Treating prostate cancer

[Peedi]

Hi folks,

As a trainee Reflexologist, I'm soon to starttreating my Dad, who has prostate cancer. I will work on him a week before surgery and in the weeks following surgery.

As I'm only in the early stages of my Reflexology course I'm a little nervous about causing any oversensitive reactions. I don't think that would do him much good, especially before he has his cancer treatment.

I could really do with sharing some experiences with anyone who has given treatment to someone withthis condition.

Also worth noting, is that he will not be having prostate-removal surgery. He will be having one of the newer forms of treatment, which involves having radioactive pellets implanted into his prostate. I'm not sure if this makes a difference to the treatment I should provide him. Does anyone have knowledge or experience of this??

Any help or guidance would really be a help. I want to do my best for him.

Many thanks,

Lou

 

[agzocvku]

Hello Lou

I'm sorry your Dad is living with cancer. My thoughts are with you and your family. When I work with someone who's seeing an oncologist/surgeon I generally ask them to check with that person or peoplethat they're happy for their patient to have reflexology. I haven't had anyone say no yet, but I think of it as a professional courtesy. I sometimes treat patients in a local hospital just before they have their chemotherapy, and we have consent from all the docs there.

We therapists often have different training and different ideas about treating individuals withcancer andother conditions too. Some therapists believe they may inadvertently cause harm to their client. I don't believe that to be the case. I have only had experience of how comforting and nurturing it is for someone living with cancer to receive therapeutic touch treatments like reflexology. I would not wish to deny them this. As you are studying, have you had a word with your tutors to see if they have any ideas to share with you? I haven't had a client with prostate cancer and I'm sure you know a lot more about the condition since your dad is living with it.
I am convinced that reflexology is a great preparation for surgery, and post surgically it can aid recovery and healing!

I don't believe in avoiding the area of the foot where the person has the cancer. Often I just hold that point gently rather than working it aggressively. It just feels right to me. I believe the LOVE you put into your treatments is very important indeed. I'm sure you will do wonderfully. Do let us know how you get on, and much love to all of you.