Posted by Ellen Sichel on March 9, 2011
Jan is a Leukemia Survivor
Jan’s Challenges
I was diagnosed with leukemia in May of 2008 and not given very high odds to continue to live. After many chemo treatments, many transfusions, surgery, radiation and a stem cell transplant, I was mentally and physically exhausted. Medications that I had taken caused my muscles to be weak and my bones to be stiff. Before all of this happened to me, I considered myself to be physically fit. Now, I couldn't even touch my toes.
What Jan Tried
At that time I was still taking medication to suppress my immune system. This meant I could not be in a class, or go to public places. I called Custom Calm and began private basic yoga lessons with Ellen. During these lessons I learned moves that I could later do on my own. I was so excited because at the time I started the classes I had already been very isolated for 2 years.
What Worked for Jan
The yoga made me feel stronger and I immediately noticed that I started sleeping better at night. The practices helped me with my right shoulder stiffness. The yoga was a wonderful practice to do before preparing to center myself and pray. I love the stretches that yoga gives my war torn body. Finally, the yoga is known for strengthening the immune system and that is important to keep me alive.
I especially like the warrior pose because it brings to mind past, present and future. It gives me hope that I have come this far, focusing on the present moment, and hoping for better times in the future.
I wish I had tried yoga before I got sick. It is a wonderful way to center and calm myself down. I could have used it so much as a de-stressor before. I definitely plan to use it to de-stress myself in the future. 🙂
The "Loving Kindness Meditation" that Ellen also taught me seemed to open the gates of tears that I had held back over the course of my treatments.
What you can learn from Jan’s Experiences
Even in very challenging circumstances, there are always practices you can do to help yourself. Custom Calm tools for the mind are as important to our overall well-being as tools for the body. Jan embraced the practices and has empowered herself to live in the moment, feeling better and with hope for the future.
*Last name has been left off for anonymity
Tags: challenges, chemo, de-stress, empowering, exhaustion, focusing, leukemia, loving kindness meditation, sleep, stem cell transplant, stiffness, suppressed immune system, surgery, yoga
Posted in: This Stuff Works
