Happy Mother’s Day to those women whose children have cancer… may your day be celebrated with the light in the eyes of your child.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of us who continue to live on after breast cancer.

May we all be treated like queens!

I still have my copy of the book.  I have copies of other books by LeShan.   He’s been a profound voice for me and the field of psychology.   Thanks again to Lawrence LeShan.

“I have never worked with anyone where positive change and growth, change that would make a critical difference in the individual’s life, was impossible.”

Lawrence LeShan,  ”Cancer as a Turning Point”

“Cancer- More Americans are Surviving.  Here’s Why”

“In 2012 U.S, cancer survivors reach 12 million, a fourfold increase since 1971 and a 20 percent increase since 2001.”

“Indeed, between the new drugs, the improved technologies, and screenings, many experts believe the time is coming when most cancers will become chronic illnesses rather than fatal ones.”

The article focuses on research and prevention.   There is no mention of the psychological and emotional experience of the cancer survivor and how that might be addressed.

It’s time to take a good, long look at this vital area of cancer survivorship.    I’ll keep you posted.

I just had my mammogram and the follow up visit with my surgeon.  It’s all good!  Yet these tests and visits always bring up feelings and thoughts.  Anticipating the news while sitting in the waiting area… looking at the other women who are also sitting there…waiting. Some will not get good news and begin a different journey.  I got to leave, get back in my car and drive home.  But it’s not finished.  In several months there will be more tests and more visits.

There is no cure for cancer.  There is living beyond the diagnosis and treatment.  There is living with cancer.

There is life!

February 6th, 2012

Yoshi’s Oakland

510 Embarcadero West

Jack London Square

Select ticket pricing available.  For more information contact Pat Bregant at WCRC  (510)601-4040 x105

Come, have a ball AND support the important services of the Women’s Cancer Resource Center.  See you there!!!

We still have  check-ups and tests and sometimes these can still be anxious moments.  Certainly we all breathe freer when we fail those tests!   I know I sure do.    It’s hard to let go but it’s possible to take care and keep eyes open without living in a state of anxiety.

So…hang in there, keep breathin’ and fallin’ forward.

by Jo McDougall

“They’re benign,” the radiologist says,

pointing to the specks on the x ray

that look like dust motes

stopped cold in their dance.

His words take my spine like flame.

I suddenly love

the radiologist, the nurse, my paper gown,

the vapid print on the dressing room wall.

I pull on my radiant clothes.

I step out into the Hanging Gardens,  the Taj Mahal,

the Niagara Falls of the parking lot.

Here’s the link.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6164416/self care for breast cancer survivors.html?cat=5

These stones that break your bones

will build the alter of your love.”

by Lynn Park

Dr. Amy Matecki, MD, MSTCM and Alex Feng, PhD, LAc presented their vision of  integrated health care for those diagnosed with cancer as well as for those who are cancer survivors at the Markstein Cancer Center in Oakland, California.  Both are involved at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Alta Bates Summit/Herrick campus in Berkeley, California.    They spoke to the benefits of Acupuncture and Qigong in combination with chemotherapy as well as radiation treatment.  This program is only at its beginning stages and I will continue to post the news regarding this very important innovation at the cancer center.

Another vital component of Integral Medicine is attention to the emotional and spiritual elements of the cancer diagnosis…and survival.   I believe we can no longer separate the body from the mind and the heart when we address healing at any deep level.    Attention to our whole being is essential.