Would massage be helpful to a pancreatic cancer patient?

I have zero medical training, but I *think* a massage would do no harm.

I've been getting deep tissue massages for many years to address my may muscle aches.

I've been getting chemo for most of the last 4 years, with only 3 short breaks (1 post-Whipple and 2 during clinical trials). About 1.5 years ago, I switched to getting more "relaxation" massages with some "lymphatic drainage" massage techniques added in, and timed them to be 1-2 days after each chemo session. This *may* have helped flush the remaining chemo/toxins out of my system a little faster or more completely. Extra hydration is usually recommended after any massage.

Even if there was no scientifically measurable benefit, they still felt good. 🙂

I've had some weird lumps show up in the past few months, upper right chest and back close to underarm. I've had CT scan, MRI and PET scan to try to figure out the cause. None of them could figure it out, probably not cancer but they can't be sure, so they just call it edema. My oncologist said it's ok for me to try lymphatic drainage massage so I did, have had 2 sessions so far and the lumps are slowly shrinking. And the massage feels wonderful.

As always, your friend should check with her oncologist before getting a massage.

I had a massage scheduled with someone I went to before my cancer diagnosis & when he found I had cancer he told me that he would not do a massage on someone receiving chemo. I checked the internet & there are specially trained massage therapists for those receiving chemo. I was pleased he cared more about the person than the "almighty dollar".

My wife received foot massages in her infusion center to help with neuropathy issues on the Folfirinox regimen.

Thank you, I will check with my friend before booking anything!