Free Seminar on Osteoporosis

On June 28 from 6-7:30 there will be a free seminar on osteoporosis in women at Shands Cancer Hospital, sponsored by the Women's Advantage program. There is free valet parking at the front entrance or the east visitor garage across the street. Hors d'oeuvres are provided from 6 to 6:30; seminar begins at 6:30. To register:  online at UFandShands.org/WA   or call  352 265 0943

After all the Excitement

Cathy

Hywel stopped his chemo four weeks ago. He continues to deteriorate and spends a lot of time asleep. He only gets out of bed for a few hours a day, but when the song was released he got up to be interviewed for the local paper on May 21st and also to go to Radio Wales on May 23^rd. He was interviewed along with myself and Rod about the song and it was played on the radio for the first time. It was a really emotional and exciting experience. In the afternoon of that same day we went to ITV Wales to have a look at the final rough edit of the TV programme, again, that was an amazing time. All the people involved were there to welcome us and Greg the producer read through the narrative whilst it played. It was hard to watch but also wonderful as it will be a reminder of what an amazing man Hywel is when he’s no longer here with us.  Here’s a link to the TV programme:

http://www.itv.com/news/wales/2012-05-30/wales-this-week-do-not-go-gently/

Hywel was completely exhausted after the promotional interviews and the emotion of the programme and went to bed on Wednesday night, where he stayed for a few days. The recent heat and humidity has also made him very restless. It has been a really sad time as Hywel’s deterioration seems to be very rapid at the moment, my strength has been really tested and I have had a fair few days in tears. In just twenty minutes, the TV programme shows the quite dramatic decline in Hywel’s health. As I have been with him constantly since last December his weakening health has felt quite gradual to me, but seeing the programme shows that it was only a short while ago that Hywel could speak and smile without a problem whereas now it’s a huge effort just to sit up.

On Sunday May 27^th, Hywel’s feeding tube blocked. I read up on what to do and managed to unblock it by putting warmed carbonated water through it. On Monday 28th it blocked up again, I’d managed to get a few pain killers through and a bit of water beforehand. I phoned the specialist nurse who told me to keep trying to put fizzy water through and to use a push then pull technique with the feeding syringe to try and unblock it, but this didn’t work and we were referred to Velindre hospital where the specialist PEG nurse changed Hywel’s tube. We were advised that one of the medicines Hywel was taking (lansoprazole - fast-tab) was the likely cause.

On Tuesday  May 29th Hywel had a clinic appointment to see his oncologist. His MRI scan had not shown anymore tumours in his head and neck area so it was agreed that a single dose of radiotherapy to Hywel’s salivary gland tumour could help stop any further facial paralysis. He was prescribed an alternative medicine to the one that blocked his tube - Ranitidine. We were then told to come back the following day for Hywel to be scanned and marked up ready for his radiotherapy.

That evening I did a buffet tea for all the kids as we were going to watch the broadcast of our TV programme. The kids had taken part in it and it would be the first time they’d seen it. As we were having our food, about half an hour before the programme was due to start, there was a knock on the door. ‘Who’s that now?” I thought a bit annoyed as we were just  about to settle down together. Elliott answered the door and it was my son Adam - he’d travelled home from Warwick University as a surprise so the whole family would be together to watch. What a lovely thing to do, we were both very touched. Elliott had been in on it too and kept it quiet! Carly’s boyfriend Jon joined us too, so seven of us sat down together to watch. There were a lot of tears but we were all really proud of the programme and really felt that it had been put together very sensitively. Twitter and facebook went mad after the programme had finished with loads of lovely supportive messages. It was hard to keep up. Hywel’s been unable to respond to everyone as he just keeps sleeping. I’m not really up on Twitter but I’ve tried my best to reply to as many as possible.

On Wednesday 30th May we were at Velindre by 10:20. We had a long wait for Hywel’s appointment, then he was sent for a scan, and we had another long wait to see the consultant again. At 12:00 we were told that Hywel could have his radiotherapy at 13:30 that day if he was up to waiting. Hywel wanted it done so we wouldn’t have to come back again. He had a big blue square drawn on his face with a marker pen (not quite as pretty as the black arrow people on the eye ward but still attractive!) and we had to wait for his appointment time. I didn’t have any of his feeds with me or pain killers as we were only expecting a short visit. The Velindre dietitian brought us a syringe and some food and found us a room. We then had to wait in outpatients. Hywel got called in at 14:10 for his radiotherapy. By then he was beyond exhausted, falling asleep and in a fair bit of pain. I couldn’t wait to get him home, I think we should have left it til another day in hindsight.  Hywel was quite rough upon returning, he had an upset tummy and his face was really red and swollen straight away. I rang Velindre to check whether it was normal to react immediately. They said it could happen but to call the GP if we were worried. That wasn’t going to happen, Hywel wouldn’t let me, just in case he got sent to hospital again! He managed with painkillers, sleep and fluids.

On Thursday May 31st the palliative care Doctor came to see Hywel and prescribed some new medicines, which I have taken delivery of today (Saturday 2nd June). They include some steroids to try and help with Hywel’s energy levels in the day and some muscle relaxant for the night time to help Hywel feel less restless.

Yesterday (1st June) Hywel had some Reiki and our Macmillan nurse called in. He seemed a bit more with it in the afternoon and we watched some TV programmes together. He had a restless night again but slept from 6am til 11am today, was awake for about 3.5 hours and is asleep again now so I’ve been catching up on e-mails and written this blog.

We are going to try and get some more radio stations to play Hywel’s song this week. I’ve written to Chris Evans at Radio 2 and Steve Wright Sunday Lovesongs, also on Radio 2. Others I have contacted include the Love Songs Programme on Swansea Sound and our local radio station GTFM. So if any of you readers have any contacts in radio please try and get Hywel’s song more plays. 

Yoga for Sleep During Cancer Recovery

Yoga For Sleep

 

Gentle Yoga DVD

Practicing restorative yoga has shown to improve sleep and overall quality of life in cancer survivors. Along with improved sleep it appears to also improve fatigue, which along with impaired sleep quality are the most prevalent and troublesome adverse effects experienced by cancer survivors. Both can significantly affect quality of life.  All this creates greater consistent energy in the body and a mental balance in the mind. 

Breathe With Purpose CD

The breath will maintain balance in every activity you perform or need to perform. The breath dictates performance, and the performance dictates the breath. When you are tiring you will notice your breath becoming shallow and even labored. This shallow breathing boost the sympathetic nervous system, which in turns makes you nervous, thus zapping you of the much required energy. This energy is needed to perform the most simplest tasks when we are not feeling up for doing anything; yet we do need to move forward.  

Deep full breathing, like a COMPLETE BREATH will stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and form inner calm for the brain. Maintaining the awareness of the breath when we need this energy will support us.  

Learn more about breathing for Breast Cancer Recovery at Breast Cancer Yoga

 

Breathing for Detoxification: Breast Cancer Recovery

Breathing for Breast Cancer Recovery

Activate the detoxification process. By encouraging and maintaining a large supply of oxygen in the lungs, the brain opens up new areas which supports the functioning of the body’s organs.  A deep breath works directly with the peristalsis movement which in turn stimulates the release of liver bile.  Whenever the breath is allowed to slow down and lengthen, a balance in oxygen exchange is encouraged. This balanced breath exchange provides nutrients to the blood.  

Deep breathing will encourage the release of body toxins, rebuild healthy tissue and increase energy.   It will also stimulate digestion, assimilation and elimination for better health. The most important function of  all  is how this special birthright breath can stimulate the body’s natural response that results in less tension and an overall sense of well being.

Learn about yoga and breathing offered by Breast Cancer Yoga with Diana Ross, E-RYT 500 visit www.BreastCancerYoga.com

Many more “Healthy & Hopeful Lifestyle” breast cancer recovery tools available at http://www.breastcanceryoga.com

Breast Cancer Yoga Retreat Benefits

Everyone, at some point may feel the stress and strain of everyday life, either with work or in personal relationships. Yoga retreats can be perfect opportunity in relieving theses pressures, and providing time off and away to rejuvenate. 

Taking an opportunity, like going on a yoga retreat to recharge our emotional and physical batteries may change our entire outlook on life, and how we deal with others. It may be the place that stimulate positive change in our eating habits, physical workouts or personal interests.

Yoga retreats provide an opportunity to do lots of yoga and to get personal attention from your yoga teacher, meet new like-minded people and/or relax. 

Yoga retreats take place at special sanctuaries, or havens usually out in nature where you can relax your mind, and let go of daily tasks and routines.You can expect to eat delicious healthy foods and catch up with  rest or maybe read a good book. Either way home coming will be most pleasant after feeling quite satisfied.

Learn about yoga retreats offered by Breast Cancer Yoga with Diana Ross, E-RYT 500 visit www.BreastCancerYoga.com

Many more “Healthy & Hopeful Lifestyle” breast cancer recovery tools available at http://www.breastcanceryoga.com

Authentic Yoga Retreat With Breast Cancer Yoga

Get inspired!
Boost your energy levels! Eat light and detox! All available in this authentic yoga retreat.Leave your stress behind and enjoy this 4 Day 3 night retreat in the Catskill Mountains of New York.

Cleanse, Energize & Shine
Vinyasa, TriYoga and Restorative Yoga Flow are the central theme. Flowing movements, coordinated with the breath facilitates renewed strength, energy and flexibility.Yoga creates harmony of mind and body. It has become center stage in the offerings of complementary therapies for health and wellness.Vinyasa, TriYoga and Restorative Yoga Flow offer an unique flowing yoga experience that cleanses the body of toxins and negative thoughts.

Register
http://www.breastcanceryoga.com/Yoga-Events.html

Quinoa Recipe For Cancer Prevention

The Healthy Kitchen for Cancer Prevention presented by Breast Cancer Yoga.
How to make quinoa:
1. Soak 1 cup of quinoa for 1-2 hours, rinse and then add into 2 cups of alkaline water, bring to a boil again and then simmer until water is absorbed.
2. Brown mushrooms first (secret from Julie Child) then add
3. Green, yellow, and red organic peppers, (wash and chopped)
4. Add celery, carrots, nuts, dried berries & fruit (your choice)
5. Spices: Frontier garlic powder, Cayenne, turmeric & kelp (instead of acidic black pepper) and himalayan salt
6. Combine ingredients: quinoa, vegetables, nuts, fruits and spices

Benefits of Quinoa:
Quinoa is an amino acid-rich (protein) seed, celery is is a very good source of vitamin C, carrots has traditionally focused on carotenoids and their important antioxidant benefits, onions are surprisingly high in flavonoids, Bell pepper is an excellent source of carotenoids, cranberries protect our cardiovascular system and our liver and are the richest in health-promoting antioxidants berries.

Visit www.breastcanceryoga.com

Yoga Restores Physical Movement For Breast Cancer Recovery

Breast Cancer Yoga offers a Restorative Yoga therapy that can effectively help restore physical movement and aide in post surgical recovery. One of the essential tools for recovery is effectively dealing with stress and depression. Pain and worry affects the body, creating stress hormone release. When the body becomes stressed, the breath becomes shallow, which in turn tenses the muscles. Some may even find themselves unconsciously holding the breath. Breast Cancer Yoga's Restorative Yoga therapy addresses the emotional and physical causes of stress, fear, anxiety and depression. This marks the beginning of recovery and allows a state of clarity and relaxation to be experienced. These states of calmness produce their own associated neurohormones which promote the healing process to begin. 

By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

Founder: Breast Cancer Yoga

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Benefits of a Restorative Yoga Practice For Breast Cancer

Restorative Yoga Pose

Let’s look at the benefits of a yoga practice for breast cancer recovery. Notice I said practice. Just remember “one must practice to master”, so daily practice is key. Practice movements to facilitate renew or restored strength, and flexibility. Builds and develops a supple spine and a strong nervous system. The nervous system has been known to some as the second heart.  When the nervous systems in balanced the parasympathetic and sympathetic system works together creating great calm. When flowing in the practice the poses encourage digestion, assimilation and elimination. The body’s immune system is stimulated to maintain health. One of my favorite things that restorative yoga does is awakens positive emotions, self-confidence and eliminates depression. When this happens we are open to a higher realization of every thing, every body around us. Our world expands.

By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

Founder: Breast Cancer Yoga

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