Page 79 - Walton Living

has been very satisfying to have one of our SideStep relax the body.
“graduates” finish her cancer treatment and enter Oncology patients have special needs while going
back into the general population of services and prod- through cancer therapy. The provider should be famil-
ucts with her oncologist’s blessing.” iar with the specific needs. Some medications create
Thomas said that medically, clients being treated issues with sensitive skin.
for cancer have a plethora of issues from dry, irritated Knowing the line between what may safely be
palms and feet to chemo induced acne. treated and conditions that should be referred to the
“Having a certified provider that has the knowledge physician is imperative. Providers are sensitive to fra-
of these conditions is a must. We have had clients who grances that may trigger nausea or headaches which
have wanted us to treat skin conditions that should may be common during this time. Massage may be an
be referred to the oncologist. The same applies with issue if lymph nodes have been removed, but there are
massage in the facial. There are conditions that may other ways to provide relaxing touch that is comforting
have lymph node involvement that should not have during a facial.
massage, but there are other ways to apply gentle “We have heard so many stories from clients and
pressure to arms and hands that mimic massage and survivors of not being able to find a facility willing
to give them a massage or facial while going through
“Psychologically, clients need respite treatment because they didn’t know how to safely
from their diagnosis. The relaxation treat the client,” Thomas said, going on to note that
this is a critical time for a cancer patient to take care
of the massage gives the mind a of themselves and be able to enjoy some pampering.
break. Women often look forward to “Psychologically, clients need respite from their diag-
their hair appointment for pamper- nosis. The relaxation of the massage gives the mind
a break. Women often look forward to their hair ap-
ing. When chemotherapy causes hair pointment for pampering. When chemotherapy causes
loss, even this simple pleasure is taken hair loss, even this simple pleasure is taken away. A
monthly facial can provide that time of pampering,
away. A monthly facial can provide caring for oneself and looking better.”
that time of pampering, caring for Feedback from the clients has been very gratifying,
oneself and looking better.” Thomas said, especially since it enables the patients to
be incorporated into the natural ow of business.
“Many oncology patients don’t want to be constant-
ly identified by the disease.