I wanted to write and thank you for the opportunity to come up on Friday and help out at your event. It was evident how much work you put into the weekend. Being asked to be part of the Annieappleseed Project's conference was a very rewarding experience. I was thrilled to be able to give my time and talents to this event, and to also be part of the FBBCRF table. The best part was to be able to connect with like minded people; advocacy people, survivors and healthcare professionals, who all came together to learn and get acquainted with each other. I thoroughly enjoyed talking about what my passion - safe massage for patients in treatment for cancer - as I did chair massage. Best of all, I got to answer the question many times, “What makes oncology massage different from other massages?” Learnt a lot from an acupuncturist about the different levels of training that acupuncture physicians go through in China and in this country. I did not realize that in China their acupuncturist go through the same initial 3 years of training that western doctors have to do before they start their acupuncture training. From there they go on to specialize in acupuncture and then to further specialize in that field. He was very gracious to me and I enjoyed sharing tips on treatment for survivors. Realized the level of acupuncturist in this country might not be on the same level as in China. Also, my oncology training does give me the experience to question some modalities that local acupuncturist might deem safe, it was rewarding to have a conversation that showed us our common grounds for patients. Networking with a massage therapist that had specifically chosen this event to find out about oncology massage was gratifying. Knowing that she is serious about her training I passed on whatever information I could for her, and followed up with an offer to help her in any way that I could. Met a Lebed Trainer and had an enjoyable time discussing our mutual belief in music and movement. Hopefully we will connect in some capacity in the future. I was thrilled to meet a representative from the Foundation for Advancement in Cancer Research. I introduced her to our new a new oncology massage therapist organization and she promised to check out the research on the site. Also, directed them her to my web-site to find the research that I have accumulated through the years. Dr Keith Block and Dr. Penny Block were very informative in the morning as they talked about their cancer center. I believe that they have a very unique situation and I realize that many of our patients would never be able to take advantage of their unique and innovative approach to treating cancer patients. Their patients are truly blessed to have the best of both worlds. It was interesting to realize that much of what Penny Block talked about were the stress and anxiety concerns that I see in my patients very often. My approach is similar to hers from my massage point of view. I listen and refer when they are depressed, fear reccurrences, worry about finances and job loss, family dynamics, physical pains that are just work related and nothing more. I met a great contact with the social worker from Lynn Cancer Center in Boca Raton. I sure hope that our paths cross again. A support group leader from California was enlightened to the need to make sure that her group is directed to qualified LMT’s in CA when they call to offer their free massages to her group. Too often unqualified massage therapists offer free massage to patients. Without the training patients get hurt and then doctors want to protect their patients and tell them, “no massage.” By Toni Muirhead Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.