reflexology and palliative care (cancer final stages) help please

[vlcsfqvv]

hi

i qualified about 5 years ago but havent given any treatments for about 3 years. to say i am rusty is an understatement. anyway i need some advice from experienced reflexologists please.

my friend has cancer pretty much all over and only has a few weeks left to live at best. i gave her a treatment yesterday which she really seemed to enjoy but i am worried about doing it for her. at this late stage it can do no harm can it? when i finished i went to the loo and could hear her coughing really badly. she asked me to treat her chest area as she was getting quite a lot of pain there, which i did. she didnt cough at all while i was treating her, to be honest i did give her a treatment but was mainly doing relaxing massage movements. i am seeing her again in a few days but i am worried about giving her another treatment. any advice welcome.

 

[MarinaFerrari]

Hiya

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Physically, (to borrow a phrase from an oncologist of my acquaintance) she's going to die so what does it matter what she does?

I've an idea the coughing is to do more with the heart chakra clearing, than anything physical. Keep treating her with love for her highest good and you will help immeasurably.

 

[elfredastrohm]

I agree with Chris. Very sorry about your friend, however, it makes what you give her so much more important, for both of you. All you can give her at this stage is your friendship, time and love. People at the hospice always said that getting a (holistic) treatment meant so much to them as that is (just about!) the only time they get touched by somebody who is not medically busy with them. Give her all the time, love and treatments that you can, it can do no harm but would rather bring comfort to you both.

As you did more relaxation moves than anything else - I would not worry about her coughing, maybe she coughs like that all the time and having the treatment and no coughing during actually gave her a break? Maybe it was the opening of her chakra as mentioned by Chris. However, if it concerns you, when you go and give her a treatment next time, why don't you tell her you were a bit concerned and see how she feels about it?

Enjoy every moment with your friend, they are precious.

 

[Yours Truly]

So sorry to hear about your friend.

I agree with all that has already been said above.

As long as your friend is not getting any discomfort from the treatments, I can assure you that you will be doing so much good. Hopefully, she will be able to relax during the treatments as well as benefitting from being touched in a way that isn't intrusive or invasive which medical treatment often is.

At this stage, you can't do any harm, so encourage feedback if your friend is up to it - not necessarily during the treatment, but afterwards.

 

[Furqan J]

Hello
I also totally agree with whats already written here - its your friend, and if she is terminal with little time left, you ought to make the most of your time together. You cannot do any harm, only good. You will relax her, she will feel cared for and nurtured - what a wonderful way to say goodbye.
Wishing you well.

 

[nonaroniLes]

I join every word of all what was said in the lines above.

Doesn't matter how rusty you can feel regarding the treatmenst you are giving to alliviate the pain of your friend. It is your heart going with every touch, your presence at the hardest moment, your compassion and love.

Send your hope and your wishes with every touch, blessing every minute of pain relief and life.

Wish you that you won't know about any pain and sorrow in your life.

Moshe Kruchik

 

[Jave]

Hello - yes I too agree with everything everyone's said, and you may feel privilaged that you can offer something special to your dear friend at this time.
I work as a volunteer at a hospice and give treatments to patients there. It is wonderful to see how appreciative they are - at this stage it is more about soothing, hands-on comfort rather than looking for and treating disturbed reflexes. In other words, my treatment strategy here is different from my other clients.
Also your precious times with your friend may enable her to talk too. People often need to do this in her situation.
Enjoy your times together.
Love
Vflex

 

[~ Floridian``]

many thanks for all your kind replys.

jackie (my friend) went into a hospice for the day on tuesday, but they have decided to keep her in. i went to see her yesterday which i think will be for the last time. although i am 41 i have never really seen death before i am finding it really difficult but all your words have been helpful. many thanks.

 

[Jeney M]

Dear Vicki,

My thoughts, prayers and positive energy goes out to you, your friend and her family. It is not easy seeing somebody you care for pass over and nothing anybody says will 'make it better'. I don't think going through this can ever be easy so it is narural to find this a difficult time. Just accept that you have to go through a grieving process in order to accept this situation and eventual loss, if you feel like crying, do so, if you need to get angry, just go with the feeling, it is all part of the process.

Treat yourself gently in this very difficult time.

 

[pteeauxiivkiayeos]

Don't hold back, treat your friend, touch can be of great comfort to those in such a position. The time you spend with your friend is precious and being able to offer something as wonderful as reflexology priceless.

She may benefit most from lots of gentle touch, effleurage, holding of the feet and a gentle treatment. See how she feels and work with her.

I hope that you both enjoy your treatment sessions.

 

[vbarqomf]

Vicki - don't not visit her in the hospice. Go and visit and offer to rub her feet while you are with her. There will come the day when she won't want to be bothered, but in the mean time, follow her lead. I've worked in a hospice. Some of the patients said that they felt a bit cut off, as some of their friends felt that it wasn't their place to visit - that it should just be family. Most hospices offer an 'open door' and will only turn people away if the patient is really unable to receive visitors. You could always call ahead and ask if she would be able to see you.

 

[American Woman]

thanks for all the encouragement.

my friend passed away on monday morning. she had lots of family and friends with her at the time.

 

[afcizicf]

Sorry for your loss. I am sure you will keep her in your heart where she will always be close to you.

Sending healing and prayers to you and the rest of her family and friends who have been touched by this great loss.

 

[J man]

Bless you Vicki - your friend was lucky to have a friend like you.

 

[hockeyking_21]

So sorry to hear your news. I am glad that she was with family and friends with her. There is nothing as precious as a loving friend or family member...