I’m not looking for sympathy. I’m looking for a place to vent.
I’d like to tell you about how wonderful my massage was today but I can’t. It didn’t happen. After work I went to the spa and when I arrived I had to fill out a medical questionnaire, which is standard when you have your first visit to a spa. There were boxes to check off for various medical conditions, of course I checked off the box that said cancer. I gave the questionnaire back the receptionist then sat back and enjoyed a drink and read a magazine. The massage therapist introduced herself to me then took me upstairs to my room. She started to go over the medical questionnaire and asked about the cancer. I explained that I had had surgery and I would be starting chemo soon. I wasn’t prepared for her response. She said, ‘We don’t do massages on cancer patients unless they are terminally ill or are cancer free now.’ When someone tells me that I can’t do something, I usually take it on as a personal challenge to prove them wrong. This time all I could do was get my coat, get in my car and drive home. Before I left, the massage therapist explained that there are risks associated with massage on cancer patients in terms of increased circulation to cancer cells. She asked if I wanted to have a pedicure but at that point I just wanted to leave.
So to recap the ‘me things’ I wanted to do this week:
1. Join the Breast Cancer Support Group – oh, it’s full
2. Have a massage – oops, I can’t…I have cancer
The rollercoaster just keeps going around.
me
6 comments:
Hey Kim,
My first thoughts after reading your post was how much I wanted to give you a hug. My second, was how much I wanted to get in my car and pay the Tetherwood Spa at 651 Windemere Rd. in London a little visit, anonymously of course!! Mind you, channeling my emotions in a violent manner has never legally been a strong point for me, so let's stick with the hug........
KEEP SMILING,
Mark
Kim:
Has Mark not taught you anything about venting??? Where are the "French" words? How many alarm clocks did you smash to bits?
We're praying for you today for the Oncologist appointment.
Keep Swimming,
Sandra
Kim:
I know you are not looking for sympathy so I thought I would go fact-hunting instead as your story really pissed me off. I called the Health Network where I go for a massage (they seem more medical than spa-like to me). I talked to my therapist and asked her what she thought about the situation. She said there is no medical proof that massage can disrupt cancer cells or harm cancer patients in any way. However, that being said, she stated that your oncologist would have to provide a note stating that it was okay for you to receive massage therapy before they could perform one. I guess they are just covering their asses in a case like this. Anyway, good luck at the LRCP today!
Andrea
Hey,
Unbelievable! I am sorry that happened to you.
Since they couldn't do the massage, they should have given you a gift, or offered a coupon for massage at a later date! How insensitive!!!!!
Can anyone say ' Protest '??
Sharon
PS I know I can count on you Karla!!
Hey Kim,
Reiki and Reflexology can also be very relaxing. My Mom does it for many people and they always keep coming back. Too bad my Mom lives so far away or I'd hook you up.
Sorry about the massage. Like your friends say, there are other ways to pamper yourself... a nice facial, manicure and pedicure. They are all nice too. Hope everything went well today.
Love Tammi
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