06/12/2025
Although I completed this Oncology Massage around 2014, I was quite pleased to get this, as the organisation is changing and growing.
More people are trained in basic massage for cancer patients, which is good.
For me it was part of the journey to treat the effects post surgery, dealing with the effects on the Lymphatic system :
maybe after a Lymphadenectomy (Lymph node removal possibly from the neck, arm pit or groin which may lead to Lymphodema around those areas)
Scaring, it is not just on the surface and may lead to restriction of movement or pain.
Cording (after a mastectomy) appears in the chest wall down into the arm, feels and if visible looks like wire under the skin that has been pulled tight.
If you are looking for help please be aware, someone who does lymphatic massage is not necessarily the same.
Dealing with lymphatic failures means :
Being able to teach patients, because a lot depends on you!
They need to be aware of wounds and Infection
Aware of conditions that impact or hinder treatment.
Possible impact medications.
Skin condition and care.
Nutrition.
Scaring.
Some like myself will be trained for compression bandaging and garments.
Deal with the emotional aspect.
Exchange information with medical professionals and write to GP’s with findings or concerns.
Find appropriately qualified people on https://mlduk.org.uk/find-a-therapist/
These therapists are trained to also work on compromised lymphatic systems due to lymphoedema, surgery, injury etc also multi-layer bandaging and compression