Breast cancer and yoga

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. As a 20-year breast cancer survivor, I like to remind women of the importance of mammograms for early detection.

At age 45, I was diagnosed with breast cancer after my annual mammogram detected an abnormality.

Surgery removed the tumor but also revealed that the cancer had spread to a few lymph nodes. My treatment plan included 6 months of chemotherapy, 6 ½ weeks of radiation, and nearly 10 years of follow-up with more drugs.

Thinking back to that time, I remember being mindful of my breath and using it to relax. I visualized the cancer cells with little wings and suitcases flying out of my breast. I searched for ways to reclaim my energy and at the same time calm my fearful mind. I wanted to trust my body again.

I didn’t have a yoga practice at that time, but I now know that a slow, mindful yoga practice would have been so supportive to my healing and wellness. It could help you, too, whether you are dealing with cancer, some other health issue, or the stress of life in these times.

This practice develops skills in body awareness as you move and breathe in a way that works for you right now, nourishing and supporting your body, mind, and spirit. The practice invites you to focus on slow, smooth movement, and your nervous system receives a message to move into a rest-and-digest mode, out of the fight-flight-freeze mode. Any time we can bring our system into the relaxation response – even for a few minutes – we are benefiting our body, mind, and spirit. It is a brief refuge from the chatter and chaos outside…..AND it builds resilience.
So take a slow, smooth breath, schedule your mammogram if you haven’t already, and consider joining me for yoga.  Contact me for details.