Surviving cancer is a journey that transforms not just the body but also the mind and spirit. My personal story of recovery is deeply intertwined with the power of mindfulness and the simple yet profound practice of deep breathing. Faced with the daunting challenge of post-surgery recovery, I discovered that mindfulness and breathing exercises could be a beacon of hope and a pathway to healing. This narrative aims to inspire and empower you by sharing how these practices became my lifeline, restoring my health and bringing tranquility to my life. Dive in to learn how the breath can heal, uplift, and transform.
Discovering the Diagnosis
The Shocking News
It was one of those sticky summer days in South Florida when I received the worst possible news. I had scheduled my mammogram at the beginning of the summer to get all my annual medical visits out of the way before my long-awaited trip to my home country, Poland. That morning, I had no idea that my life was about to change forever. When I picked up the call from my doctor’s office, I expected routine results. Instead, I was hit with devastating news: a lump was found in my left breast, and it didn't look good. More tests were needed, and the results confirmed my worst fear. I had breast cancer, and surgery was inevitable. The surgery was scheduled for a week after my return from Poland. I was in shock and didn't know how to process my feelings. The only thing keeping me afloat was the excitement for my trip.
Facing Multiple Hurricanes
My trip to Poland was marvelous, filled with unforgettable memories with my family and captivating visits to new places. The only difficult moment came when I had to tell my mom about my breast cancer diagnosis and the upcoming surgery in the USA. She understood better than anyone else, being a stage4 ovarian cancer survivor herself. My resilient, inspiring mom overcame what seemed impossible and remains my greatest source of motivation.
Just days before my return flight to Florida, I received the alarming news that a massive Category4 hurricane, Charlie, was heading our way. Despite the looming storm, I had to return for crucial medical appointments and tests before my surgery. The hurricane struck South Florida with near-160 mph winds on Friday, yet my flight from Frankfurt to Miami proceeded as planned on Monday morning. We encountered significant turbulence as the remnants of Charlie impacted the East Coast of the US. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a scene of devastation—downed power lines, destroyed buildings, uprooted trees, no cell phone service, and no air conditioning within a100-mile radius. Navigating through my scheduled tests was difficult, as many medical facilities were closed due to power outages. Gradually, I managed to complete all required tests except for two that needed to be done a week before my surgery.
Preparing for Surgery
Then, another massive hurricane, Frances, formed in the Atlantic and was heading on the same path as Charlie. South Florida was in panic mode, still dealing with the aftermath of the first hurricane. I prepared for the storm, boarded windows, gathered groceries, water, and propane, and waited with a heavy heart. It was a lot to handle—bracing for both a personal and a literal hurricane. After surviving Frances, South Florida was a wreck. I couldn't worry about my broken fence, roof damage, or my garden, which was gone with the wind. I had to focus on my upcoming surgery. With no power, I couldn’t confirm if my surgery would still happen, so I just showed up at the hospital. The place was dark and quiet. A nurse asked for my name and confirmed that the surgery was on, to my surprise. I was wheeled through dark corridors to a dimly lit pre-op room.
The Healing Power of Deep Breathing
A Hospital Epiphany
The pre-op nurse checked my vitals, including my oxygen level. Initially, she thought the reading was incorrect, as she kept tapping the machine and finally concluded it must be malfunctioning due to the storm. She brought another unit, but the results were identical. Confused, she called the anesthesiologist. He introduced himself and, after seeing the same reading, asked if I exercised regularly. I explained my routine with Bikram yoga and breathing exercises. He then understood, explaining to the nurse, “There’s nothing wrong with our machines. She really does have this much oxygen in her lungs!” He assured me that this would aid in my recovery and accelerate the healing process. This realization was a turning point for me. The deep breathing techniques I had cultivated through yoga were not only soothing my mind but also physically readying my body for the upcoming challenges. I went home the same day post-surgery, feeling gratitude despite the lack of air conditioning and the looming threat of yet another hurricane, Ivan, which was expected to hit just five days after my surgery.
Increasing Lung Capacity
The moment I realized the tangible benefits of deep breathing exercises was transformative. The anesthesiologist's surprise at my lung capacity was a revelation. My regular Bikram yoga sessions had not only taught me the importance of breath but had also significantly increased my lung capacity. Each session began with a deep breathing technique designed to expand the lungs and improve oxygen intake. This practice proved to be invaluable during my surgery and recovery. The increased oxygen levels in my lungs facilitated quicker healing and reduced complications. It was astonishing to see how something as simple as controlled, deep breathing could have such a profound impact on my health. This experience solidified my commitment to deep breathing exercises as a core part of my recovery and overall wellness regimen. It was a powerful reminder that our breath holds immense potential for healing and transformation.
Learning the Technique
My journey with deep breathing exercises began with Bikram yoga in the early 2000s. I was captivated by this intensive form of yoga, performed in a room heated to nearly100 degrees for90 minutes. Despite the demanding environment, the practice was extraordinarily cleansing and purifying. Each session initiated with a deep breathing technique aimed at lung expansion and enhanced oxygen intake. We would take measured, deep breaths, filling our lungs fully and then exhaling completely. This technique not only prepared me for the physical rigor of the session but also promoted a deep sense of calm and focus. Over time, I observed significant improvements in my lung capacity and respiratory efficiency. Little did I know that these breathing exercises would become pivotal in my surgical recovery. They became foundational to my healing process, underscoring the profound link between breath and well-being. Stay tuned for my upcoming blogs where I will delve into my experiences with various deep breathing practices and courses I’ve encountered over the years.
Until next time, keep dreaming, manifesting, and, of course, stay salty!
