Spa offers treatment for cancer patients

Constant chemotherapy, and the stress and pain that go with it, really take the "treat" out of treatment for cancer patients and their caretakers.

Sometimes all they need is a little relaxation -- like a day at the spa.

Fortunately for area oncology patients, that day has come at Spa Esoteric in McKinney. Owner and massage therapist Monika Norman is certified for such special treatment, and she recently made sure others are, too.

"Chemo can ravage your skin and a lot of times, you lose your hair; you develop certain problems from the side effects, so you have sensitivities that need to be addressed differently," Norman said. "I felt it was necessary to expand our services because there are people out there who aren't trained doing this kind of work, and they're causing more damage."

Last weekend, Norman hosted the first of several workshops on how to correctly and successfully treat specialized clientele like cancer patients. She and another certified oncology aesthetician passed on their knowledge to 11 area massage therapists, preparing them for often the most delicate clients.

"It's more about understanding what you cannot do," Norman said. "We've had a lot of clients in her who've been kind of messed up because whoever was working on them hadn't been properly trained."

For Norman, a career cosmetologist and aesthetician who opened Spa Esoteric in 2008, the risks are too high to ignore. One client with bone cancer came in after having frequent deep-tissue massages elsewhere. Such massages could actually fracture her bones, Norman said.

Typical massage therapy must also be avoided when treating those suffering from breast cancer. Because in most cases the client's lymph nodes are taken out, attempting to move body-circulation fluid toward those "exit ports" can cause harm instead of comfort.

"Their arm will be the size of a watermelon, and they'll be in a lot of pain and possibly get an infection," Norman said. "Because their systems are so compromised, you can't do anything abrasive."

These and other cautions were explained during the weekend workshop, at which message therapists from McKinney and surrounding cities, as well as from different hospice organizations, got the training that so few in the business have. Through a Google search for certified oncology aestheticians in Texas, Norman found that such outlets are severely limited.

The special clients are out there, just not the professionals who can properly treat them. Norman plans to tilt the ratio in clients' favor.

"Our spa is going to be an educational hub," she said. "I've been in this business so long, I just consider it my duty to be properly trained before I approach any client for any service."

Such training includes learning the products and procedures that aren't compatible with certain conditions. Therapists should not practice aggressive skin treatments on oncology clients because of the thin layer of chemotherapy fluids that constantly capsule their skin; otherwise-normal treatment could cause a skin reaction or even analectic shock, Norman said.

Whether because they realize the lack in proper training among aestheticians and massage therapists, or simply because they want to have complete control, some doctors disallow spa treatment for their oncology patients. Their denial can negatively affect the patients and their caretakers, both of whom desire some release from the daily stress that accompanies disease.

"The most common thing I hear from my oncology clients is that they can come in here and feel normal," Norman said. "You go to a hospital or center, and everyone knows you're sick; they can come here and feel just like anybody else."

An oncology menu that lists the specialized protocol is available on the Spa Esoteric website. Caretakers can get a massage and facial done for the same price -- a reduced rate -- because they sometimes need the relaxation as much as their loved one.

"People don't realize how stressed out and exhausted caretakers are," Norman said. "It's a whole different syndrome almost. They're never off; they're velcroed to that person."

Within two days of introducing the new program, three different oncology clients came to Spa Esoteric. Others have come by referral from hospice workers and doctor's offices.

With the help of outside experts, Norman will hold a specialized facial and nail workshop in March, and another massage class in April. Particular clientele spans from cancer patients to pregnant women, with each needing unique treatment.

Norman wants her business to be a "safe spa," high in cleanliness and education. She's putting the "treat" back into treatment.

"I really care about my clients, and I've always wanted to do what I could to help them on whatever journey they're on," she said. "Sometimes just a little compassionate touch, a gentle treatment can turn their whole day around."

For more information about Spa Esoteric and its services, visit www.spaesoteric.com.

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