Sporting Pink Ribbons and Schlepping Yoga Mats

I recently wrote about the benefits of yoga for survivors on MindBodyGreen's blog.  Take a peek at it ~ it's awesome practical info on living your healthiest life.  You can share this story with your favorite survivor of any disease.  Hey, these yoga benefits apply to everyone!

                               

Almost everyone knows someone who has been impacted by this disease. At a Livestrong meeting the other day I was once again surprised at how the human spirit rallies when faced with incredible diversity.  As each survivor told her story, I was struck by their ability to even speak of some of the challenges they have faced.  Nothing puts life in perspective like sitting in a room full of people who understand the fragility of life (primarily their own).

My friend Meals had this and many other signs posted throughout The American Cancer  Walk in 2009.

Namaste, October yogis.

Amy 1, Fear 0

Recently I wrote an article on my experiences as a breast cancer survivor for the Organization Living Beyond Breast Cancer. In it, I sang the praises of the healing components of yoga and the blessings I have reaped as both a teacher and a practitioner. 

I received many positive responses.  But one woman challenged me that women should not practice certain poses after a mastectomy. In particular she wrote of the risks of lymphedema that can occur in women who practice downward facing dog following a mastectomy.  Lympedema is chronic swelling of the arm in which lymph nodes were removed.  It can occur after the surgery or any time later. And I practice hundreds of downward facing dogs.

I really had to reflect on her concerns and her knowledge of the risks involved.  I am aware of the risk.  And yet, at the end of the day this yogi chooses to continue her practice. As a survivor I have to face the fear of  cancer returning.  I would prefer to live my life not fearing a small potential risk when the rewards I reap from my practice are so monumental.

My complete response to her concerns were recently posted on the Living Beyond Breast Cancer's Blog and you can click here to read it.
 
So the title of this blog post isn't 100% accurate.  Sometimes fear wins in my everyday life.  But this time, I decided I wasn't going to let fear rule my decision.  Yoga brings me joy and joy is a much nicer emotion.  In this instance that's the direction I'm headed.

A Survivor's Perspective on the Current Situation involving the Susan G. Komen Org.

Funny how my last weeks blog post was on perspective when this week I felt as though it was twisted up into an unrecognizable blob. Perspective certainly alluded me as I could not sort out my feeling in the recent Susan G. Komen fiasco.  As a survivor I think I have a unique perspective and yet really need to step back and not get caught up in the emotions. Yeah, right.

On one hand the contributions that the Komen Org have made are huge.  Despite your political stance no one can deny that  SGK has made a significant difference.  I said I wasn't going to let my emotions play out in this one but its hard, no impossible,  knowing that the cancer battle I fought probably would have been a losing one just twenty short years ago.  Awareness and science go hand in hand and Susan G Komen's organization was at the forefront of awareness.

At the same time, I am also acutely aware of the significance of early screening and detection.  I did not go into that first mammogram with even the smallest inkling of something amiss.  If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me if I suspected/felt  something...you know the rest of that line.....but no, I did not. I did not suspect a thing.  I fully intended to leave the baseline of my mammogram in the hands of my doc, walk out the clinic, and throw my kids and gear into a Landcruiser headed towards an island. Not. a. clue. So, consider me for a sec.  I am a self -proclaimed poster child for early detection.  I was fortunate enough to have the accessibility of that mammogram.  Take that away from any woman on this planet (directly or indirectly) and my blood will boil.

I'm going to take a deep breath here and not venture into my thoughts on Planned Parenthood.  But, if I may suggest, please resist pulling dollars from any organization that supports either women's health screenings, awareness, or creating a life beyond cancer.  All essentially have made a significant difference in the fight.

Living Beyond Breast
Cancer

Going forward I am very pleased to write for  Living Beyond Breast Cancer.  They have an amazing event called Yoga on the Steps which is the signature annual fundraising event for Living Beyond Breast Cancer and provides a way for individuals and teams to join their communities in supporting women affected by breast cancer - all while experiencing the healing benefits of yoga.  Does that not sound like an Amy organization? My heart tells me there is a reason why I got cancer.  Maybe right now it's just writing.  Someday......who knows?