A Quiet Walk in Nature for Healing

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Throughout my life, a walk in nature has always been what I needed to restore balance and calm when life got too busy or overwhelming.  No matter what city I lived in, I would always gravitate to the green areas or water.

I recall one instance while I was going through radiation treatment when I set out to take a Tai Chii class, couldn’t find the studio, and ended up at the ocean.  It was obvious to me that was where I was supposed to be. Even the night sweats were more bearable that day.

Walking along the shoreline, my thoughts were soothed by the quiet sound and rhythm of the waves breaking on the shore . . . the rhythm of the universe.  Worries washed away, fear abated, and I felt becalmed in the midst of the cancer drama that had become my life.  Being close to nature affirmed that there was a bigger picture, a universal presence which I call God and a knowing that healing and help was available to me if I asked.

Now, many years later (since the fall of 1990), I am still here.  I am still walking in nature to find peace and calm.  The steady rhythm of my stride, the swing of my arms, my breathing, all create the essence of a walking meditation – away from distraction allowing inner thoughts to be heard – thoughts and insights that are often drowned out in the roar of modern society.

Mastectomy Bra That Stays In Place

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Wonder where that statement came from?  Well, one of the comments I’ve heard about mastectomy bras is the issue of the bra sliding up as there is nothing to hold it down and in place.

Other issues are the need for a soft, comfortable fabric, some stretch, and no side seams to irritate scar tissue.  Finding the right bra for your situation can be a challenge

Here is one with a long line that hugs the torso providing the ‘anchor’ for your bra.  Worth having a peak at this style of mastectomy bra, as well as others to see what works for you.

Skin – Our Glowing Reflection of Health

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Our complexion (skin) is the outer sign of health.  When it becomes dull, dry and/or blemished, it indicates that we might need to pay attention to our lifestyle – diet, sleep, habits, environment.

With cancer, skin is affected by cancer treatments, both chemotherapy and radiation.  The body is being exposed to chemicals, both internally and externally.  Chemicals in skin care products and makeup often create unwelcome reactions.

It is therefore very important, for both men and women, to find and use organic skin care products – those that are free of harmful chemicals and aligned environmentally.

Hope Comes in Many Forms

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Hope is one of the many words that come to mind when one is diagnosed with cancer.  Cancer does strike fear into the heart and for a time, can immobilize thought and action.  I remember well.

Finding programs, resources, people, organizations, etc. that will guide you on a healing journey through this difficult time is critical to inspire hope – the will to live – and the evidence that it is possible.  There are many of us who have moved beyond cancer – myself included, living well and healthy after a Stage 3, Breast Cancer diagnosis in the Fall of 1990.

One such resource is the Healing and Cancer Foundation, created and led by Drs. Rob Rutledge and Timothy Walker.  Having attended as a facilitator at their workshops here in Calgary, Alberta, I know firsthand what a wonderful job they do in walking a person hand in hand through the healing process.  They have made their work available online for all to access.

Ah – To Dance, To Feel the Joy

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Dance is fun, brings great joy not only to the participant but also those watching.  It can be an awesome workout with low impact – great for all ages.

Evidence the age range (10 – 78) of the particpants in this Flash Mob Dance I choreographed for our Wellspring Calgary fundraiser ‘Toupee For A Day’.  It was such a fun project.  Everyone had a great time, definitely wanted to do it more than once, and as you can see from the crowd watching, shared their joy and love of dance.

What Do You Give Someone Going Through Cancer?

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I hear this question all the time. People want to help their loved one, family member and/or friend, but don’t really understand what might be helpful and appropriate.

Here are some suggestions, both practical and inspirational?

  1. Create a ‘food network’ to supply food on a rotating schedule. Treatment creates fatigue. Those going through cancer have enough trouble getting through the day without having to then think of what to either make for themselves or their family. Soups, stews, muffins, etc. – all excellent. The are easy to heat up and/or nourishing when the appetite is low.
  2.  A journal, books, meditation CDs/DVDs always work.
  3. Inspirational Gifts; by way of gift baskets with a few items specially chosen for cancer patients. This way you don’t have to think about what to include. That part is done for you by somneone who has the knowledge.
  4. Time – your time – to take their children for a half day, to drive them to appointments, to go for a walk, coffee, whatever and listen.

There are many more ways depending on the individual. Just the fact that you are there for them is a gift. They will feel your caring and love – much needed at this time.

Gemstone Bracelet for Breast Cancer Awareness

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The cancer journey is a difficult time bringing with it not only physical changes, but also issues surface around body, mind, spirit.  Emotional stress is normal, but not often understood by those not along on this journey.  Those of us who have traveled this road, totally get it.

Journey Bracelet

A thoughtful way to share their journey is to support them, listen, and find meaningful gifts that represent your love and caring.  Healing gemstone jewelry is one of those gifts that is appropriate for both men and women.

The lovely Journey Bracelet above is one of Energy Muse designs created specifically for Breast Cancer Awareness.  There is a full description of the meaning behind the design at Energy Muse.  A donation is made to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for every bracelet purchased.

With Valentine’s Day coming up, this could be a great gift idea for a loved one going through cancer.

What About Wicking Sheets for Hot Flashes?

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With chemotherapy comes menopause whether you are near that age or not.  And, along with menopause, come hot flashes and night sweats.  Very uncomfortable.

There are wonderful fabrics out there now that wick away sweat so you don’t have that clammy feeling after the hot flash.  The sportswear industry picked them up first, but with the advent of so many women going through menopause, wicking fabrics are used for lovely nightwear.

Although the wicking fabric works well for your nightwear, having sheets and pillowcases that also wick sweat gives one an added level of comfort.  Then consider not only sheets, but also pillowcases, mattress pads and blankets.

Whatever promotes a good night’s sleep is worth it’s weight in gold.  Sleep is an important aspect of healing.  Being awakened many times in the night with hot flashes disturbs sleep and impairs the body’s ability to heal.

A great place to look for solutions:
Sleep Better Tonight With Cool-jams Wicking Sleepwear For Night Sweats. Free Shipping.

 

Finding the Right Mastectomy Bra for the Occasion

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Finding a regular bra, without the issue of having had a mastectomy, can be a challenge for some.  So imagine finding the right bra when you have had a mastectomy.

First, the mastectomy bra does need to be functional.  Comfort comes up at the top of the list.  No side seams, soft fabric, proper band around the bottom to keep the bra in place, and pockets for the prosthesis.

However, functional does not always need to appear functional.  Looking and feeling feminine are important for one’s self-esteem and self-image.  Losing a breast to cancer may be necessary for your health and life.  Losing your sense of being a woman does not have to follow.  We are who we are inside.  That is what counts.

So have a look for the mastectomy bra that suits you and your lifestyle.  There may be several looks you want to have in your wardrobe.

What About a Wig During Chemotherapy?

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Losing one’s hair is one of the side effects of chemotherapy.  Where you live – warm or cold climate – factors into your decision of what to wear on your head.  Could be protection from the sun or warmth for a bald head.

Many women choose chemo hats and scarves as an everyday solution.  However, chemo hats and scarves definitely send the message ‘I am going through cancer’.  This brings up the issue of wigs for cancer patients. Wilshire Wigs have an excellent selection for special occasions, those times when you don’t want to broadcast your health situation, and when you need that boost of self-confidence to carry the day.

There are many beautiful wigs available these days at different price points.  They can be synthetic or real hair or a mix of both.  Some women opt for a totally different look – a look they’ve always wanted to have but it didn’t suit their hair.  Other women like to match their regular style as close as possible.  You can do either.

Here are a few tips:

  1. Make sure that the wig is comfortable.  The inside should be smooth and not scratchy as the underside of the wig will be directly on top of your skin – no protection.
  2. If you live in a warmer climate, there are wigs that are also breathable making them cooler to wear.
  3. If you haven’t lost your hair just yet, now is a good time to match the color.

Looking good while going through treatment helps keep your spirits up.  This is for you.  When you look in the mirror, it will reflect back the person you know yourself to be.  Give yourself a hug and boost even on the days when it is difficult.  Every little action counts.