Forum Discussion

Allicat's avatar
Allicat
Member
14 years ago

Massage

I made an appointment for a massage next week. I used to get regular massages but I stopped about a year ago after my masseur left and I didn't like the new one. There is now another new person who I will be seeing - I didn't even check if it is a man or a woman. This will be the first massage since my mastectomy.

So, I am wondering, do I need to tell them I have had a mastectomy and silicone implant? Of course, depending how respectful they are of my modesty they might be able to see for themselves.

The old masseur let me get undressed & arrange myself on the table while she was out of the room. She also held a towel while I turned over and then left again for me to get dressed. The new one who I didn't like just stayed and I felt very awkward.

It was interesting as by that stage I was already fine with all the various doctors and nurses looking at my breasts but for the masseur it seemed much nicer to be respectful of privacy.

I am feeling a bit nervous about the massage now. I hadn't thought about the mastectomy issue until after I made the appointment. I guess that's a good thing that I forgot about my mastectomy :-)

7 Replies

  • Samhutto's avatar
    Samhutto
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi Allicat I am so glad you got to enjoy your massage. That is great that he chatted to you beforehand and you had a chance to tell him about your ops. I still have to make my appointment but my voucher runs out this month so I better ring them tomorrow. Glad it all went well. Love sam xo
  • Allicat's avatar
    Allicat
    Member
    14 years ago

    I had my massage last week and it all went well. It was a man and he sat and talked to me before we started about what massages I'd had before and if I had any issues. He had a nice calm & professional manner so I didn't feel awkward in telling him about the mastectomy and implant.

    He left the room while I got dressed & undressed and turned his back while I rolled over.

    The massge itself was nice & relaxing (apart from on my thigh which was quite sore!). There didn't to be any problems relating to the implant etc. He asked about whether I had any swelling in my arm due to removal of the lymph nodes but I don't (I only had 6 removed).

    So it was all good. I will be happy to go back again.

  • Ann-Marie_AK's avatar
    Ann-Marie_AK
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi Allicat I think you should definately let them know. One for your own personal comfort and privacy but also they need to know about any lymph node removal. I see a Physio who is a lymphodema specialist for my massage. I don't have lymphodema but had 20 nodes removed so need to be careful with massage. If they know about any medical issues they can work around them. We deserve to still enjoy the luxury of a massage but just need to be a little more careful with who we choose. I have also tried reflexology which was great and also enjoy a full pedicure when I need some pampering and relaxation. Hope it goes well for you Enjoy!! Ann-Marie xx
  • Leonie_Moore's avatar
    Leonie_Moore
    Member
    14 years ago

    You are right in feeling uncomfortable with the massage therapist staying in the room when you are undressing and undressing.  From my experiences (I have been to quite a few since 2006) they should leave the room and knock before reentering;  hold the towel up for you to turn over; then leave the room for you to get dressed.  I hae regular lymphatic drainage massages.  I didn't have a mastectomy but have had a couple of lumpectomies with deep scarring.  I have the scars massaged as well - hurts like hell but is so beneficial.  I also suffer with some lymphodema so do not have strong massages on that arm.  You should be able to enjoy your massage as well as getting beneficial results from it.  XLeonie

  • Allicat's avatar
    Allicat
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Sam,

    My mastectomy was last April and the permanent implant installed in August. I don't have any pain apart from slight discomfort when rolling onto that side in bed.

    I have been to the osteopath since my surgeries and he worked on my back and it was fine. He did a little work towards the side of my chest which felt a bit weird and I was nervous it would jiggle the implant out of place or something but it didn't cause any problems. I tested lying on my stomach before I went to be sure that it wouldn't hurt.

    I know my osteo quite well & he always gives me a gown to wear so I wasn't nervous about that angle of things with him.

    I will report back after my massage...

  • Allicat's avatar
    Allicat
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Sam,

    My mastectomy was last April and the permanent implant installed in August. I don't have any pain apart from slight discomfort when rolling onto that side in bed.

    I have been to the osteopath since my surgeries and he worked on my back and it was fine. He did a little work towards the side of my chest which felt a bit weird and I was nervous it would jiggle the implant out of place or something but it didn't cause any problems. I tested lying on my stomach before I went to be sure that it wouldn't hurt.

    I know my osteo quite well & he always gives me a gown to wear so I wasn't nervous about that angle of things with him.

    I will report back after my massage...

  • Samhutto's avatar
    Samhutto
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi there allicat I have the same question as you. I actually was given 2 massage vouchers from girlfriends when I had my mastectomy but haven't booked them yet for the same reasons you mention. One runs out next month so I need to get it booked in I guess. My surgery was less than 3 months ago (mastectomy only, no recon as yet) and I still have soreness under my arm where they took my sentinal nodes, and on my chest. So I am also a bit nervous about how the pain will affect the massage...I want to be able to enjoy it afterall! I look forward to someone replying who has had a massage after a mastectomy.... Sam xo