It's wonderful to note that colleges of medicine are studying and measuring the impact of yoga on well-being for those with cancer and other "dis-eases." I am a yoga teacher who has recently decided to go "back" to medical school (was pre-med in college) because of the growing need for people who understand both allopathic and "alternative" medicine to become part of our healthcare system. It's important to share stories and studies like this and of yogis and yoginis such as Hillary Rubin - an Anusara Yoga teacher in Los Angeles - who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis years ago. Hillary credits yoga's healing benefits for her being symptom-free eleven years after her initial diagnosis.

I have a more advanced Breast Cancer (3 cm.) but still am able to do my home practice most days and find the breathing and movement help move the lymph and improve circulation. It is difficult some days right after chemo, because of the digestive problems--but all in all, I have benefited from continuing with my Yoga. I am shopping for a class right now. Hang In!!

I am a breast cancer survivor...and now a yoga instructor with a goal to bring the gifts of yoga to other cancer survivors. I was diagnosed in March 2002, followed by 6 months chemo, then a mastectomy with reconstruction, and then 6 weeks of radiation. I was lost and then found yoga...or yoga found me. Practicing yoga and finding the power within myself to heal, body mind and spirit, led me to Ana Forrest. I completed teacher training with Ana and am now a certified Forrest yoga instructor. I teach classes during the week and also bring yoga, as a healing practice, to cancer survivors.

Began taking yoga after my breast cancer surgery in 1986. Not only did the Iyengar yoga help me regain my flexibility but it has given me a second career. I am a preschool teacher and now also a yoga teacher.

I have been teaching a Yoga for Breast Cancer class at Waverley Yoga Studio (in Melbourne, Australia)for over a year now and it is always such a rewarding experience to see people de-stress, relax and share their stories in a safe and nurturing environment. We focus on meditation, deep relaxation and deep breathing as well as gentle asana and a sense of shared community. I know the participants benefit greatly in so many ways.

hi--i just read your article on yoga and breast cancer and wanted to let you know how yoga touched my life as i battled breast cancer. i had wanted to take up practicing yoga for some time-never found the opportunity to do so. in october, 2005, i was diagnosed with breast cancer. shortly after, i met a special person who mentioned that she taught yoga. she agreed to become my yogi and has been my special angel for the last 2+ years, teaching me how to relax, breathe, do poses and so much more. susan was with me, "on my shoulder" with every treatment--as the chemo needle went into my arm, I heard susan's voice, helping me with relaxation and meditation. yoga has benefitted me in so many ways...susan, through her love of yoga, has enriched my life with her teachings. namaste.

I have been a yoga teacher for the past 8 years. From my very first class I had a student recovering from an operation to remove a brain tumour. She is still with me after 2 more operations and now a little short-term memory loss but strong and flexible and accepting and practising 'being in the moment' and living life to the full. She has been able to drive again for the last year and the tumour is stable. She is an inspiration to us all. Yoga has helped her on every level of her being. I also had a student who began in that very same class who developed breast cancer. Unfortunately although she recovered well, the cancer returned aggressively and spread - she was a lesson to myself as this was the first time I had had a student die. Yoga gave her many gifts - a support system, sense of community, social interaction and a 'safe space' to be, sense of achievement - even when her movement was limited - quality of life, the breathing and focus helped her immensely when the cold cap was put on for chemo. The list goes on. It was difficult for my palliative student to watch her classmate deteriorate and die - visiting her in the hospice was her greatest challenge. She sat with her and talked her through beathing and visualising postures and 'Salute to the Sun' - what a gift Yoga gave both of them, and myself to share in their unique, personal and intertwined journey.......

I am a breast cancer (dcis) survivor who practices yoga and recently completed a 100 hour training with Baron Baptiste in Hawaii. I credit yoga with keeping me calm and grounded before and after my lumpectomy and for helping me heal. I also wrote a column about the psychological fallout of a midlife breast cancer diagnosis and now I have a book soon to be published. Yoga helped me stay focused to write the book, also! I just found your blog and will be back! Stop by my blog (I just started it!).

http://gailkonopbaker.com/blogspot/

I hope to write about yoga and health and healing...