“Illness is not something to feel ashamed of.  It is not a sign of misfortune or defeat.  Suffering is the fuel of wisdom, and it opens the way to happiness.  Through illness, human beings can gain insight into the meaning of  life, understand  its value and dignity, and strive to lead more fulfilling lives”. Daisaku Ikeda

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The “Lotus Survival Foundation” was founded to provide education and access to resources meant to assist those who have been affected by, or are concerned about Breast Cancer.  The LSF provides support through education, group healing retreats and mentoring programs.  The Lotus Survival Foundation offers financial assistance to those in need.

I was so excited to be asked to attend the conference as a key note speaker at the retreat in Florida and wanted to share some of the wonderful ideas I learned from the other speakers.

Audrey Giron:  Asi me rio – Laughing Yoga — The Laughter Yoga has become an alternative for patients with Cancer and these are some of the benefits:  Increase your immune system; Natural painkiller; Decrease stress; Is an effective anti-depressant and anti-anxiety; Helps you sleep; Catharsis, laughter provides us with an excellent method to get rid of emotional issues and can even unlock emotions stored in your body.

I was the next speaker and my topic was about “Handling Your Feelings”.  I told everyone about my experience and how I dealt with my diagnosis and then I asked the women to share their initial feelings.  These women were amazing in that some of them made it to this retreat with Stage 4 breast cancer and many of the stories created a lot tears.  Next we did an exercise of Unity; a deep centering technique using Solitudes CD; breakout session which was an interactive discussion about feelings.  Having cancer is the most profound experience in someone’s life.  I asked each group to think about what they would say if a newly diagnosed friend came to them, what one inspiration from their experience could they offer them.

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Areanne L. Breedlover, CPA, discussed the following topics:  (1) What fears are universal?; (2) Communicating with large bureaucracies, i.e. IRS (skills that work with IRS also work well in dealing with insurance companies); (3) Utilizing scarce resources; (4) Financial tools;  (5) Medically related tax deductions and issues; (6) What is a taxable estate?   Areanne talked about how all these issues related to patients and survivors – she also handed out her booklet entitled: Financial Foundations: Fears and Facts.

Lori Ovitz, Professional Makeup Artist and  Author:  Facing the Mirror: www.facingthemirror.org. The first time Lori volunteered teaching a cancer patient to use make up tricks, FOREVER changed her view of make up and her career.  Her 2o years of experience as a make up artist for celebrities and top models gave her the background to create techniques to help cancer patients overcome the daunting side effects of their appearance.  It has been so gratifying to watch a patient transform not only from the outside but the inside as well.  Lance Armstrong, Founder, Lance Armstrong Foundation, wrote:  “Ovitz’s book provides easy-to-follow steps on how to maintain physical appearance and enhance your quality of life with, through and beyond cancer.”  Lori is currently offering 10% off first time orders from Coverfx.com and a FREE Facing the Mirror GUIDE BOOK.  If you would like to order enter promo coder at checkout: CFX0009Y10-M.

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Xiomara M Boyce, Outreach Navigator at Duke Breast Wellness Clinic, talked about:  (1) Effects of Radiation During and After Treatment; (2) Effects of Chemotherapy During and After Treatment; (3) Effects of Medicines.

Susan McHugh (Me) @ www.HelpYouHealCoaching.com and www.pinkribbongift.com.  This was a very interesting topic to discuss — Dealing with Your Body, Your Image and Your Sexuality – this was an interactive conversation, wherein we discussed the side effects of various breast cancer drugs and dealing with sexuality after cancer treatment.  There is a wonderful book which is on my website and was written by a friend who is a breast cancer survivor.  The book is INTIMACY AFTER BREAST CANCER (Dealing with your body, your relationships and sex) by Gina Maisano.

Tania Fabela, Master in Nutrition.  It has been estimated that 30-40% of all cancers can be prevented by lifestyle, physical activity and dietary measures alone.  Cancer and cancer treatments may cause side effects related to nutrition.  The side effects of cancer and cancer treatment can effect eating.

Amy J. Sear — “Asian philosophers developed over centuries and across numerous nations and cultures, offer significant benefit to anyone seeking to maximize health and well being.  There are many that are simple and straight forward and that anyone can learn, do, and incorporate into one’s daily life.”  Amy covered excellent topics, such as:  Food, Eating, Sleep, Movement Herbs, Taoism, Yin and Yang Balance, Qi Flow, books and more.

Scott Phillips, Patient Navigator for Oncology, Heritage Hospital Cancer Center.  “The main function of a Patient Navigator is to guide patients through the health care system.  When a patient encounters a ‘barrier’ to getting quality health care, the Patient Navigator  is there to help remove that obstacle and assist the patient with finding the resources necessary to overcome it.  A Patient Navigator can be a nurse, a social worker, another health care professional or a non-professional who has been trained to provide Patient Navigator services.”

I realize that this Blog is off the beaten track and is a whole lot of information.  However, the Lotus Survival Foundation is doing such an awesome job in assisting those in need, those who are suffering as well as survivors.  I urge you to go to their website and see for yourselves what the Foundation is all about.  If you want additional information on the various speakers, please e-mail me at susan@pinkribbongift.com.

There is another wonderful site which is fabulous and worth checking out:  www.talkabouthealth.com.  (1) Meet others just like you (they match you with peers and experts); (2) Learn from experienced peers (answers and live chats with the right people); (3) Share  your experiences (helping others by sharing your knowledge).

www.HelpYouHealCoaching.com–A Coach helps people find their inner strength to reach their full potential, even in the most adverse situations.

www.pinkribbongift.com–Pink Ribbon Gift has some wonderful gifts for patients, survivors, family, caregivers and actually anyone.  We donate a percentage of our gross sales to various breast cancer research organizations.