Would massage be helpful to a pancreatic cancer patient?

Posted by truly520 @truly520, 19 hours ago

I am trying to help a friend undergoing chemo. No appetite, weak, nausea are some of her side effects. Would massage help or harm? Looking to gift her something that will help her feel better.

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markymarkfl | @markymarkfl | 10 hours ago

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. 🙂

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