Frequently Asked Questions about Virtual Self-Care Education and Strategy
Why self-care for breast cancer?
Breast cancer changes so much. It takes so much. Not just from your body but in how you make choices and navigate day to day life.
Does this sound familiar?
“My future feels vulnerable now in a way it never did before.”
“It feels like another thing that I have to give up (my independence/pride) with cancer.”
“It changes you so much that you don’t even recognize yourself anymore as far as who you are and what your capabilities are.”
“It's so much more about losing your agency in the face of illness. It sucks and it is a daily reminder of your body's frailties and vulnerabilities.”
“No part of this process is trivial.”
“I feel like cancer is slowly taking everything away from me, body parts, opportunities in life, things that make me happy, things that make me - me.”
When used strategically self-care practices and activities can help you reclaim your self-reliance and confidence as you learn to heal yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally in a way that is truly authentic to your values and interests.
And, when self-care is “informed” by your individual needs and goals, the complexities and challenges created by your breast cancer experience, and it aids in your recovery and healing you can make greater progress by positioning yourself as an asset of your own care team.
What does it entail?
A safe massage therapy care plan generally revolves around the side effects (both short- and long-term) of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. The changes that might be made to a massage that make it an “oncology massage” can fall under any number of categories, but typically they will be related to session length, pressure, position of the client on the table, and areas of specific compromise or concern like mediports, skin and bone fragility, and risk of lymphedema or blood clots. In addition to considerations directly related to cancer and cancer care additional medical or health concerns must be factored in.
What are some of the benefits?
Cancer and cancer treatment affect every person differently but some of the benefits clients experience include:
scar tissue release and the associated comfort that comes with it
increased range of motion following surgical procedures like mastectomy or reconstruction
reduced pain perception and fatigue from treatments like radiation or chemotherapy
decreased nausea during and after chemotherapy
reduced anxiety and symptoms of depression
relief from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), even years out of treatment.
offers time to feel good in their bodies even during bad treatment cycles
helps them prepare for and recover from increasing activities as treatment comes to an end
creates a deeper mind-body connection and rebuilds a sense of improved body image despite permanent physical changes
What type of massage therapist can offer oncology massage?
Oncology massage should only be provided by a Licensed Massage Therapist who has received training in the specifics of cancer and cancer treatment and how to modify your sessions accordingly. A “doctor’s note” is not a substitution for the critical thinking skills developed during training as an oncology massage therapist. Your therapist should be able to provide detailed information on the training they received and discuss precautions and modifications required for things like active tumors, bone mets, surgeries, long and short term effects of chemotherapy and radiation, blood counts, organ involvement, and swelling, pain, and numbness as well as any individual needs or preferences you may have regarding your personal comfort.
I am a Preferred Practitioner with the Society for Oncology Massage, a preferred contractor with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. and have completed over 200 hours of education and hands-on practical training specific to cancer, lymphedema, and end of life care as well as 10 years of professional experience in this field.
Not in Buffalo, NY or seeking oncology massage for a person living with a diagnosis other than breast cancer? Try the Therapist Locator at the Society for Oncology Massage (www.S4OM.org) to find someone in your area.
Did you know that almost every person who receives a breast cancer diagnosis has a lifetime risk of lymphedema?
Read about “Breast Cancer’s Best Kept Secret” and how understanding it may be the key to reducing your risk.
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a light touch modality that stimulates the flow of lymph fluid to align the lymphatic system with the natural rhythm of the body boosting your immunity. The pressure used during the application of MLD is lighter than what you may be used to when receiving other hands-on treatments and self-care techniques can be taught for home use. It is not massage therapy but can be performed by a trained massage therapist or lymphatic therapist.
What is the lymphatic system and what does it do?
The lymphatic system is one of the key components of our immune system. Its primary functions are to balance the fluid load in the body, facilitate the removal of toxins and waste, and stimulate white cell production.
Why is it relevant to a breast cancer experience?
While this technique may benefit almost all people, it is especially helpful for those dealing with or at risk of lymphedema (swelling caused by a lymphatic system blockage or damage) due to cancer treatment, medical conditions, or postoperative side effects.
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a condition that can occur when there is a disruption or damage to lymphatic structures such as lymph nodes and lymph vessels. Protein rich fluid that is usually cleaned, filtered, and processed via the lymphatic and cardiovascular systems can back up and become stagnant. In mild cases, this fluid back up may result in swelling, tightness, and discomfort. In extreme cases, it can result in fibrosis (hardening) of the tissue, loss of skin integrity (open wounds), and loss of limb function.
With breast cancer, this stagnant fluid and swelling typically occurs in the arm, hand, breast, and side-body on the treated side.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage along with proper self-care education can be an important part of reducing your risk of lymphedema and, if necessary, managing symptoms to reduce discomfort and keep the condition from progressing.
Who offers Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapy?
Manual lymphatic drainage should only be provided by a trained practitioner who has received training in the specifics of lymphatics and lymphatic drainage therapies.
I am a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (CMLDT) through Monarch Continuing Education, a Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) approved provider and have completed more than 125 hours of training and hands-on practical work in lymphatic studies with over 5 years of professional field experience.
What is the difference between Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?
As a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (CMLDT) I perform a hands-on bodywork technique called Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy as described above. This is one component of a larger treatment protocol called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) that is often required for people living with lymphedema.
If you are living with a lymphedema diagnosis you may need a combination of practitioners to meet all of your ongoing needs.
Your first choice may be a Certified Lymphatic Therapist (CLT). These are often Physical Therapists or Occupational Therapists who have completed a 135+ hour training program around lymphedema care and management. The highest credentialing is formal certification through LANA (Lymphology Association of North America) or attending a program that is LANA approved/accredited. CLT’s can be located in your cancer center or local clinics and may work with your insurance.
Another beneficial practitioner is someone who practices manual lymphatic drainage, a technique that is a component of complete lymphatic care that supports and stimulates the flow of lymph fluid. Called a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (CMLDT), these are often licensed massage therapists practicing lymphatic care and/or oncology massage such as myself. This certification is a partial completion (95+ hours) of the same LANA programs mentioned above but with less advanced study in areas of wound care, wrapping, and garment fitting. Often found in private practice, these therapists are not always affiliated with insurance programs but may be able to see you on an ongoing basis without a referral or insurance treatment limitations.
Regardless of who you choose to see and work with it is important to confirm their credentials, training, and experience working with people affected by cancer and cancer treatment. The Lymphedema Education & Research Network (LE&RN) has many wonderful resources around lymphedema education along with this article on how to find a qualified therapist near you. And, when in doubt, ask your oncologist, nurse advocate, or other cancer care team member for a referral.