Back to October 2002: Complementary and Holistic Treatments
Okay to get massage during chemo?
- Question from Novella: Is it okay to get a massage during chemotherapy?
- Answers —Patricia Johnson, M.D.: I don't see any problem with getting massage during chemotherapy. I feel massage promotes relaxation, and therefore could be extremely helpful in dealing with side effects.
- Marisa Weiss, M.D., Breastcancer.org president and founder: There are various ways of giving massage. A gentle form of massage in the area of your surgery is preferred. During chemotherapy, if you have any cuts, insect bites, incisions, or acne, it's important not to over-manipulate those areas because of concern about infection.
- Patricia Johnson, M.D.: I have taken care of many breast cancer patients over 25 years of practice, and I can say that I feel the cure rate has definitely increased. I feel very optimistic that we're making progress with this disease.
- Dan Benor, M.D.: There is a growing body of convincing research which suggests that holistic treatments, including faith and touch healing, can be effective for many problems and symptoms, so we can recommend these therapies with increasing confidence.
- Marisa Weiss, M.D., Breastcancer.org president and founder: For many breast cancer patients, the focus is often on how long you live, but it's also so important to focus on the moments along the way, and on how you're feeling right now, every day. I hope that the ideas and the guidance we've provided will help you recapture some of the pleasure and meaning of your life.