I came across an interesting article in my local newspaper. Several cancer patients I know have done yoga.




Report finds that yoga helps cancer patients

By Milton Carrero, OF THE MORNING CALL

6:34 p.m. EST, January 17, 2011

mc-yoga-chemotherapy-20110117



Everybody is aware of the physical pain associated with cancer, but its psychological and emotional repercussions are a little less known.

While chemotherapy treatments have gotten stronger and more effective, the psychological side effects of fighting this disease are usually put on the back burner.

But according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual report on progress against cancer, those who add palliative care, like yoga, to their chemotherapy treatment live longer and better than those who focus strictly on their physical well-being.

Researchers found that more than three-quarters of patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from insomnia � that's nearly three times the rate found in the general population. Patients who suffer from insomnia are also more likely to suffer from fatigue and depression.

But the symptoms don't necessarily end with the chemotherapy treatment. At least 65 percent of cancer survivors continue to report sleep problems after treatment ends. While the body might be healed, the emotional scars remain and must be addressed.

A study designed for cancer survivors found that a four-week yoga program helped them sleep better, experience less fatigue and improved their quality of life. Also, a recent trial found that a telephone-based care management program delivered by a nurse with a physician and psychiatrist consultation, improved pain and depression.

These studies deal with the fact that many cancer patients are not only fighting to stay alive, they are also struggling to maintain their quality of life. And the latter could be as vital as the first.

themorningcall.com/healthblog

Totally agree with this - I do yoga once or twice a week. It is cathartic. That and going to the gym almost daily helps me to maintain a sense of normalcy. Cancer is a disease. I will fight it but I won't give it complete power over me. It's a part of me - not who I am. I am aware it's there- I am going to fight it - but I refuse to allow it to make me into a nervous wreck, or fret over it, that requires to much energy. It is what it is - but I won't let it rob me of my joy and the things I enjoy doing.

Namaste ! (for non yogi's here's a link to an explication of this phrase that most yoga teachers end class with
Meaning of namaste I could not wait to get back to my Yoga and Pilates classes after TX. I tried during radiation but too weak plus too nauseous (the gym was gracious about me vomiting into the used towel container but that told me to take a break). I go every week to both classes as well as lift weights at the gym.

Plus yoga really helps with keeping the scar tissue supple and my neck able to move. I don't think there is any serious question that EXERCISE helps in Cancer recovery. Yoga is especially soothing with the emphasis on breathing.
Excellent post Christine and for once, real adjunctive therapy being posted here. Thanks
Charm

Namaste to you too - I have been doing hot yoga for the past few weeks. But I am going to mix it up with some hatha and flow classes as they allow for a longer savasna! Gives you time to focus your body and breath. I do cardio 6 times a week (or 4 depending on how many yogas I fit in) and weights mixed in usually 3 times but I have taken a break from the weights for a month now. Will get back to it as soon as I am able. Exercise gives you energy and focus. I am just afraid of losing weight at this point so I am trying to maintain. Good luck and the towel bin... funny... but not... if you know what I mean!

I took a yoga class here at MD Anderson. It was fun, but I didn't know what I was doing. I can see why it is good for us. This week they offered Laughter Yoga. It is a combination of laughter (forced to begin with) and movement. Everyone had fun, and actually yes it is somewhat aerobic to laugh as much as we were.
Anne

If you get into yoga it becomes easier... Was going to go this morning but have the cleaners at the house so instead when I get home - I will do a DVD I have! It's a meditation video.... Heavy sigh... Maybe I'll get to the studio Tuesday - depending on how chemo goes...