Dad has advanced prostate cancer..do massages help pain.

Hi,

First post.... too long a story to put everything here. But we lost mum in October.(after 25 years of suffering)..dad was her full time carer. She died 10 days after buying a bigger house so  parents could move in with us to look after both of them‍♀️ as dad (73) got diagnosed with advanced cancer in September... he's on HRT but due to lots of other medical conditions he can't have any other treatment. 3 months ago he had one tumour in hip now has two.. its grade 8 on Gleason score. No idea how long we will have him for but want to make  him as comfortable as possible as seems to be in lots of pain and v sleepy during day. Doctor given him meds to manage pain better but think meds making him sleepy (which is fine but he's fighting it... typical father!). I was thinking a massage might help pain in back/hip but wondered if anyone else had any ideas? He's a typical bloke and doesn't want fuss but I want to be able to ease his suffering somehow if I can. He's still active etc.. so that's good. I bought him a massage gun thing at Xmas but even on softest setting it's too strong for him. Any advice would be appreciate. Thanks so much Katie 

  • Hello Katie

    I'm sorry to hear that you lost your Mum last year and that now your Dad is living with advanced prostate cancer. It's understandable that you want to do all you can to make him as comfortable as possible. 

    Many people do report that complementary therapies including massage can help with their overall well-being. It's certainly worth speaking to your Dad's nurse specialist or Consultant about the pain that he's dealing with and how the medication is making him drowsy. There may be other alternatives they can suggest and it's possible that they may be able to give you some information about where you can access complimentary therapies locally. 

    If you want to chat things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm for some advice and information. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi Katie .

    Massage can help as long as it's not painful,in use . massage mats are very easy comfort wise as its more spread out .

    Have you thought about a small tens machine with sticky pads some chemists sell them,(boots) probably others as well .or warming pads or chill pad  . hope you can find something soon .

    Billy