant in the blood stream but active in the lymph nodes. Anyone have any thoughts or insights?

[opal11uk]

I think this is a question for the professionals, I know most beauty therapists will not go down this route if there are any medical problems, for example when there is cancer, so please ask.

[Skyshark]

Start of week 6 of V+O about to start 100mg V, I still had hard lymph nodes, all the soft ones had gone. I asked my consultant about "manual lymphatic drainage" which is commonly used for Lymphoedema. I was told wait a bit. By end of that week the hard node in my neck was gone.

I suggest you read this, paying attention to section titled SLD. You need to be taught and don't mess with the lumps.

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

[Lambo1]

I was diagnosed with both CLL and breast cancer five years ago. I am still in W&W for my CLL and my breast cancer was successfully treated. However, I have some lymphedema and have gone for lymphatic drainage on and off over the last several years. My hematologist has said it is fine for me to go for message but I did not specifically ask about lymphatic drainage. As I remain in W&W I assume this is fine but interested if there is any research out there on this.

[JustAGuy]

Hi, this has been been brought up pretty often in the past. This thread has a good post from AussieNeil:

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

There is actually a difference between lymphadenopathy which is enlarging lymph nodes (what most of us have) and lymphedema which I think is caused by poor lymphatic circulation (not a symptom of CLL as I understand).

You can use the search tool above to search for Lymphatic Massage, then filter on My Communities to narrow the results down.

Ultimately it’s always good to check with your hematologist.