We recently got this over-the-top enthusing over our Cancer imagery, showing how supportive a simple technique like guided imagery can be for reducing passive helplessness and giving some control back …,
 
This is the most wonderful CD ever. I was diagnosed with breast cancer right after my lovely daughter graduated from college. What a week of extreme joy, to the depths of despair!

The multi-talented Margaret Dubay Mikus shares her poetry in her inspiring new blog, Space of Grace.

Twice I have had breast cancer, in 1996 and in 2007. I learned a great deal about healing body, mind, emotions, and spirit. And each time I was cracked open--in a good way--breaking through old defenses, encouraging me to bloom. Even my relationships were healed. Writing saved me, allowing me to access inner wisdom about my healing process. This poetic journal, begun after healing from MS in 1995, continues still.

Question:

Dear Belleruth,
I am very disappointed that you mentioned the word cancer in the Healthy Immune System program.  I have lung disease and very much wanted to use the program with my own psychotherapy patients.  I now see that this is out of the question. You should have warned your purchasers in advance that this was a cancer CD. I will have to return this.  I expect a full refund.
Sincerely,
Lawrence P.

Some of you may remember C.J., the terrific youngster who underwent bone marrow transplantation way back in 2001.  We had just completed recording the Bone Marrow Transplantation imagery – it wasn’t duplicated or packaged yet – but we sent a rough studio copy to him, at his mother’s request (everyone should have an advocate like this awesome Momma, let me tell you!!). 

Question:  

Dear Belleruth,
Is the new Immune System CD appropriate for over- active or autoimmune syndromes/problems??  Would it provide balance, regardless of the immune issue (sort of like an adoptgen herbal remedy)?? It sounds like the Allergy CD does that.

Thanks.
John

Researchers from the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Alberta, Calgary, investigated the effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) meditation program on early stage breast and prostate cancer patients, examining quality of life, mood states, stress symptoms, as well as levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) and melatonin.

Fifty-nine patients with breast cancer and 10 with prostate cancer enrolled in an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program that incorporated relaxation, meditation, gentle yoga, and daily home practice. Data was collected on demographic and health behavior variables, along with measures of quality of life, mood, stress, and assays of salivary cortisol (assessed three times/day), plasma DHEAS, and salivary melatonin, both pre- and post-intervention. 

My journey through cancer has taught me to nurture my own creativity. I spent my career nurturing other people's, but cancer has taught me to pay attention to my own voice, and to use it. I finally started writing my own book, and have put all my writing experience into an e-programme so that I am free to write! Now my intuition is my guide and not my head. I feel I've been given a second chance to use my own voice, and am discovering new and exciting ways in which I can speak up. I no longer feel cut off and isolated, but engaged and joyful about the things I have to say.

Amanda x
 

Investigators from Mind Matters Research in Anchorage, Alaska summarized their Phase I National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded clinical trial with 34 breast cancer survivors, six weeks to one year post-treatment, who were recruited to participate in a 6-class, 8-week long imagery stress reduction program entitled "Envision the Rhythms of Life."

Patients practiced imagery during and between sessions. Outcomes for quality of life and cortisol rhythm were assessed pre- to post-intervention, in two subsets of survivors (intravenous [IV] chemotherapy, or no IV chemotherapy).

We got so many inspiring emails from the people answering our request for information about their cancer experiences.  This stage 4 lung cancer patient didn’t preach to her oncologist – she just won him over by her dazzling example.  I’ve always believed in this method of persuasion – simply become a walking commercial for what you believe in!  It can’t be beat!  (Credit also goes to her doc, who proved himself to be flexible, open and wise – wise enough to let himself learn from this remarkable woman!)
Please read on – This is Jean:

My oncologist had no idea of, nor was interested in hearing about anything complementary or alternative. He poo-pooed everthing I brought up about mind/body, alternative and complementary medicine and diet. As soon as I got my diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer (never smoked), I started searching. I set up my acupuncture visits for before each chemo. I bought as many books as I could find about surviving cancer.