Cancer Care

[Brian J]

Hello everyone!  First off, thanks to all who helped to handle the troll problem that the board was experiencing.  It would be a shame to see some of the group leave because a couple of people had too much time on their hands. So...thanks.  As for this topic, I have a new client, a young man of 17 with terminal brain cancer.   His family, in their efforts to provide whatever comfort they can have asked me to do massage for him on a weekly basis.  I have seen him once and will be going back.  They review that he slept much better, ate better(and kept it down) and was generally more relaxed.  My question to the board is this....Do any of you have experience in this area?   It seems to me that what he needs most is a little respite from the tension of being sick.  He's very "twitchy".  If I move my hands from one place to another, he jumps.  He is very thin and spends most of his day(about 20 hours) on a couch or in bed.  He is very pressure sensitive and can't tolerate much.  He is uncomfortable in any positioning  but on his back so I can't reach some of the areas that I would like to and he has the requisite tubes and such that have to be avoided.    I feel honored to be able to share this time and maybe some comfort with him and want to do the best job for him that I can.  Does anybody have any suggestions?    Sorry this is kind of long, but it seemed important to give enough info.  Thanks everyone for your help.

 

[Becky Sue!!]

Attentive gentle touch is exactly what he needs now. Don't worry about reaching areas you usually do. His world has become very small now. It's the couch he lays on and anyone who interacts with him. He may be twitching from the meds to control his brain ca. or he may be twiching as a result of the ca. eating his brain.Be present and allow for gentle massage, even holding a hand or foot is wonderful!  

 

[?Strawberry?]

Cancer Care

Hi.

There used to be and hopefully still is a place here in the States called "Commonwheel".  I can't seem to find a website link right now, but this particular link has a listed phone number for them within the page.  They are a center holistic alternatives for individuals with cancer.  Although your client is terminal, it may be worth getting in touch with them, as they may give you some more insite.

Hope it helps.  

http://www.healthcreation.co.uk/contacts-holapproach.htm

Hmm. While surfing, I happened upon this:
http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/cancer1/altthrpy.htm

It doesn't have anything to do with massage, but it does have to do with other alternative cancer therapies.  May be of use to the family?

And here is a link for an article .. short but sweet, about the massage some cancer patients said they like.  
http://www.peoplelivingwithcancer.org/plwc/MainConstructor/1,1744,_12-001147-00_14-00Reuters%20News-00_17-001029-00_18-0036094-00_19-0036095-00_20-001-00_21-008,00.asp

I am sorry, but I just can't find the Commonwheel site.  Maybe I don't have the right name.  I'll keep looking though.

Good luck.

 

[ISK8BMORE]

Cancer Care

Thanks BJB-LMP,

That is excatly what I meant.... Commonweal.

So, here is the link to the site -
http://www.commonweal.org/index.html

And here is the link to the Cancer-Help Program there -
http://www.commonweal.org/programs/cancer-help.html

Massage Coordinator Jnani Chapman, RN, leads a team of skilled massage practitioners.

I know the place is more of a retreat and not exactly what you are looking for, but they seem to have knowledgeable individuals who have worked with what you are currently dealing with.  I would think you could call or e-mail and get some more info on massage for cancer patients from them directly, holmslm57.  

I do hope this helps.

 

[Jiraiya]

Dear holmslm57,Sounds like you are doing everything just right.  When in doubt ask your client for feedback.  The fact that he is sleeping and eating better indicates that you are doing what is appropriate for him.  Each cancer patient's needs are different.  It's a blessing to learn to truly give loving respite care to the terminally ill.  Yes, it does get concerning sometimes, but, it totally sounds like you and the others who have posted to this topic are perfectly on track.When I was in massage school, we were required to do outreach work as part of our curriculum requirements before graduation.  I chose to do massage at a Hospice facility so that I could learn from those patients what it is they need from us, practitioners, when we are with them.  What I learned is to trust my intuition, touch lightly and lovingly, and as often as they request it.  If the individual "jumps" when you are working on them, sometimes it is an energetic release or an emotional release occuring.  And, from my mother's recent passing, I learned too, that, sometimes the soul is striving to leave the body and our touch calls it back for a little longer.  Ask people connected with a hospice for direction on how to recognize when to quit touching...  You are doing wonderful work.  Keep it up.  Your client will appreciate so much.Love and blessings be with you.

 

[Emmanuel]

See if you can find a copy of Gayle MacDonald's book, Medicine Hands - Massage Therapy for People with Cancer.  It is an excellent source for information on medical aspects of cancer, appropriate massage techniques, and caregiving guidelines.

 

[fabiolapistola]

Cancer Care

Found this video link quite by accident, thought it may be of help (I can't reply on how it is, as I have never seen it, but it is another addition to helping you possibly):

http://www.sutherlandmassageproductions.com/massage-videos.htm#cancer

 

[justwatchin]

Cancer Care

Someone mentioned this book on another forum.  It may be of use.

"Compassionate Touch" by Dawn Nelson

Here is a link to the whole thread "Massaging the Terminally Ill"  
http://www.massageresource.com/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=11&t=000002

 

[Tab]

Cancer Care

One other thing I found was this place and they offer courses for massage therapists.

Sloan-Kettering - Cancer Center :  Integrative Medicine Workshops & Educational Programs

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11802.cfm

 

[butterscotch]

Cancer Care

Adding this link because it may have some piece of info in it that is helpful to someone regarding CA patients.

http://www.cancersupportivecare.com/massage.html

 

[I <3 Pomeranians]

I'm new to the site but have just finished a Level II Oncology Massage Class with Isabel Adkins who teaches for both the Phillips School of Massage in Nevada City, CA and at the Massage Institute in Davis, CA.There is definitely a protocol to follow with cancer patients that have had lymph nodes removed.  Not all cancer patients have had this surgery but many have.  If so, it is important to know the protocol.  When in doubt, use acupressure only (no swedish) and concentrate on the particular areas that are weak, e.g. L3 nd 5, K1, etc.Probably a client with brain cancer has been through surgery.  It is important to know whether it has metastasized and where.  It may not have originated in the brain.  I have a client who has been going to the hypobaric chambers in Chico.  Oxygen is a main need to support immunity, and sugar depletes oxygen.This young man sounds very week, so reflexology on his feet will be very helpful.  It can support the organs that are under stress such as the liver.  Let me know if I can help you further.  Medicine Hands is a good book as suggested.  I also recommend Molecules of Emotion (Candace B. Pert, Ph.D) and Cancer as a Turning Point (Lawrence LeShan, Ph.D).There was a 3/4 page article on cancer massage in the Sacramento Bee a few weeks ago.  Basically, there's evidence that proper massage can support the immune system.

 

[Andrew F]

Cancer Patient

I have limited contact with cancer patients.  I use Reiki as a calming methodology.  I use light touch massage for the purpose of touching and gently manipulating the diminished body and the spirit.  A note for family if they have the means:  bring in a Reiki practioner.  Find one they are comfortable with and this could be an added modality for them.  This is very complementary to massage. I have reiki'd many people and found that the Reiki is effective in reducing pain, swelling, nausea, fever, and heartrate.  It is very calming if administered by caring practitioner.The massage is effective.  Be positive.  If you are inclined massage not only the clients "body" but the spirit body that exists inside this person.   Imagine from your hands a powerful lifeforce of "God" energy as being available to the client through you.  That with each hand movement you are also manipulating energy.  Imagine your hands as being "alive" with energy and that with each touch you are easing the body as well as the spirit.Energy follows thought.  Do not doubt your capacity to work as a conduit.  Do not fear that you will diminish his condition.  His condition and his course is set...do your best and set your intent on peace, love, and healing.He is around alot of electricity it sounds like.  As much as possible to not detract from his treatment elimate electricity in the room.  Overhead lights, TV.I'm going to start a thread about tooth fillings you may be interested in.Good luck and do not doubt that you are providing the perfect prescription and the perfect dose of what this client needs.  Keep your intent loving.  It is all you can do.What city are you in?    

 

[New York Gal]

Cancer Care

Massage & Cancer
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2390

-=-=-=-

Cancer Treatment Centers of America -
http://www.cancercenter.com/

http://www.cancercenter.com/complementary-alternative-medicine/mind-body-medicine.cfm

-- I am not sure, but I think they have some massage therapy here. I have been wanting to add this link for a while, just in case it was of help to someone out there, even though it doesn't exactly go with the initial question. This just seemed the best place to add it.

 

[INDIAN]

Cancer Care

I have had a few terminal clients...the hardest part is when they pass...you feel helpless and miss them...the work is very rewarding...alot of doctors are find it a great help...it is important to see your place on the clients medical team and listen to the doctor...