Massage?

[Staceyness]

Hey there everyone... I have mets to my liver and peritoneal lining. Am I safe to go for a massage? Just wondering. Hope you are all feeling well❤️

[Red71]

I agree with Sandra. I have mets to my bones...ribs, pelvis, and spine. My oncologist encouraged me to go as soon as I was comfortable lying on my stomach and was able to get on and off the table with no problems. It feels so good!!

[Hidden in reply to Red71]

I have mets to the lungs and as of two CT scans ago, it was discovered that the breast cancer made two holes in the top and lower part of my spine. I now take an additional injection in addition to falsodex and also calcium supplements to avoid my bones being brittle. She now said I also have bone mets. Does have two holes in the spine really mean I have bone mets. She did not mention it anywhere else in my bones.

I am having pain in my lower back now for over a month that is becoming unbearable so on Friday I am having a CT scan of my back.

Mets to the bones seem (based on the pain I am experience in my lower back) which may or may not be because of the holes the breast cancer has caused. It sounds like bone cancer in all the places you mentioned you have it, would be very very painful. Do you suffer from pain (not just discomfort) but real pain that affects your everyday life. Only bc I find it unbearable to walk a short distance (and I dont drive) without my lower back causing me pain that makes me tear up.

[Red71 in reply to Hidden]

In the beginning I had excruciating pain because of 2 compressed vertebrae. I walked with a cane, not very far, and slept in a recliner because I couldn’t get in and out of bed. I spent most of my time in that recliner. After radiation to my back the excruciating pain went away but I still have enough generalized pain to keep me from doing things I like to do, like spending time with young grandkids and traveling. The docs said that pain would never resolve because my bones were that damaged. So I am on a Fentanyl patch and Dilaudid for breakthrough pain. I spent 4 very active hours with the 7 and 5 year old yesterday and was able to cook with them and carry a heavy bag of library books, but today I am really tired but it was worth it. If you have any questions about my pain regimen I would be glad to answer them.

My oncologist thinks that you should have quality of life as well as quantity so he is willing to prescribe opioids. I know all doctors aren’t on that page but they should be. It really does not do any good to extend our lives if we can’t live it in the way we want.

Hugs, Elaine

[Loriterranova]

Hi Stacey. Curious how u found out that your breast cancer had spread to your peritoneal lining?

[Staceyness in reply to Loriterranova]

Hi there. I have lobular breast cancer. For now. I believe we will all be healed soon!!!!

[Hidden]

Hi Stacey,

I agree with what the other ladies on here have said about talking to your oncologist. It's best to be sure. I was able to get six complementary therapy sessions for free after my diagnosis (five massages and one reflexology session). I found the massages very soothing and relaxing. Like you, I was concerned about doing any further damage, as I have two small metastases on my spine. But I was fine. I remember asking my complementary therapist if my bones felt strong and she said they did. I was a bit worried at first too, so I understand your concerns.

Sophie

[AuntyJane]

Here’s a website to find a therapist for oncology massage. s4om.org

If anyone lives in Orange County, CA let me know as I have someone I’ve used for my arm lymphedema/lymphatic massage who is not listed but excellent.

[Bubbles001 in reply to AuntyJane]

Thank you so much for the link! I didn’t know there were cancer massage specialists. I think I will check one out.

[Hidden]

I would assume you are if they aren’t aggressive in those areas. I always loved a vous therapeutic massage but with all my bone mets I can’t. 😞. It always réalésées so much tension.

[Red1246]

Hi Stacey,

I had the same question a few days ago for my oncologist as I have bone metastasis. I’d check with your doc however.

I’m visiting a friend and she kindly arranged for me to have a massage. I was worried about possible effects and checked with my onco who said it was ok as long as it wasn’t a deep tissue massage.

There are actually massage therapists trained and certified in giving massages to cancer patients. There’s one where I live in California and I’m going to try her once back home as it’s so relaxing and presumably however she gives the massage, there’s no risk.

Good luck and enjoy!

Red

[Eliactida1955]

Go for it as long as you feel good and can do it lying on the stomach. I go but sometimes it hurts alittle with the massage. 🙏❤️

[Kdiet in reply to Eliactida1955]

I do massage. But I lie on my side. I switch sides halfway through.