Deep Breathing Rids Panic

I realize some might think the following foolish and scoff, but doing breathing deep during troubling times does work at calming you and allows for the emergence of different solutions to situations...even if it means just waiting.

Case in point.

On last Monday, I received a letter from my insurance company saying they were NOT okaying my upcoming 2nd chemo session of Keytruda. Scheduled to start sometime in late August or September, denial of this "kick ass" drug was disheartening.

Calling my doctor's office, I offered my grant, proposal and white paper writing skills to better the chances on getting this approved. Ego was out the window - saving my life ruled.

Luckily, a very wise friend came up with this sage advice 'you need your energy for healing so let the doctor's office do the heavy lifting'

So true!

All I could do was breathe deep and trust the Universe it would work out.

On Friday the doctor's office informed me, the insurance company has changed course. I am approved!

Breathe in through the nose and down to the belly- one-two-three, hold it several counts and blow out through the mouth - one-two-three.

Repeat as often and necessary and the world can take positive spin.

Comments

Post Chemo Comic Consequences

My chemo sessions stopped eight months ago. Yet, my brain still gets fuzzy. Not that that is all bad sometimes. I might continue to blame that therapy, not my aging brain, for my forgetfulness in finding my house key, knowing my phone number or blanking out on someone's name whom I just met minutes before. Thankfully, my nails returned to their healthy status. My eyebrows and lashes again accept gobs of mascara. My hair while sparse and patchy in the first post chemo weeks filled in nicely when someone suggested organic peppermint shampoo. One lesson learned was in lieu of the shampoo do not rinse with organic peppermint tea. My baby fuzz turned a light green hue, months prior to St. Patrick's Day. Game changer came once the shampoo revved up my abused hair follicles. So what's the problem, you might ask? Really, its sheer vanity. Its not the coloring. Already mostly gray, it is now a brilliant white that shines constantly. No, its the curls. Kn...

The Nippy Noggin Club

One thing rarely mentioned on cancer support groups or other sites is how cold one’s head and ears can become from a lack of hair. I come from a family of mostly men. At various ages all experienced follicle challenges. But even those who showed more skin than hair, never mentioned being affected by the big chill. Not me. It seems everywhere I go my nippy noggin comes along. Admittedly, when summer temperatures soar in the high 90’s feeling even a hot breeze across my naked scalp is nice. However, just the mildest of air conditioning has me scrambling for cover. Never a hat person prior to this latest challenge, I am now. A series of baseball caps and a wide-brimmed sun hat are typical daytime outdoor attire. Inside I cover up with felt and cotton beanies while singing the praises of the crafty volunteers who kindly donate their stitchery magic to my cancer care unit. Last week I was caught short. Having fallen and scraping up my hands ...

Worry wart?

Worry, nervousness, apprehension or uneasiness - regardless of the word used the emotion surfaces in all cancer patients. It should as our bodies are assaulted through the disease itself, the treatments and/or those treatments' "side effects." However, if you are just centered on it and expect me to send you emojis depicting hugs and kisses - forget it. As is well-documented worrying is not beneficial to your fight. It lowers your immune system. Don't need that, especially if you're on an immunotherapy regime. It negatively affects your short term memory. Hello, hasn't chemo screwed enough with your mind? Premature coronary artery disease heightens Cancer already offers chances to hurt your heart. Why better the odds? This is not like a horse race where the odds play in your favor. Instead, fi nd something constructive to do. Garden, tap dance, take up the harmonica or just sit in yo...

Cancer is only part of my journey

Search This Blog