Memorial Cancer Institute offers this class in S. Florida.

An an oncology massage therapist,  I hear from my patients their concerns  about lymphedema, "chemo brain, fatigue, nutrional issues, their ability to work, bone loss and emotional issue concerning recurrence.  This is an excellent article where leading physicians around the country address some of these concerns.

Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps got a massage twice a day in Beijing. His teammate, Dara Torres, had two massage therapists on stand-by.  Massage helps decrease the accumulation of lactic acid, which helps with decreasing muscle pain and muscle fatigue.  It would be interesting to see if safe and appropriate oncology massage could also help patients' muscles recover from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Cancer patients ought to be able to talk openly with their doctors about complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs), but many still do not because of communication barriers, according to a report in Psycho-Oncology (Vol. 11: 212-220).

As an oncology massage therapist I believe that the research that Memorial Sloane-Kettering has done on massage during treatment for cancer benefits all cancer centers.

Complementary therapies-including acupuncture, massage, magnet therapy, hyposis, and other nontraditional treatments-have a role in the management of chronic pain in some patients, says Dr. Penny Tenzer, "alternative theapies can be quite effective."

Oncology massage therapists have known that a gentle massage can be effective in helping to temporarily control pain that can be a side effect of cancer treatments.

As a Lebed Method Instructor and oncology massage therapist, I see everyday how appropriate movement therapy help patients increase flexibility, range of motion, and have fun, while dancing with distraction therapy.

Research helps prove what oncology massage therapists have witnessed with their patients.  Massage can temporarily reduce pain, reduce anxiety and create a sense of peace. 

Patients are living longer with a diagnosis of breast cancer and education and early intervention can decrease the incidence of upper arm lymphedema.  As a LMT in an outpatient cancer center, I routinely educate patients concerning the risks and prevention for lympedema.  Too often I might be the first one to mention the need for a compression sleeve when flying and other helpful tips to prevent lymphedema. Surgeons, oncology centers, primary care doctors need to be more educated concerning the risks so that they can best serve their patients. I am dedicated to educating as many patients as possible.  To learn more please visit  www.lymphnet.org

Relaxing  for a few minutes a day can be helpful