Cancer drug Interferon-can it seep through skin like Chemo?

[babyface28]

Yesterday I was presented with a new client who is currently battling seforum.xxxe 4 melanoma cancer. He has already gone through a lobectomy (lung removal), hip replacement and is currenlty waiting for his other hip to be replaced. However, during the intake he mentioned that he is currently taking daily injections of Interferon. He said that it acts like Chemo in that it kills the cancer cells.

My concern: I'm 14 weeks pregnant. I don't know anything about the drug interferon. But when he mentioned Chemo it triggered something in my brain that said I shouldn't work on him. I've heard in the past that chemo drugs seep through the skin and I would want to avoid contact.

Can anyone confirm or deny this or tell me if Interferon is similar to chemo?

 

[cbau]

Don't wait for replies on this one, taking our word as medical advice. call YOUR doctor today, and ask. Your doctor (OB/GYN) will know how to advise you, keeping you and your baby safe.

And congratulations!!!!

Jill/Sagetherapist

 

[Cheese is good.]

Jill- Thank you for your reply. After I posted that I did some research of my own and feel actually quite silly for my concern. Interferon is NOT like Chemo. It actually works to boost the immune system. Its produced naturally in our own system. The drug that is being used for cancer patients, MS patients etc. is chemically engineered, but has the same effect.

My OB gave me a pregnancy exposure hotline number to call yesterday. I havn't called yet. I've done my own research today.

I had originally heard the thing about chemo coming through the skin in a post here, maybe a year ago (or less). I can't remember who is was but she said that she is trained to work with cancer patients and she raised that concern. I can't find the post. But if anyone has more info it would be greatly appreciated. I had an online chat today with someone at a cancer support site today and he said that he had never heard that before.

I'm concerned now because I feel like I dont' have the right information and that somewhere along the line I have taken oppinion as fact. Now, I ruined that poor mans day. He is seforum.xxxe 4! That means that EVERY DAY is precious. I put concerns for myself above his.

I feel that I have the right info about interferon now, but would like to have this concern about Chemo squashed, for myself as well as anyone else that I may have confused now. :?

 

[Racin]

when in doubt, throw a pair of gloves on.

 

[misuti]

1st Side note vent - I really can't believe how we are supposed to trust other health care providers for our own well being. Yes Chemo is toxic for all of us, and especially you to provide treatment on a cancer patient that is currently going through it... you can't touch them for at least a week after their chemo session. For both you and them, and to make sure that the chemo doesn't get pushed through their system soon enough.

2nd, I would definitely suggest he see someone who is specifically trained in Cancer massage, I have never come across uses of Interferon so I don't have any suggestions in that matter. Either way, I would stay on the safe side for the safety of your unborn child, that child is your biggest concern. When in doubt refer out. Definitely call that hotline number... I also suggest that you contact my instructor her name is Cheryl Chapman, she is also a RN... and very knowlegable about current treatments and procedures.

Yes, every day of his life is precious, and I always let them know that I feel blessed for them to come to me for assistance in their wellbeing. But you do have to think about yourself first at certain times...

 

[tanaz]

Mush- Thanks for the gloves suggestion. I did actually think of that AFTER he left. I don't know whats going on with me. I totally forgot that was even an option while he was there. I've never been pregnant before, I feel like it's eating up my brain cells somedays... :wink:

This has really been on my mind a lot the past few days. I almost feel like he was placed in front of me for a reason. If it was a test for me, I don't feel like I failed it, because I feel that I made the right choice at the time, given my knowledge of his condition. BUT- I feel that I failed HIM as a person.

Whenever I'm confronted with a pathology that I'm not 100% confident about it makes me doubt myself. On the flip side though, it makes me seek out the right answer.

In school my teachers said " don't do anything in you're practice that prevents you from sleeping at night." If I had worked on him that day I would have been worried for myself and my baby. BUT- Since I didn't work on him now I'm concerned for HIM. I don't want him to take from that experience the feeling that he's toxic and shouldn't be touched.

He's out of town for a little while. I think that I'll call him soon to have him reschedule.

Thanks for all the great replys

 

[BlANkiTA* :D]

This is a great link discussing the benefits of massage for oncology patients. There is refernece to Cheryl Chapman, whom Pandora mentioned. It doesn't help with my original question of chemo contact for the MT, but it's a great article.

http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/278


Just read one of the side bars on the page with this article. Another good one.

http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php?article_id=184