Working on a client with a brain tumour

[tinkywinky]

I have a client booked in tomorrow who's friend is also having some treatments done.

I've asked the lady to get permission from the doctor to have treatments before I come.

I'm naturally worried about doing treatments on her in case anything hurts anywhere.

Anyone any advice/offer any help here?

I feel like I will be treading on eggshells and feel so sorry for her but want to make her treatment as nice as possible. xxx

 

[loubylou]

Depends what treatments she wants and what medication/hospital treatment she is having at the mo

 

[tinkywinky]

she's off medication now a break from chemo, she's having a back massage and a facial, but I can't help but be worried.x

 

[weezie]

You're right to get a doctors note. Do not do anything without the note, even if she says he/she said it was o.k say you have to see the note and keep it for your records. What treatments is she having? Make sure you take record of all medications she is taking. I am sure she will let you know what she is comfortable with. Clients with this sort of condition usually have treatments to get away from their anxieties so be sympathetic if she talks about her worries but try to let her just turn off and relax by telling her that she should relax and enjoy the nice feelings of the treatment so she doesn't end up focusing on her worries and talking all the way through rather than being pampered..:hug:

 

[weezie]

Make sure you are especially gentle with the massage and I would personally avoid massaging her head and doing too much pressure around the neck. I have treated a client during her breaks from chemo and it really does give them a boost and make them feel somewhat normal again. There's nothing to worry about. Just make sure to keep her warm and she may need some extra padding if she has lost weight. Just be gentle and loving, you'll be great

 

[Fruity]

I have a friend who is a nurse who reccommended no massage to be done on the top half of a lady undergoing treatment for breast cancer, she said a pedicure would be fine, but wouldn't reccommend anywhere else. Also she said avoid aromatherapy oils/products, lavender should be fine, but essential to get doctors note.

 

[applepie]

On another note, you might notice she gets very tired during the treatment or seems withdrawn or quiet. I've had clients after having chemo and noticed it doesn't take much to really sap their energy (even just lying back and being pampered!).

One lady I had for a manicure really found it a bit too much sitting at the table in the end and was totally exhausted at the finish which was a shame as it was a treat from a friend and I wished she could have enjoyed it more!

Your client having a massage & facial sound much more suitable but it's worth trying to think of what she may find more uncomfortable than usual (such as lying flat, being in one position a long time etc) and taking extra opportunities to check her comfort level during the treatment.

 

[pure]

Massage is definitely a contra-indication to any cancer unless you have the OK from their consultant. Now I don't want to do you out of work but she is entitled to receive massages and other holistic therapies free of charge from her local Macmillan centre. At least they are already under the umbrella of the oncologists and will know exactly what they can and can't do.