QuestionQUESTION: Hi,
I had my thyroid removed following a cancer diagnosis three weeks ago. I saw my surgeon on day 10 and she was really pleased with my healing.
I have a massage scheduled for next Wednesday and wanted to know if that would be ok. It will be 26 days post op.
I have most of my neck mobility. The scar is really healing well - mostly just have voice issues and it's a little tight when I raise my chin.
What do you think?
Thanks,
Shelley
ANSWER: Shelley,
I am a licensed massage therapist trained in cancer massage.
I'm sorry to hear about your recent thyroid removal and hope you are recovering well.
I have a couple suggestions about your massage. I also have some questions. Are you going to receive/have you received radiation/chemotherapy treatment? If so, I would highly recommend that your massage therapist give you a very gentle massage (the closest I can suggest is a light swedish). This will produce pain relief, increased immunity, all the benefits of massage but not stress your body as much.
Did your surgeon remove any lymph nodes? - if so, mention it to your massage therapist.
Massage can definitely be performed 26 days out, even before then. What are your goals? Relaxation, stress relief, pain relief?
With surgery and scar tissue, I usually will do some cross fiber friction work on the area. If there's not any radiation or chemo being done there, there shouldn't be a problem with that.
However I would probably wait before receiving any deep tissue work (reflexology is also ok) because your system if fighting off the cancer - even without chemo/radiation. Our goal is to help your body not strain it. Doing lighter work will be beneficial to you and your body.
If you would like references to give your massage therapist (I don't want to insult him/her) or for your own personal reading/knowledge, I would be more than willing to do so.
I wish the very best for you & please, if at any time I can help or you have questions, don't hesitate to write.
Have a great Massage on Wednesday!
Always,
Jessica
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks Jessica, that is very helpful and I will suggest a lighter massage to my MT. I don't know yet about RAI (RadioActive Iodine). It's usually recommended in these cases but I'm waiting for a work up by a nuclear medicine doctor. But no radiation or chemo yet. My scar is on my neck and my shoulders and collar bone areas are sore.
I guess stress relief and relaxation are mostly what I'm looking for - although that particular area is sore and I would like to relieve some of that soreness as well.
Any references you can suggest I would be happy to pass on my my MT. She's very knowledgeable but not sure how much post cancer stuff she's done.
Thanks,
Shelley
AnswerShelley-
One thing I would recommend for the scar/incision pain is applying emu oil. Yes I realize this sounds odd, but it is a natural anti-inflammatory and crosses deeper across the skin than most things. It is a topical application, but at least would provide some relief and it actually should help it heal quicker. They might have it in local health food stores or a number of companies sell it online (Amazon.com has a number that distribute there as well). I will say its not cheap. It's in the ballpark of $15 for 2 oz -but you just need about a drop (it's really thick) to apply and rub in. It should last quite awhile.
Here are some resources I recommend, and fortunately there are more and more every day!
http://www.tracywalton.com/faqs/index.html
(Tracy Walton is one of the first massage therapists to study cancer and massage)
The Society for Oncology Massage
http://www.s4om.moonfruit.org/#/health-care-professionals/4558534846
I would start with those two..Gayle MacDonald is another expert in the field and has published a couple of books (that are very interesting, informative, and not written above your head).
Always,
Jessica
