We are thrilled to introduce you to our first guest blogger, Christine Standish, author of “Seeing it Through”. She shares her Breast Cancer story with us and explains how yoga helped restore her body and mind after a long, exhausting experience.
“October is breast cancer awareness month.
Most of us are aware of this because every time this year, we begin to see the signature pink products popping up in stores.
Well friends, I am here to tell you that breast cancer is something that everyone needs to be educated about. It is the most lethal form of cancer for women in the world. An estimated one million cases will be identified this year, now striking one in eight women!
The reason that I am so familiar with breast cancer is because I am a two-time survivor.
In 2002, with three small children to care for, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36.
Both breasts were removed with a double mastectomy, along with many underarm lymph nodes. After several grueling reconstruction surgeries, I discovered a knot that began to ache. The cancer returned, more invasive than before and it brought its “friend” along with it. A secondary cancer.
In 2004, I endured several more chest wall surgeries, removal of my ovaries and dose dense chemotherapy, which is twice the rate of traditional chemo and finally radiation to the left side of my chest. This brutal treatment consumed an entire year of my life.
When it was all over, I was alive, but in desperate need of help for my battered, damaged body, mind and spirit. My doctors were concerned with keeping me alive, however could not offer much advice on how I would manage to live with this new, damaged body.
I have tried chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, acupuncture and other various exercises. While all of this did have positive isolated results, none offered the wide spread benefits I have found through attending regular yoga classes at Inner Peace Yoga Studio.
Yoga enables me to breathe through purposeful poses and, in doing so, I have turned my tight, aching, damaged body, to a stronger more balanced and flexible body. The calming effect of this practice has been huge in helping with my depression, overall mental and spiritual well-being. There are a variety of classes for all levels to choose from, so let the healing begin.
Namaste,
Christine Standish”
Christine’s personal and detailed journey was published in 2010
“Seeing it Through” by Christine Standish
Published by Xlibris, www.xlibris.com
“Seeing it Through” can be found at Amazon, Borders and Barns and Nobles
Christine’s local contact information:
(918) 814-0400
chrisastandish@yahoo.com
We have asked Christine to share even more of her story of how yoga helped revive her body and we will share it our future blogs.
Thank you, Christine, for sharing your experience with us.
Namaste.
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