Spa Services and Cancer Parients

[weazie]

I am an esthetician and work at a spa.  I have a client who has breast cancer.  She completed chemotherapy two months ago and finished radiation two weeks ago.  She wanted to receive waxing services (on the face and neck).  I wanted to consult a physician before performing these services.  My initial reaction is not to perform the service since her treatments are so recent.  Please advise on this case and spa services and cancer patients in general.

[lizziecee]

I went to a spa for 5 days just after chemo and before rx. The form I had to fill in before arriving at the spa mentioned bc - I was advised I could have no treatments, even massage, aromatherapy, facials manicures etc. unless I got permission in writing from my Oncologist. I got his permission, took the letter with me, and all was fine. I didn't however, have any waxing.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear weazy:   As long as the blood counts have returned to normal after chemotherapy and the waxing is not in the radiation field (careful on the lower neck), it may be okay to obtain waxing services.  However, before performing such services on an individual, I would ask for specific clearance from her doctor.