Spa visits while on chemo????

Pastor Rich · Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 4:15 pm Post subject: Spa visits while on chemo????

Hi folks; And in particular Dr. Leo!

For Christmas, I'm thinking of giving my wife several visits to a local spa. They offer massage, whirlpool baths ("hydro salt water tub"), facials and other spa-like stuff.

Are there any cautions on this for someone undergoing chemo???

Thanks, Pastor Rich
_________________
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7

Muttsmom · Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 4:33 pm Post subject: Re: Spa visits while on chemo????

Hi Pastor Rich,
I'll let Leo answer this one because I don't know, but what a great idea for your wife. Even if she can't do it while on chemo, trust me, when treatment is over, she'll definately enjoy them then. I've never gotten that kind of gift, but I can just imagine how great physically and emotionally it would feel to be pampered like that........ no doubt, whenever she can use them, that is the coolest gift you could have thought of. Relaxing.......... oh, what a concept Smile

_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

Kristen · Experienced user Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 60

Hi Pastor Rich,

As far as massage goes...well let me just say I treated myself and still do to a monthly massage. It not only feels good, but it helps the mind and body to concentrate on healing and reduces stress.
I will let dr leo answer your questions too in regards to the spa, but massage therapy is great.
I have been reading your postings in regards to your wife, and I would just like to say how wonderful it is for her to have such a supportive and caring husband.
Take care,
Kristen

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Hey Pastor Rich

I hope things are well. Taking her to a spa sounds like a great deal. One concern that I have with whirlpool baths relates to a port (if she has it) or a PICC line. You should seek counselling with the people taking care of this if she is going to have whirlpool baths. It is probably ok, but it doesn't hurt to check.

best regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

Pastor Rich

Thanks Dr. Leo, and all who replied....

Cathy is doing well. In fact, she was supposed to have the PICC installed before chemo last Friday, but the equipment was down. So instead of waiting, she went ahead with the bloodwork and the chemo without it.

The onc. nurse looked at her veins and said: "why do you think you need a PICC?" He had no trouble inserting the needle and attaching the line.

So Cathy probably will not have the PICC installed.

Also, the great news is that she has had virtually no nausea so far and it is now Saturday night. If she still had all her hair everything would seem to be normal!

Blessings to all,
Pastor Rich
_________________
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7

Muttsmom

Hi Pastor Ritch,
So glad that Cathy is doing so well with her chemo. For what it's worth, I didn't have a PICC or anything and had chemo and labs done each time because I HAD such good veins. Chemo can and in my case did cause the veins to harden like scar tissue and chemo also causes the veins to roll. Either though it's been over 2 years since I had any chemo, they have a hard time now getting a vein. The bloodwork isn't so bad because they use butterfly needles, but for surgeries, I get stuck no less then twice and usually 3 times because of what the chemo did to my veins. Just wanted to pass that along incase the onco still talks about a PICC line, she might want to consider it.
Nancy
_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

Kristen · Experienced user Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 60

Hi Pasor Rich and Nancy,

I just wanted to say I am glad your wife is doing so well. I am out of treatment for one year dec 30 and never had a port or anything. I had 4 cycles of A/C and 4 cycles of Taxol every two weeks. They never once had trouble getting a vein ,along with the weekly blood work. (that was from June to Sept). However, now when I have to have a line in for an MRI it takes about 5 tries so now I have to go up to the chemo nurses to get my line before the MRI and they can do it on the first shot!
Come to think of it, I was not even offered a port, I wonder why??? Heck, I didn't even know to ask about a port!
Best of luck to you all!
Kristen

JM

Hi Pastor Rick,

I don't remember if your wife had lymph nodes removed but if she did then hot tubs are not recommened. The change in temperature causes the arm to swell slightly and with the loss of some nodes, it is taxing on the lymph system to remove the excess fluid. Over time, this can lead to lymphedema. At least that is what I have been reading. I don't have lymphedema and hope to avoid it, so I've been reading some about it.
I'm 20 days out from my second go around with dose dense chemo, my thick hair is now thin but most others wouldn't really notice it, I'm expecting it all to fall out sometime this week. Glad to hear Cathy is doing so well, Jan
_________________
JM Age 44
DX9/04 Lobular
10/04 Dbl MRM 9 cm tumor & 16 pos nodes on right side & 12 cm tumor & 18 pos on left
Stage 3C ER+/PR+ HER2-
11/04 AC-T
3/05 -6/05 Rads under arms,sides & chest, collarbones to last ribs. 3rd degree burns,lost 5 layers skin
4/05 Tamoxifen-Is it hot in here or is it just me?

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Jan brings up a good point. I can't remember what surgery your wife had, but it is true that she should avoid hot tubs if she is at any risk for lymphedema.

best regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

Pastor Rich

[quote="leo"]Jan brings up a good point. I can't remember what surgery your wife had, but it is true that she should avoid hot tubs if she is at any risk for lymphedema.

best regards,
Leo[/quote]

Hi Dr. leo;

Cathy did have a lumpectomy and the lymph nodes removed. Her arm is pretty much normal with no lump under the arm....

Rich
_________________
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7

dizzybuff38 · Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 6:28 am Post subject: Re: Spa visits while on chemo????

Hi Pastor Rich - so pleased to hear that Cathy is doing well. My husband treated my friend, who was so supportive to us when going through chemo and rads, to a 5 day stay at a health farm about 3 hours drive away. We went earlier this year, after I finished all treatment. I had various massages (including an acqua one where you lay on a bed filled with water and the jets roll up and down your body - fantastic!) and used the hot tub maybe 3 or 4 times daily. I also did hydrotherapy exercises in the indoor pool.
I had a lumpectomy and total node removal and have had no problem with lymphodoema either then or now. I faithfully did the exercises I was given by my breast care nurse, even though I was in tears at times with the pain. I am sure this prevented me from getting lymphodoema.
However, I also had holistic massage locally and the therapist insisted I get a letter from my Oncologist, approving the treatment. He advised that I should not have massage on my breast or chest wall.
The 5 day retreat was the most wonderful gift - gave me an opportunity to spend some real quality time with my friend, good wholesome food (wine was served with dinner) lots of pampering and relaxing in the fresh air around the outdoor pool with a good book. I can't think of anything I would have enjoyed better. Go for it!
Love, Liz, England.

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Hello

I think regardless of how many lymphnodes and how normal her arm looks now, she is at risk for developing lymphedema at any point. I would still discuss with her doctor and see how he feels about it.

regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

Cassie · Regular Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 10 Location: AZ

THANKS, DR. LEO, FOR THAT FURTHER LYMPHEDEMA WARNING! Both hot soaks and deep massage to the affected hand, arm, chest and back are considered to be risky for the development of lymphedema.

Checking with your doctors is a good idea, but a great many of them know next to nothing about lymphedema or imagine that the condition is merely pesky and nothing to worry about. You really need to arm yourself with the information you need. The National Lymphedema Network at www.lymphnet.org offers information on preventing the condition, and as a lymphedema sufferer myself I can only say that every precaution you can take is worth it.

On the other hand, I'm all for pampering and relaxation! Just use caution concerning both HEAT and DEEP MASSAGE.

Pastor Rich, so glad the chemo is going so well for both of you. God is good!
Cassie

Sharon · Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 12:37 pm Post subject: spa treatments

Dear Pastor Rich and Cathy:

I am so glad that all is going well for both of you. Great not to have a port or picc. I am going for my third dose of A/C today. Last week was rough since I had a cold. However, I am doing well now. I have been reading jan Koran's books on the Mitford series. Have you read them? It is about Father Tim and life in Mitford. They are delightful and such a wonderful distraction when I am not feeling up to anything else. I have had massage, energy work and acupuncture without any problems. Lymphedema would always be a concern and check with your physican. Although, I agree most aren't that knowledgeable about lymphedema and it can be a huge issue. Chemo time is definetely a time for nurturing and loving care. Losing my hair has been the most emotionally challenging, but although I have wigs, silk scarves feel better. so glad you are keeping your strenght for the journey. In love and spirit, Sharon

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