Jyotsna came to us for the Rejuvenation for Cancer Patients program in March 2015. A 35 year old Indian homemaker from Delhi, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33. She did not have an operation or radiation however she did endure 32 chemotherapy sessions.
Her initial scores for Anger, Tension, Depression, Fatigue and Confusion were fairly high. She participated in the program diligently but being shy very rarely shared anything during the classes. She approached me a couple of times during the program as if wanted to open and talk but ended up in very reserved discussions. I was very happy to see her score at the end of the program. She showed one of the best improvements in all values comparing to others in the group.
After the program ended I had not heard from her for a long time. I knew that she went for another round of chemo as the cancer became active and I worried how she was taking it. She already endured so much!
3 months went by and it was time for follow up tests. I sent it to everyone and waited, wondering how she was doing. I half expected her to decline filling in the tests as she was at the end of her chemo sessions, which is usually the most difficult and most vulnerable time for patients. However I was wrong – she did respond not only with fully completed tests but also put a lot of work into the response.
Usually, even with great improvements during the program between day 1 and the last day results, the 3 month results return slightly towards day 1 values and are usually worse than the day 20th test results. In my two years of running the program the best I saw in 3 months follow up was when patients maintained the 20th day result.
Jyostna’s Results
Day 1 | Day 20th | 3 months | |||
POMS Profile of Mood States | |||||
Tension | 14 | 5 | 3 | ||
Depression | 27 | 3 | 1 | ||
Anger | 22 | 4 | 8 | ||
Vigor | 23 | 23 | 30 | ||
Fatigue | 13 | 6 | 2 | ||
Confusion | 14 | 3 | 3 | ||
Total score | 57 | -2 | -13 | ||
HADS | |||||
Anxiety | 9 | 5 | 2 | ||
Depression | 3 | 1 | 0 | ||
Total score | 12 | 6 | 2 | ||
Jyotsna’s results left me speechless.
Despite doing yet another round of chemo therapy she managed to improve her 20th day result !! (see above). Her Tension, Depression, Fatigue and Vigor values improved. Her Anger increased, which I often see as a simple reflection of patient’s higher awareness of their emotional state. Her Anxiety and Depression score also decreased. Overall POMS and HADS total scores improved dramatically.
I wrote to her asking how she is doing and here is her beautiful verbatim response:
“Hi Lee
I am glad that I am showing improved results, despite being on chemo. I will have my second last chemo on 20th of this month and last in the month of august, my birthday month.
The result has left me with tears in my eyes and your positive comment was very overwhelming.
Your guidance has further propelled me on path of self-discovery. I understand my body, my feelings, and my needs in a much better way now. After a long time I have realized that my body is prone to produce more acidic response when I am exposed to heat and prolonged high temperature. I understand my body better now. I am more aware of my emotions – lethargy … thirst… anxiousness … anger… jealousy… and best part is that I am accepting my feelings now. In a nutshell I understand my self now 
My relationship with my husband has reached a new level. I am able to say things to him.. I would have never said before. At times I don’t think that it’s me… who is talking. I am often astonished by my own replies… that I can even say these things. I have let down most of my guard and I feel so much at ease with myself. You know. I can give in to my husband easily and comfortably now… It has really improved my relationship with him. I also I enjoy time spent with my son more.
I do meditate regularly. There are days when I can’t even close my eyes because I am scared. There are days when I cry. I started my a diary where I write everyday… it has enabled me to mirror myself and look at myself and accept all my emotions with love and appreciation.