Keep Calm and Relax

Just chillin'

Tomorrow will be chemo #5 and the first of the new drug Taxotere. To get ready for this chemo session I will be getting a massage, followed by Reiki, pronounced ray-key. Did you know that a massage therapist can be trained to work with cancer patients? I had to get a note from my doctor allowing me to have a massage. Having these complimentary therapies will help relieve stress and anxiety as well as handle the pain.
Visit the American Cancer Society to learn more.

I wanted to treat myself to a massage during Christmas break but had to cancel the appointment when I landed in the hospital. That's where my nurse, Gea, offered to give me a Reiki treatment. She was trained by  Reiki Rays of Hope for caregivers.  It's very difficult for me to put into words how I felt while Gea was gently talking to me and praying. She held her hands an inch above my body and I could feel this warm, tingling sensation. I was very relaxed but was also crying the whole time. It was just pure love.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Reiki is a form of hands-on, natural healing that uses universal life force energy. 

The benefits of Reiki treatment

• bring a peaceful, deep relaxation
• dissolve energy blockages and tension
• detoxify the body
• support the well-being of the client who is receiving traditional medical treatments that are debilitating, such as chemotherapy and radiation, surgery, kidney transplants, etc.
• supply universal life-force energy to the body
• stimulate the body’s immune system
• help to relieve pain
• stimulate tissue and bone healing after injury or surgery
• increase the vibrational frequency of the client on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels

Visit the American Cancer Society to learn more about Reiki.