Mary (not her real name), a breast cancer patient, called requesting manual lymphatic drainage. She’s from Morocco. My geography has never been great and I don’t even know where Morocco is. Or, I didn’t until I looked it up… it’s on the northwest corner of Africa.
She just completed chemotherapy at a local hospital. She is preparing for radiation treatments. She requested manual lymphatic drainage to stimulate her lymphatic system and avoid lymphedema.
She arrived with her husband in tow. Very nice folks. She is originally from the Dallas area, moved to Morocco for work and met her husband. Husband is very interested in every aspect of her treatment, asked lots of questions about manual lymphatic drainage and requested to sit in the treatment room as I worked. I learned a lot about Moroccan culture and husband learned a lot about manual lymphatic drainage.
Moroccan culture seems more advanced in their understanding of the benefits of massage. It is a regular part of their wellness routine. Husband learned a lot about how to massage his wife following cancer treatment; oncology massage and manual lymphatic drainage.
The next few treatments Mary came alone. We did manual lymphatic drainage each time and added foot massage to help with the chemo induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Each session started with manual lymphatic drainage and ended with a foot massage using special, herb-filled oil that helps neuropathy. She reported that she was very relaxed, manual lymphatic drainage was helping her lymphatic system work more efficiently and the foot massage helped the neuropathy.
Today is Mary’s last treatment. Chemo is complete. Radiation is complete. They leave for Morocco next week. This time husband asked me to show him the MLD strokes again. Not only did he watch, he participated. Mary was able to provide feedback regarding pressure and speed as her husband worked on her abdomen. What an honor to assist this sweet couple.
This little voice has been speaking within me for several months about creating short videos showing my work. Today confirmed the need. My dream is to help others feel a little better, relax a little more and be confident about where they are in their cancer journey. What better way to do that than to demonstrate my knowledge with those seeking to help themselves or a loved one?
Is this something that would help you in your cancer journey? Your feedback is dear to me.
Warmly,
Susan Gee, LMT
214-773-2837