We are taught from a young age to say Thank You to others. It’s so automatic that its expected, it rolls off our tongue so easily. But do you ever say thank you to yourself? This came to me during meditation in a recent yoga class. Concepcion Dinulos Pallin was teaching the most beautiful Yin Yoga class, where you hold poses for 5 to 7 minutes to get into a full stretch with breath. This method of yoga, leaves much time for meditation. I had been experiencing a tight psoas muscle and some of the stretches really helped release the tension. In my meditation, I thanked my muscles for releasing. I thanked my hips for carrying me all these years and my legs for all their hard work. Why am I telling you this in my breast cancer blog? Because I believe it’s important to look for any bright side there may be to any situation. So I took time to thank my breasts for years of beauty and pleasure and for feeding my children. They served me well. I acknowledged and appreciated that. But since I had a mastectomy in 2013, I also took time to thank my new reconstructed breasts. I gave thanks to my body for being cancer free. When I left Krama Yoga Center, I was not only relaxed, but I felt very peaceful. Peaceful about where I am and where I had been. I’m not saying it was all fun, but I am saying I’ve made peace with it. Thanks Concepcion!
Meet Dr. Melissa Dunlap. She is my chiropractor but she’s also so much more than that. Before I go there, let’s talk about a little bit of history. For those that have studied the Bible, you surely remember that the three wise men brought the Baby Jesus oils of Frankincense and Myrrh. At that time, those were considered by many to be more valuable than gold itself. Why? Because they were used to heal many things. Let me give you a real life example in today’s life that will clarify. I was told by my aesthetician at UT Southwestern that I had a couple of precancerous spots on my face that my dermatologist needed to look at. Already being a cancer survivor, I take such input very seriously. The spots in question were on the bridge and the side of my nose. It took almost a month for me to get in to get these spots checked, so in the meantime, I put some essential oils known for helping with skin diseases on the bridge of my nose. The other one was close to my eye and not comfortable for oil. When I went for my appointment, the doctor could not find the spot on the bridge of my nose, only the one by my eye. Translation = essential oils helped with this skin issue for me. Now back to Dr. Dunlap. She is the one who introduced me to this whole new world I’ve been exploring. There are oils that can be used for almost anything. It’s very exciting to learn about and the best part is, there’s no bad side effects only good ones. Oils can be diffused, applied topically or even ingested. Its worth it to study to find what you can do to help with so many illnesses. I am constantly seeing benefits and now I help others as well. I encourage you to explore the world of essential oils so you can be blessed with the benefits they have to offer. You’ll be hearing more and more about this from me.
He may look pretty unassuming, but he’s full of knowledge. This is my teacher, my yogi, my supporter, Ricky Tran. In our yoga classes, he will impart knowledge to us through quotes, chants and readings. One recent quote was rather long and complex in the way it was written. Ricky boiled it down to something so simple, it stuck in my brain. He talked about expectations and disappointments and to not let this get the best of you. I agree, narrow goals can lead to disappointment. So instead he told us “Do your best, and leave the rest!”. He tells us these things while we are holding a pose, in a peaceful meditative state, and I think that causes it to sink deeper within us. Whatever your journey is, whether it be breast cancer, other challenges in life or a happy life, remember this mantra. It has broad applicability. For example, today I met with a genetic counselor. I did my best to recount my family history to see if insurance will cover the cost. At the end of our extensive conversation, the counselor said, “Don’t worry, we will see what happens.” My response was that I had done my best to provide her what she needed, and now I let go and let the process play out. I encourage each of you to continue learning and find guidance. Take pearls of wisdom to heart and improve your outlook and your life. We are never too old to learn. Thanks Ricky Tran!
Ok, so let me ask…. are any of you married to your doctor? . . . . . I thought not. So I will tell you, you don’t have to stay with a doctor you are not comfortable with. When vulnerable, we tend to accept what we are given and don’t think about any changes. There’s already too much going on to focus on that. But sometimes you must, if the feeling is strong enough that your patient/doctor relationship is out of whack. Case in point, today I went to an appointment with a new medical oncologist. I thought long and hard about this because it is never fun changing. But your relationship with your oncologist is a lifetime relationship. Once you’ve been given the “C-Card” you need to be on alert. To me, this relationship is an important one. What I had was a doctor who I felt rushed me and didn’t discuss things fully with me. I didn’t feel a connection. But today after seeing my new oncologist, I had robust discussion about my family history and how that might play into my case. I know more scientific facts about classes of medications and their impact. We talked about genetic testing, when it is warranted and what it may show us. I had a doctor who engaged with me and listened. When I left the appointment with additional follow-up for some of the things we discussed, I almost wanted to cry. I had made the right decision. My message to each of you is to really look at who is providing your care. Don’t settle. You need to engage in determining your path to recovery. I did and I’m glad.
Let’s talk about a topic most won’t touch. Intimacy. When you have breast cancer, should you put aside everything that is normal for you, like intimacy. I suggest that you don’t. But what if you’re in the process of having surgery, or your skin is red and irritated from radiation? There are still ways to keep this segment of your life alive while you go through the process, it may just be different. I would encourage women (or their husbands) to find a nice tasteful negligée to make you feel like you’re old self. Perhaps some organic creams or oils to address skin tenderness. Intimacy doesn’t have to mean sex, it can mean hugging, caressing and petting. I suggest you don’t shut your husband or significant other out. To the husbands out there, your wife is not broken and she can be hugged and caressed. Communicate about your needs. You WILL get past this. Happy Valentines Day to all my breast soul sisters out there!-
My Breast Choice
Sheila Taheri, Diane Taheri, Julianna Lee
