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.

Thanks very much for all the comments, suggestions and critiques from people about their experiences with cancer treatment. There was a real consistency to them that, sadly, reflect we have a long ways to go still.  If oncology professionals have anything to add, please don’t hold back!  I’ll make good use of the feedback at the meeting I’ll be attending next week.

And speaking of oncology, do take a look at this week’s Hot Research.  It’s pretty exciting.  I don’t remember ever seeing this impressive a panel of bloodwork measures to test immune function after using relaxation and guided imagery – and the results are pretty terrific!  Pretty soon even the naysayers will be sitting up and taking notice.

The original article requesting cancer care feedback (as well as the reader comments that ensued) can be found here.

Researchers from United Lincolnshire Hospitals and Queen's Medical Centre in the UK  performed a randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the immuno-modulatory effects of relaxation training and guided imagery on 80 women with breast cancer.

Patients underwent chemotherapy followed by surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. Those in the intervention group were taught relaxation and guided imagery. Patients kept diaries of the frequency of relaxation practice and imagery vividness.

Hi!  I have used your CD's to help me with my Breast Cancer treatment.  I am now done with the treatment and left, hopefully, medically cancer free.  But oh what a number has been done on my spirit!  Lack of trust in my body, in the future, and sea sickness from all the emotions roiling around in me. 

I have read that MANY (maybe most) Breast Cancer survivors have to seek help from anti-depressants or simply suffer untreated depression after their medical treatment.  Since what especially needs healing now is the spirit, what better work for guided imagery?  Maybe your post trauma CD is what I am looking for and I will try it, but it seems there are some specific aspects of cancer fighting (like the possibility of recurrence) that make this need unique.
 
Do you take requests?  : )
Thanks, Joyce