Assessment First Massage and Lymphatics

10/15/2026

Marie has appointments available at her downtown clinic - book online at www.assessmentfirstmassage.com

10/13/2026

Yes! So true! Do you,
Or someone you know, need help post cancer surgery? There is help available, right here in Salmon Arm. Book an appointment with Marie, who is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist who is trained in oncology massage and scar tissue release.
www.assessmentfirstmassage.com

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about bring awareness, education and support! 😇💕😇💕😇💕😇💕😇💕😇💕😇

10/08/2026

Such a very, very important message!! FLAT day or not - October is Breast Cancer Awareness and this is important - not because Kathy Bates is famous, but because she has an amazing platform to raise awareness for all cancer survivors!

Marie is trained in oncology massage as well as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. Book appointments online at www.assessmentfirstmassage.com.
Located downtown Salmon Arm.

Today, on International FLAT Day, we’re resharing the story of actress Kathy Bates—and her very candid perspective on life after a double mastectomy.

Kathy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003 and breast cancer in 2012. With a significant family history of breast cancer, she underwent genetic testing, which was negative for a known hereditary cancer predisposition. Following her breast cancer diagnosis, she chose a bilateral mastectomy and decided not to undergo breast reconstruction.

And she has been refreshingly open about that decision.

“I don’t have breasts—so why do I have to pretend like I do?”

Kathy has spoken publicly about “going flat,” explaining that while she may wear prostheses when a role calls for them, she otherwise chooses not to.

International FLAT Day recognizes those who choose aesthetic flat closure or remain flat following mastectomy—and, just as importantly, the right of every patient to receive complete information about their surgical options and make the choice that is right for them.

Kathy’s experience also included lymphedema following her breast cancer treatment. She went on to become a prominent advocate for greater awareness, research and treatment of lymphatic diseases.

Her words about surviving both ovarian and breast cancer remain powerful:

“I’m just grateful to have been born at a time when the research made it possible for me to survive. I feel so incredibly lucky to be alive.”

Today seems like an especially fitting day to share her story again—one about survival, informed choice, and being comfortable in the body that is yours.

10/02/2026

Thanks to Lymphatic Restoration Therapy and some AI (I suspect) — this is a really good explanation! Book your appointment with Marie - downtown Salmon Arm online at
www.assessmentfirstmassage.com

09/30/2026

This is truly brilliant. Empty the bad from your backpack and only carry the good. Thank you so much Elder Clarence Wolfleg of the SikSika Nation for sharing that advice. We ALL benefit! Settlers and survivors

09/29/2026

How to Be an Active Non-Indigenous Ally: Practical Steps for Truth and Reconciliation 🌲

Allyship is not a label we claim; it is an ongoing practice of learning, listening, and taking meaningful action. To support Truth and Reconciliation, non-Indigenous allies must actively work to dismantle systemic barriers and foster cultural safety in their personal and professional lives.

If you are looking to move from awareness to action, here are practical steps you can take to practice active allyship:

1. Do the Groundwork: Educate Yourself First.
Read the Calls to Action: Familiarize yourself with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action. Identify how they apply to your specific field, workplace, or community.
Learn the Local History: Research the treaties, traditional territories, and languages of the land where you live and work.
Listen Without Interrupting: Seek out books, podcasts, and articles by Indigenous authors, historians, and Elders. Focus on listening to understand, rather than responding.
2. Challenge Bias and Speak Up
Address Harmful Stereotypes: Gently but firmly challenge myths, racist remarks, or systemic biases when you encounter them in social, familial, or professional settings.
De-center Yourself: Use your platform to amplify Indigenous voices, rather than speaking on their behalf.
3. Support Indigenous Sovereignty and Economy
Buy Indigenous: Make a conscious effort to support Indigenous-owned businesses, artists, and community-led initiatives.
Support Grassroots Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that support Indigenous youth, language revitalization, and land-based healing.
4. Reflect and Adapt Your Practice
Examine Your Workplace: Ask how your organization can integrate cultural protocols, provide trauma-informed spaces, and recruit and retain Indigenous staff equitably.
Embrace the Discomfort: Acknowledging difficult truths can be uncomfortable. Accept this discomfort as a necessary part of growth and healing.

Reconciliation is a shared responsibility. By taking consistent, respectful action, we can build a foundation of mutual respect and genuine partnership.

09/24/2026

OK — so odd day!! Couple of clients cancelled appointments scheduled for tomorrow - Friday, September 25th, due to illness and injury. So that means - if you’ve been thinking about exploring Pain Science, Lymphatics, Myofascial Cupping, Dolphin Neurostim © scar tissue release, DNM and various other massage techniques learned over a 17-year career — NOW’S YOUR CHANCE!! Book online at www.assessmentfirstmassage.com

09/23/2026

09/18/2026

Book online at www.assessmentfirstmassage.com
Call or text (250) 253-6774 Appointments available next week - yes - even evenings!