Treating Lymphoma

[Asceseegaurge]

Hi. Has anyone treated a client with lymphoma and if so, could you share any words of wisdom regarding the treatment given and the results? Thanks!

 

[Dirtbiker2714]

Dear Lynsey

I haven't treated anyone with lymphoma. Presumably you mean you're going to treat the person, not their lymphoma? Sorry to split hairs but the title's a bit misleading . I would just say, get as much information as you can about them including what treatment they have had or are having. If they are being treated by an oncologist, you can get them to inform their consultant that they want to have reflexology (or write to that person yourself). Many hospital cancer centres have complementary therapies so the chances are the oncologist will give their approval gladly. Reflexology can be a very welcome treatment for someone with cancer, in terms of helping with side effects of treatment and supporting emotional and spiritual well-being. When you have cancer people may act oddly around you and distance themselves as their own way of coping, and your client may be in need of a warm human touch and a sympathetic person. If the person is having chemo, treating them before a session may help them to relax and be less nervous about it. If they don't have a Hickman line but have the drugs injected into their hand, some hand reflexology or simply hand massage may help prepare their veins for the canulla (spelling? it's the needle they put in your vein) being inserted. I hope this person benefits from their treatments with you, and that you find it a good experience too.

If you want to read up on cancer in general, there are some excellent resources on Cancer Bacup, Breast Cancer Care, Macmillan and probably other websites.

Good luck!

 

[GleMadiaua]

Thanks for that. Yes, I meant treating the person, naturally.

Just thought I'd post my feedback following the reflexology treatment. My client has finished her chemotherapy and has been informed by her consultant that the lymphoma is 'inactive' but that when it becomes active again, there is little else they can do for her. As this was the first time I had treated someone with terminal cancer, I was a little anxious about how I might handle my own emotions because I'm very sensitive person. It was heartbreaking to listen to my client explain how she's coming to terms with the fact that she'll never see her children grow up. I quickly realised how important reflexology was going to be for her, emotionally and physically. I have to say that I found the whole experience incredibly rewarding. My client was so relaxed during the treatment that she fell asleep. And at the end, she told me how much she had enjoyed it and is coming back for more.

I've only been a practising reflexologist for a few months and this experience has given me more confidence. I'd like to add here that newly qualified therapists shouldn't be put off seeing clients with life-threatening illnesses. Just do your research and seek advice from other therapists - you'll find the experience incredibly fulfilling.

 

[Cumhairitte]

How marvellous that you were able to help this lady! I am so pleased for you Lynsey, keep up the good work and BRAVO. I love hearing stories like yours.

 

[AdulzToova]

Thanks for the kind words Siobhan. It's great to share these experiences with other therapists and get feedback.