Forum Discussion

melanieg51's avatar
melanieg51
Member
8 years ago

Chemo and Floating

I'm interested to find out if anyone here has used float tanks during their chemo or has any informed information about it? I have been told that it's not possible due to chemo leeching out into the water and possibly being a danger to other users, however I have seen a lot of info and experiences on the internet from patients who do float. 
alternative-therapies
chemotherapy
mindfulness
  • HIT's avatar
    HIT
    Member
    8 years ago
    That is a different question.  I asked my chemo nurses if I could use the spa (outdoor) during chemo.  They took it very seriously, but ended up saying that I could, but not in the 1st week after chemo.  Similar maybe
  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    8 years ago


    From a website on float therapy:

    "...You might need to call us to discuss whether floating is suitable for you if:

    • You are in the early or late stages of pregnancy
    • You have had diarrhoea within the last 14days
    • You have any large open cuts/sores
    • Have any sort of contagious illness
    • You find it difficult to get into/out of a floor-seated position 
    • Is the water changed each time?

    • No, the solution is thoroughly filtered between each client for at least 20 minutes Is the water changed each time?

    • If you suffer from a severe mental illness  ..."

  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago

    Gosh, that's a new one @melanieg51

    Containment of body fluids during chemo really is a 'thing' The drugs are nasty and can affect other people who have come in contact with them. Personally, I wouldn't want to be in a small tank of water after someone who may, or may not, be leaking cytotoxic fluids (via a variety of methods) had exited it. Nor would I be keen on getting into a body of warm water dense with other peoples detritus during chemo.

    That said, I know very little about floatation tanks and what sort of risk management strategies they put in place. If it was fresh water for every 'floater' you'd think it would be OK. The business should have a policy on it and your oncologist may have an opinion too.