Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1102144
60 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k m a y / j u n e 2 0 1 9 60 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k m a y / j u n e 2 0 1 9 60 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k m a y / j u n e 2 0 1 9 Intake 2 (2 minutes) You noticed that this person has a breast cancer treatment history, but it was five years ago and this person did not contact you for an "oncology massage." Therapist: Hi. What brings you in today? Client: So, last week after a rowing meetup, my shoulder started hurting right here [client points to anterior deltoid/pec attachment]. I always worry when I get new pains, but I'm guessing this is probably just from the rowing. Therapist: After the rowing meetup was the first time you felt it? Client: I think so. I mean, I work at a desk all day, so my neck and shoulders are always cranky, but this did feel different. Therapist: Are you able to tell me what feels different about it? Client: Well, it hurts really specifically in this one spot and only when I move it or lie on it. My neck and shoulders back here [gesturing generally to her posterior neck and shoulder area] just kind of ache all the time. Therapist: Ah. That's helpful to know. We can definitely look at that. If you don't mind, I'd like to go back for a second. You said you always worry when you get new pains. Can you tell me more about that? Client: Oh! Jeez. Yeah. I did have nodes removed. Maybe … four? I don't actually remember. But … [pumps fist triumphantly] I did not have radiation. Therapist: [smiling back] OK. Any episodes of swelling or fullness in your arm or torso on the side where the nodes were removed? Client: Nope! Therapist: Excellent. And basically, I just like to know if there are any other ways that treatment continues to affect your life. Like, do you feel like you have the amount of energy you wish you had? Any neuropathy? Joint pain? That kind of stuff. Client: Hahaha! Oh, man. I'm not anywhere near as tired as I was during treatment, but I don't think I'll ever be back to "normal." I was lucky to dodge the neuropathy bullet. As for those other things, I am taking Herceptin and they say that mimics menopause, but I think I'm probably just in menopause. I mean, I'm 59. It's about time, right? Therapist: [laughing]. That's certainly possible. OK, so I'm thinking we will do a full-body massage to say hello to all of you, but I'll focus with your neck and shoulders, and we'll do some focused work in that area of your shoulder where the new issue is. How does that plan sound? Client: Ha! Well, I know it's totally crazy, but when you've had cancer, any kind of pain that feels new raises a little antenna in your brain that says, "This might be cancer." It's fine. I'm not really worried. I just hate that my brain does that now. Therapist: Ugh. Yeah. I can definitely see how your brain could go in that direction. Let's see what your muscles think when we get you on the table. Client: [smiles, somewhat relieved] OK. Good. I mean, I know that I should be getting massage more often anyway, so I figured it can't hurt. Therapist: [smiling back] That sounds like solid reasoning to me. I know it was five years ago, but is there anything related to your experience of cancer that you think would be useful for me to know for today's session? Client: Hmm … I don't know. I mean, like what? Therapist: For instance, I always want to be mindful of lymphedema risk. Do you know whether you had lymph nodes removed during your treatment or whether you received radiation therapy?