Dear Friends

I would really appreciate some guidance and advice concerning massage for a client that has experienced a recent mastectomy (about 2 months ago). This will be the first time that I have massaged a client with this condition. My client has requested a general relaxation massage, not massage to the breast area. However, I would like to be as prepared and informed as possible. Thank you so much for replying to my question and sharing your knowledge with me. I am extremely grateful.

Yours faithfully, Katie Hailston

-- Kathryn Louise Hailston (mkhail@tpgi.com.au), March 01, 2004

Answers

Hi Kathryn, I have been massaging for 10yrs now and only two months ago I was faced with a lady who had a mastectomy too. In my case the lady also had a tummy tuck. I had been treating the lady before the diagnosis so this made it a bit easier. I began treatment 4 weeks post op. The first question that I asked the client at diagnosis was did she had permission from her oncologist to have massage. This is a decision that you as a practitioner need to make are you going to treat people with cancer or post-op cancer or find out the reason for the mastectomy - it usually is for a malignant lump. DOCUMENT all discussions, when the diagnosis was made, what the lady said, and your treatment as you do with all clients but these details are necessary.

I then find out if it was in the lymph nodes or localised. I am not sure of the lastest reserch but I like to cover my self and always record this information on the client form. Secondly I was aware of ladys breast area and endevoured help with helping her modesty. As time went on and she got more comfortable with her "new breast" (she had a reconsturction at the same time) so did I. In so far as treatment the lady I massaged couldn't lie on her tummy and I massage her lying on her side. Her traps, neck and rhombs were all very tight post-operative she is recovering well and back a work part-time having fortnighly massage treatments.

Remember this is only my experience, hope that the lady improves as much as the lady that I treated. Regards and happy massaging. Leonie

-- Leonie Sinclair (tranquillity@pacific.net.au), April 30, 2004.