Oncology patient

To all....I have a client who has been treated for melanoma and has been using interferon for the past 5 months. She would like to have a facial from me but I don't have any oncology training as of yet. I know I have to exercise much caution. My question is, should I just stick to pressure point ? Or would I be able to give her a little facial massage at this point?

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Permalink Reply by Kim Simeone on August 12, 2015 at 6:12pm
Thank you so much for your reply..I think that is best as well. I think that all of us want to be nurturing when someone is going through a hard time....I just want everyone to feel good! Thank you again
Permalink Reply by Margaret LaPierre on August 19, 2015 at 12:22pm

If you are a member of ASCP, they just had a webinar given by Becky Kuehn of Oncology Spa Solutions (Aug. 17) that will answer all of your questions.  I found it very informative and she also offers training in skin care for treating the oncology client.

Permalink Reply by Annette on August 19, 2015 at 12:25pm

I am assuming the melanoma is on her face and this is the fear you are facing.  Gentle is the word of caution here-Cancer patients deserve to be treated and have a day of relaxation.  Very gentle motions and go around the site if you have to but why shouldn't you treat her?  Don't be afraid, go easy, don't use harsh ingredients but a good easy cleansing facial will revive her and your in the business to help do that for your clients.  If you are fearful and uncertain ask for her oncologists phone number and ask for your limits with your oncology client.  Perhaps you should take a course to that you will feel more comfortable in the treatment room.

Annette, NY  long islandskincare.skincaretherapy.net

Permalink Reply by Annette on August 21, 2015 at 9:54pm

I do not dispute being trained in this area Cathy. I have taken courses on the subject, do work on clients that suffer from various conditions and that is why I suggested her to get some training to understand.

Permalink Reply by Millie Hanson on August 19, 2015 at 2:51pm
I would go with Cathy's suggestions. You can never go wrong getting a doctor referral and get his number or email so you can ask him your concerns based on the facial you will give her.
Permalink Reply by Donna Kris on August 19, 2015 at 3:16pm

Kim, as an Esthetician certified in Oncology Esthetics, I support the other responses to a degree.  If you have membership in ascp, by all means, watch Becky Kuehn's webinar which will be in the archives by Friday, 8/21.  If you are not, send me a private message on Facebook Donna.L.Kris.  I have recommendations of her slides that will support your service to your client now.  All the guidance of checking with doctor is nice and you will be fortunate if doc replies.  More likely, doc will tell client to either go for it or stay away...no middle ground.       If client's hands and feet are not affected by any treatment, provide her with a GENTLE, soothing, and relaxing hand and foot treatment.  Recall to use products without scent...maybe a good massage oil; towels neither too hot nor too cold.  Let her guide you on temperature...unless she has no feeling in her limbs and then you would opt for just warm (she can't feel it anyway so her feedback might be distorted) and lots of oil.  Soft massaging.    Of course your charge is not the same for a facial.  However, you're providing her emotional support at this time.  A connection, a place to speak -- or not...a place to be accepted.  Until you have attended Becky's course, I'd say, treat your client like a newborn -- nothing adventurous in skin treatment.    Most cancer patients I've met are knowledgeable about what they should and could not do.   Meet her heart-to-heart, courageously.  She will likely be a gift to you in ways you would not expect. 

Permalink Reply by Becky Kuehn on August 19, 2015 at 3:21pm

Hello Kim,

Great question and so glad you asked!

First you would need to ask several questions and find out some of the details (where was the surgery, when was the surgery, how is it healing, what type of medication/side effects is she experiencing, etc).  

For Melanoma they usually use interferon alfa-2b, but you will always need to ask to be sure.  The typical side effects of this drug are: injection site reactions (pain/swelling/redness), diarrhea, upset stomach, loss of appetite, back pain, dizziness, dry mouth, taste changes, skin rashes, nausea, or vomiting. Flu-like symptoms such as headache, tiredness, fever, chills, and muscle aches.

With melanoma there is also usually quite a large amount of tissue (skin, lymph nodes,etc) taken so we would want to avoid that area until completely healed.  And if nodes were removed, there would be a lifetime modification on the direction and pressure of the facial for this client.  

Without knowing all the details, as it was mentioned my someone else below; I would suggest waiting on the facial and doing some other type of treatment at this time until you are trained and feel totally comfortable with the questions, answers and modifications required.  

If you need me for anything, let me know.  

Permalink Reply by Ann Sherman on August 19, 2015 at 8:28pm

Oncology Aesthetics is different than General Aesthetics in that the patient's skin is more sensitive and -- depending on the type of cancer -- simple massage can be detrimental.  Oncology training is very detailed in disease types and treatment.  It would be a great benefit to the patient/client to find an Aesthetician who is Certified in Oncology Aesthetics. 

Permalink Reply by Kim Simeone on August 21, 2015 at 3:30pm
A BIG THANK YOU! To everyone who commented! My next step is to get certified in oncology!

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