What Patients, Caregivers,  Survivors and Healthcare Workers Say About Massage & This Web-Page:

Below are comments from patients and caregivers, please feel free to share your comments. Send your comments to: Toni@acaringtouchforcancer.com

"This website is a wonderfully comprehensive source of information, for both patients and physicians interested in the appropriate use of massage therapy for patients with cancer.  It is educational and supportive, and strikes an appropriate tone, giving readers reliable, balanced information.  I haven't found a more informative, easy to use site!"

Lisa W. Corbin MD
Medical Director, The Center for Integrative Medicine
University of Colorado Hospital
Associate Professor, Departments of PM&R and Medicine
University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center

 


 “Pampered attention and diversion”

“I was told that I couldn’t get a massage during treatment.”

“It makes it easier to walk through this door.”

“"Takes me away from here.”

"Eases my pain, decreases my stress.”

“Can’t believe something so simple, helps so much, feel like I won the lottery today.”

“When can I do this again.”

“I am a widow, going through this alone, without tender touch to help me get through my day.”

"It is so caring.  It is like a reward for coming to treatment.  It enhances and improves my well-being 100%.

"Given the constraints that Toni works under, her results are marvelous.  With a little more time and a table I'm sure she could produce results akin to miraculous."

"A massage is like being immersed in a pool of tepid water and the coolness is released and most comforting."

"I can't believe a 10 minute chair massage could have such an effect on me.  It took me to a different place."

Toni brings a calmness, a caring touch and a chance to escape for a while. Her touch is priceless, thank you Toni.  Bettyann Crenshaw

I am so appreciative of the complimentary massage program offered at my cancer center.  Toni's session have significantly improved my pain and fatigue during my cancer treatment and recovery.  Julie Steere


This is an excellent explanation of Mindful Touch Therapy

 In August 2006, I was scheduled to have a hysterectomy and as the time approached, I began to feel more and more anxious, panic attacks, tight chest, crying, snappy at those I love. Tried to chalk it up as my hormones having one last meltdown, but psychically and mentally, I was a train wreck and not prepared for my surgery and recovery. 
 
As an 8 year Breast Cancer Survivor, there was always that little nagging thought, of "what if they find something," my life and my families will change forever ... the fear was consuming me.   I called Toni, (neighbor and friend) as she had been through the procedure, for advice and a pep talk!  Toni had also been a huge support during and after my breast surgery with massage therapy, help with lymphedema, and just a sit on the swing for a talk.  
 
Toni offered to do a "special" type of massage for me on the night before my surgery.  I had been massaged by her and others, for deep tissue, hot stone, spa massages, etc....but this was so unique that I wanted to share with others.   It is called "Mindful Touch Therapy", and it did the trick!!!
 
Basically, it is a "sensory experience" of touch, sound, pressure and light massage.  You lie on your back the entire time, with wonderful music that seems to be choreographed to the touch.  Light strokes, sometimes only wisps of fingertips touch your skin.  Then, she would put her palms on your skin and apply light pressure, then moving on with light touch....it was surreal, as you could still feel the pressure of her palms on one part of your body, as you felt the fingers travel to another.  It was good to get lost in touch, to shut down the thought processes, to follow the fingers and the music.  But I think what helped me the most, was a technique she used to help me control my breathing.  My chest had been very tight with "angst", and I was shallow breathing.  By placing her hands on my breast bone and belly working with touch and music, she somehow managed to get me breathing in a deep and comfortable rhythm, that's when I felt things come together.  I had a wonderful sense of peace...that I carried through to a good night’s sleep and a morning into surgery relatively calm. Deep breathing and GREAT oxygen saturation!!!
 
All turned out well, and I am happily on the road to recovery and wellness...
 
Thank you Toni...”for touching my life".

Laurie H.,Cooper City, FL

 

"I feel massage therapy has contributed to my full recovery from lymphoma, both mentally and physically.  It gives me a feeling of "goodness" and an "outlook" of wellbeing, that is so important for the total body health." Barbara R., Hollywood, FL

"Your web-site is a great find for patients."  - Gayle MacDonald, M.S., L.M.T. cancer and massage educator, author of Medicine Hands, Massage Therapy for People Living With Cancer

"Just a note to thank you so much for your magic touch and the great relief it has given me during my radiation and chemo treatment for head and neck cancer.  I cannot find the words to express my gratitude for the enormous impact your healing touch has made in my ability to cope with the pain and side effects of my treatments.  You truly have been blessed with "Gift From God" in your touch.  And...your pottery is pretty hot too."  Chuck M.

"She is much older than her 9 years, the girl who always accompanies her mom to chemo and radiation treatments.  She acts as her translator, interpreting news and information that a young child should not be exposed to.  One day, I was walking with the girl when we passed a patient who was very disfigured from a large tumor on the neck.  Putting my arm around her, I quietly said, "You are too young to be exposed to so much illness."  She looked at me and said, "It's OK, this is my normal."

Whenever I see her, I bring the girl into my massage room for a few minutes of pampered attention.  I became her caregiver.  She is such a delight to talk to.  You have "hands of clouds" she told me, the first time I massaged her back."  Toni Muirhead, LMT

A great help. At night when emotions are high or pain or stress I lay in bed and visualize the massage Toni gave me the day or week before and it helps a great deal.  We need more massage people to help all cancer patients to release the stress of our illness.  Sharon R.

Part of a letter written to hospital administration that highlights her massage experience;

"I'd like to thank you for Toni (massage therapist) as well!  When so much is happening to your body it is such a relief for something for your body.  I was dreading the intra cavity procedure and she worked miracles by massaging my feet.  She took the focus off one part of my body and redirected it to another, thereby making it more of a relaxing experience.  I now know that I still have endorphins!  It's your attention like this that shows how much you care for your patients."  E.C.

Toni is a great joy to be around.  Her easy-going attitude and enthusiasm for specialized oncology massage therapy is heart warming.  As an oncology patient myself, I am glad to know Toni.  Toni continues to touch the lives of many patients and caretakers at my Breast Cancer Center.  She is always thinking of others by seeking ways to educate them with the knowledge of her profession.  She has gone out of her way, above and beyond to promote the importance of specialized oncology massage therapy.  She has traveled far and wide to receive further specialized training and has conducted several seminars to educate patients and healthcare workers.  I now know that it is imperative for chemotherapy patients to receive a special type of massage, so our sensitive muscles and connective tissues are not damaged.  There is a need for massage therapists and chemotherapy patients to be educated of the benefits of specialized oncology massage therapy and I believe in Toni's ability to achieve this goal.  Everyone is always excited to see Toni's ahppy smile and receive one of her special, gentle, relaxing, and perfect massages!!! Toni, Thank you for all that you have done for me and others to keep us positive.  M.B.