Please note that this is a personal recollection of an individual experience of Reiki Treatment for breast cancer. This experience is not meant to imply that the same results will be achieved every time.

Personal Case Studies – Breast Cancer
Here at Reiki Journey, 2007 and 2008, has seen us coming face to face with the insidious disease - Cancer; specifically Breast Cancer. The following account of her personal experience has been written by my partner Maggie. We decided to share our experiences via our website, and to précis some of the important advice, information, hints and tips we have picked up along the way. Our Health service in UK is fantastic, but it must be said has varying standards depending upon geographical location and the people involved. However there are many aspects of healthcare which, as Complementary Therapists, we know only too well, fall short when it comes to the highest standards of treatment and care for patients.

When it comes to the holistic approach to health, experiencing a disease such as Cancer focuses the mind on how to recover and to prevent re-occurrence. Our research has shown that the best information and latest treatment and lifestyle plans are out there, but there is a minefield of material to wade through. We sincerely hope that re-producing some of this in one place will be of help. Indeed, if we can assist just one person to a faster and more complete recovery, then we have achieved much.

Maggie’s Recovery
I was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine Mammogram in December, 2007. I was quickly processed through the NHS system to have a wide local excision on my left breast 2 weeks after diagnosis. I then had to have a wider local excision in the same place a few weeks later, to remove more cancerous cells from the same place.

There was no time to look into treatment options or indeed to stop and think through the implications of my diagnosis. The professionals were only concerned with getting their job done –understandable when so many women are getting this dis-ease. I asked the consultant why I had got it, as I have never taken HRT, or drunk much alcohol, smoked or otherwise abused my body. He had no answer. I also asked what I could do to prevent it coming back. I was told to eat 5 portions of fruit/vegetables per day and only drink skimmed milk. This did not seem to be enough to me, so   I started my own research. This enabled me to take control of my cancer and not be a victim- my mindset needed to be optimistic but I also needed to feel that I was doing everything possible to beat my dis-ease.

 I soon discovered that cancer is caused by a number of factors, including chemicals, major emotional traumas, too much fat and refined sugar in the diet, and high levels of oestrogen in the body.

This is a vast topic, with many differing opinions being expressed but there are common strands to much of the research. I would like to share with you what seem to be the most important factors   in keeping oestrogen positive breast cancer at bay.

 The majority of breast cancers, including mine, are oestrogen-fuelled, which indicates that there is too much oestrogen in the body. Therefore, it seems sensible to look for ways to cut oestrogen levels.  

• It is preferable to avoid dairy products as much as you can. As most cows are no longer fed on grass, their feed contains lots of Omega 6 oils and hormones, which are contra-indicated for breast cancer sufferers. These oils and hormones are of course to be found in cheese and butter as well as in milk. I have found that Oat milk is a good substitute, for cow’s milk, and can be used in cooking. Soya milk should be avoided if you are taking Tamoxifen.
• Eat plenty of vegetables every day, especially raw ones and the cruciferous vegetables (Broccoli for instance), which have a protective effect against breast cancer including lowering oestrogen levels. To keep the nutrients in, I steam the vegetables. If you boil them, it is advisable to use stainless steel or enamel pans, as pans with non-stick coatings contain carcinogenic materials.
• Water should always be filtered, as many town water supplies contain high levels of oestrogen which can fuel breast cancer. Don’t forget that water for cooking also needs to be filtered. I have thrown away all my plastic drinks bottles and storage containers, and replaced them with glass, as the carcinogenic chemicals from the plastic can leach into the food and drinks.
• Most meat and poultry, unless it is organic, contains various hormones and the animals will usually have been fed on soya and corn products, not their natural food. It is recommended to eat as little meat and poultry as possible, unless it is organic.
• It is advisable to cut out all sugar- white and brown, as sugar can fuel tumours. The same applies to the ‘bad ‘fats – hydrogenated vegetable oil etc. The only ‘good’ oil which is beneficial is olive oil.
  
• I have started to eat oily fish (Salmon, Trout, and Mackerel) several times per week, as these are a rich source of Omega 3 oils, which have a protective effect against breast cancer.
• Supplements recommended include Selenium ACE, Co-Enzyme Q10, Vitamin D, Omega 3 fish oils (not cod liver oil), Zinc, Garlic, Aloe Vera Juice and Chlorella. I also take a high anti-oxidant concentrated Pomegranate juice, which is available at Boots and other outlets.
• It is important to try and balance the acid/alkaline levels in your body by eating suitable food. It is believed that many dis-eases are caused by bodies being too acidic. This is a big subject, but if you put it into a search engine on the internet, you can find out more.
• We are surrounded by chemicals these days, many of which are carcinogenic (Cancer promoting), or cause oestrogen levels to rise. I have been shocked to read of all the places around us where there are carcinogenic chemicals. It is vital to cut down on these chemicals wherever possible, by using ecological cleaning products, organic skincare and cosmetics ,spraying perfume on your clothes, not your skin and avoiding plastic as much as possible.
• A special mention goes to choosing your deodorant carefully. Some research has shown links between conventional deodorants and breast tumours. In particular, products containing Aluminium. I now use a natural deodorant (Rock crystal.) and it is just as effective as the chemical deodorants and is available in health shops, pharmacies and most large supermarkets.
• The more oxygen we have in our bloodstreams, the better for fighting tumours. The way to increase your oxygen is by regular exercise. At least 30 minutes walking 5 days per week is the minimum recommended. I have never been a sporty person, but I have recently taken up cycling again and have found it very enjoyable.
• Stress is acknowledged to play a huge part in getting cancer and many other conditions, so it is vital to ‘clean up’ your life and get rid of possible stress factors. It is time to re-assess your life and work out what is and isn’t important to you. Since my diagnosis, I have realised   that it is possible to manage with only a small amount of money as long as I have things to enjoy in my life.
• I have been helped greatly by Complementary therapies, especially Reiki healing (please see the following section on Reiki Treatment). Before my operations, I received Reiki healing which lessened my anxiety and enabled me to stay calm. My recovery time was noticeably shorter than expected, and my wounds healed quickly.

I had daily Reiki healing during my three weeks of Radiotherapy. As well as the calming effect, my skin remained in good condition throughout my treatment, and I only suffered minimal dryness after treatment, when I had been warned that my skin would get worse.

To sum up, I would say that a healthy mind, body and spirit is what we all need in order to beat or prevent dis-ease. The mind is very powerful and it is now recognized that our state of mind affects our bodies.

Complementary therapies play a big part in balancing mind, body and spirit and are now offered in addition to conventional treatment in many Cancer centres.

I would be very happy to discuss any aspects of this article by email or phone (enquiries@reiki-journey.co.uk).

Treating Breast Cancer
As Maggie’s partner, the shock of her diagnosis had as deep and profound impact on me as it did her, and I found myself wondering why, in the short time between diagnosis and surgery, no counselling or support was offered. I mention this because as you read this, if you have, are treating someone, or know someone in this position, both the patient and their nearest and dearest will be in a state of deep shock at this time. There is much that can be done.

If you are the patient, first, immediately demand some support (Your GP will help, or go to http://www.canceractive.com. Tel: 01280 821211. Email: contact@canceractive.com). Here you will receive the immediate advice and support needed. Please note this is just one of a number of excellent support charities.

As a Reiki Practitioner myself, it was obvious that there was much work to do. I immediately began to treat Maggie with Reiki.

That is not quite so easy when the client is your partner and one is also in a state of shock. What I discovered however, was that by relaxing and attuning myself as with any other client, the Reiki energy readily flowed. At first there was of course a period where I was aware that my own mind was getting in the way. By the time we reached the date for the first operation, it was working better, but Maggie was still understandably nervous and tense on entering hospital. I was allowed to remain with her until just before she went to theatre, and we continued with the Reiki there on the ward.

We continued Reiki straight after surgery, indeed a treatment was given most days.
As Maggie swiftly recovered, so it was that I experienced the full on shock of the previous few weeks and took myself away to get some help for myself from a trusted friend and colleague. That was a tough time for us both, but necessary.

On my return, we were told Maggie would need further surgery. This time, we were better prepared and lost no time in returning to regular Reiki treatments. On the day of the second operation, we rose early and I gave Maggie a treatment before we set off. The difference on this occasion was nothing short of spectacular. Maggie was relaxed and happy and we spent the morning waiting on the ward with a happy, relaxed and prepared mindset. An hour after returning to the ward, our patient was sitting up in bed enjoying a meal, and three days later we came to Devon and she resumed a normal holiday-like lifestyle.

The question of a course of Radiotherapy occupied my thoughts and meditations for some time, and then one day, I knew exactly what we should do.

Radiotherapy is given over a period of time. In Maggie’s case for three weeks, every weekday. Fifteen treatments in all. She was picked up each morning by a hospital car. Before it arrived, we carried out a seated Reiki treatment for approximately 20 minutes. (For the Practitioners out there, treatment was concentrated on the head, heart and treatment areas of the body). After this Maggie would sit and relax, often playing music until the car arrived. It was most important for her to maintain her personal protection and a state of complete calm as she entered what can only be described as an environment challenging to mind, body and spirit.

Each evening before sleep, another short treatment was undertaken, again concentrating on the head, heart and treatment areas of the body.

As Maggie has said above, the course of Radiotherapy came and went with very few of the stated side effects associated with this treatment.

It is not for us to make recommendations to you. Indeed we are all individuals and have differing ideas and opinions. After much thought, we have decided to share these experiences with the intention that others may benefit. There is no doubt in our minds that Reiki, and indeed other Complementary therapies can, and should play a very significant role in the treatment of Cancer and all other dis-ease of the Mind, Body and Spirit. Finding what works for you is part of your personal ‘journey’. If we can be of help to you on your journey of discovery, then please feel free to contact us.

As we have said, researching best practice and latest treatments can be complex. Questions such as where to purchase vitamins and minerals, what other therapies and treatments to choose. Our research is widespread and ongoing, please, feel free to ask and we will try to guide you.