Through Healing Eyes
by Team Athleta • Oct 1st, 2009 • Category: Share Your Chi, Yogaby Katheryn Harlan
Through Healing Eyes
As a breast cancer survivor, I know the importance of exercise for physical, emotional and spiritual healing. I was diagnosed with an early stage breast cancer on Valentine’s Day 2003 (by my radiologist husband) at my yearly mammographic screening exam. I was one of the more unlikely candidates for this disease as I had run competitively for 15 years, cycled for over 10 years, lifted weights, practiced yoga, maintained the same weight since high school and have never smoked. I chose an aggressive treatment plan, with bi-lateral mastectomies and re-construction. Because of the re-construction, I’ve not been able to compete at my pre-op levels, but my triathlete surgeon encouraged me to continue all of my previous activities, starting slowly and slowly building intensity.
I was not only on the bike, but in the gym and on the mat within months of my last surgery. Despite being pleased to return to athletics, I was disappointed with my slow return to form. The strength and stamina required for my yoga had diminished so significantly, and my form was so altered that I quit practicing for two years.
But I didn’t give up yoga mentally, and spent those two years researching the practice of yoga following breast cancer treatment. There was little information, but based on basic anatomy, interviews with cancer and reconstructive surgeons, as well as yogis, I modified asanas, developed vinyasas, and promoted a mental approach to yoga specific for breast cancer survivors. I progressed physically and psychologically so rapidly that I felt the need to share my new approach to yoga. 
After discussions with our local hospital, they sponsored my “New Beginnings” yoga class for breast cancer survivors. They have proven to be excellent partners, and together we have provided free yoga classes for breast cancer survivors for over two years. In fact they encouraged me to continue my yoga education, and in May 2009 I completed my 240 RYT certification.
Athletics have kept me grounded through this cancer journey, but yoga is truly transforming my life. I am thankful not for the cancer but have been blessed with a positive, introspective attitude and the seeds for a more meaningful life.
After my diagnosis I realized that many women are not as fortunate as I am, to have access to excellent healthcare. With the help of family and friends, I founded Through Healing Eyes, a non-profit organization to make diagnosis, education and treatment available to each person regardless of financial status. Using artistic photographs of regional breast cancer survivors, along with their personal words of inspiration and hope, calendar pages are created as daily reminders of breast health, advocating for breast cancer awareness and promoting a rich and meaningful life for those affected by breast cancer. We fund many breast cancer organizations including local wig banks, breast health education classes on college campuses, free mammograms and the Strides to Recovery program. The Strides program is a 12 week exercise program offered to survivors which includes a personal trainer, nutritionist and yoga.
Athletics shaped my life before my diagnosis, but it has changed my life afterward and allowed me to continue to grow mentally and physically.
Through Healing Eyes was founded with the mission to promote breast cancer awareness through education, provide inspiration to those affected and to make breast cancer diagnosis and treatment available to those who unable to afford care. Please support Through Healing eyes by making a donation or purchasing the 2010 calendar featuring breast cancer survivors. Please visit ThroughHealingEyes.org.
2010 “Through Healing Eyes” Photoshoot Gallery
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What a beautiful story. Way to go!
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Love the story and truly am inspired to do right today. Thank you!
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Beautiful, inspiring story, from a beautiful, amazing, giving woman!!! Namaste!
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What a great story. I am also a breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed Christmas Eve 2008. I am looking to get back into yoga. You are such an inspiration!
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Internal meets external. . . . peace. . . . grace. . . . ~Namaste~
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I’m also a survivor (diagnosed 2007, bilateral mastectomy, failed reconstruction in 2008) and am in the midst of trying to decide between a small number of not-very-good options for a second attempt at reconstruction. One thing I can’t find is any form of detail about how implants affect athletic activities…neither my surgeons nor my oncologist have been able to put me in contact with any very athletically active women who are now living with sub-pectoral implants. If anyone fits this description and is willing to share their experience, I would be IMMENSELY grateful!!
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I can help…I had a bilateral mastecomy with reconstruction last August…age 46
At the time, I was swimming a mile a day, going to yoga 3x a week, and ice skating a few times a month.
Plus I work as a chef and my job is really busy.
Also, I had been diagnosed with my first breast cancer at the age of 30 so that resulted in a lumpectomy with radiation – so when I had the mastectomy, the surgeon had to move a muscle from my back to cover the implant.
Once the muscle has been radiated it can’t be used – so they have to find another one – normally they pull from the tummy but I had no extra for them to use.
I was lucky my surgeon is super talented.
Anyway, what you need to be reassured that you can regain your level of fitness – just be patient and know that your body won’t feel exactly the same. My chest muscles will contract over the implants when I get in the pool and that feels weird but I’ve gotten used to it. As a result of the muscle being moved I have really had to stretch out that side.
Yoga took the longest to get back too – but I did my first headstand a few weeks back.
You can do it – start moving as soon as the doctors say its ok and be patient – you will feel
different with the implants – but they do become a part of you – I have silicone ones – they will feel heavy at first but you get used to it. It feels very natural now.
Take your time to recover and listen to your body. -It takes time but it is possible to be just as fit as you were before.
I try not to think of where I was fitness wise before the surgery and just focus on now. Typically I swim 4 miles a week and if feels like too much I cut back and that’s ok.
I am back to a strong level of fitness. It is possible. I made sure when I was recovering I didn’t listen to anyone who had given up.
and the implants never sag…they always look great. Clothes fit me much better now.
(I was always very small breasted – they called me “professor kickboard” in high school)
Good Luck!
I hope this helps.
Colette
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Hi, I read you all, and completely agree. I’m a cancer survivor too. with bilateral mastectomy and implants on 2004. I do love to exercise, tennis most of the time. And I can say that implants will really be part of you, even tough you won’t have the same sensation, but you will get used to them, I did also have the opportunity to increase the size !! Great decision .
I didn’t tried yoga till this year, when I had to begin a new quimio because of a metastasis I have developed, and i found it great !!!! Excelent, I had the opportunity to try with 2 different kinds of teachers, one more spritual and the other more like a karate teacher teaching you yoga. I love both of them as one was more relaxing and the other one was more exercising. I also tried Reiki and I do recomend it for every stressed women in the world, it helps me a lot.
Just want to share this with all of you.
Maria Jose
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I am a breast cancer survivor and had a right mastectomy with a flap reconstruction. I’m an avid tennis player and yogi practioner. I feel lucky that none of my stomach muscles were touched when they did reconstruction. My shoulder muscle became much tighter, which my surgeon said was from scar tissue. I started back to gentle yoga 2 weeks after my mastectomy/reconstruction and it was the primary thing that helped me recover as fast as I did. By 4 weeks, I was back on the tennis court. Throughout my treatments I continued tennis and yoga. I attended class the day after every treatment and did whatever level of pratice I felt comfortable doing. I felt safe, secure, and welcomed on my mat and I loved going to class. It let me focus on myself and forget, for a little bit, that I had cancer. Yoga has helped me in more ways than I ever imagined.
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You are an inspiration. Thank you for your passion to help others and your willingness to share your story!
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In response to you survivors who are & have maintained your exercise through out your treatments & recovery KUDOS TO YOU! As you have read exercise was a very important part of my recovery. I have sub-pectoral silicone implants. I agree they do eventually become a part of your “new normal” but I have found that the level of intensity of my workouts is not where it was before surgery. My surgeon is an athlete & has encouraged me the entire journey to stay active WITH IN NORMAL LIMITS! But no one can define normal limits. Ladies, these Drs have not been reconstructing extremely active survivors for very long so it is very much a guessing game AND everyone heals differently. I broke my capsules , have had them replaced & am taking longer to get back to cycling & yoga & weight lifting. I returned to teaching the following week but have taught off the mat for 4 weeks now. We are giving the capsules time to scar & hopefully hold the implants in place this time. I have found that I am much less competitive now & that is a good thing as my body overall is beginning to show it’s true age.
As for you ladies looking for a yoga class, make sure your instructor will show you modifications for all poses. I never teach my reconstructed patients full plank, you can come to the knees to take some of the pressure off of the pecs. Downward facing dog can be done on the fore arms & you will receive the same benefits. One armed balance poses can also be modified. There are great modifications for lymphadema patients as well.I use lots of props, blankets, bolsters, straps and positive imagery. The breathing is, in my opinion, one of the most important parts of your practice.
Listen to your body, it never lies. Yoga teaches us to draw inward, it is all about you on your yoga mat!
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Ms. Harlan: Thank you for the inspiring story. It really touched me to see how well you are doing and all the good things you are doing to help others. Debbie
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Katheryn Harlan you are a true gift to this world! My wife and I watched this story unfold, and we saw the courageous champion emerge from deep within Katheryn. We remember the day she and her husband came to our house and told us about the diagnosis. We remember the many training rides right after surgery and how Steve worked to get her bike fit her new body. We remember the photo of Katheryn finishing the Ride for the Roses 100 mile (windy) bike event and she held her rose so proud. We also now know Kateryns will and determination, and hope her dedication and hard work will be contagious to those of us that know her. You see the Harlans are our heros and now we understand why. Thank you Katheryn Harlan…for all you do! Shane
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Katheryn is my sister, my hero, my best friend. Not only has she been an inspiration to many during this journey, she has been my rock. There is never a time that I can’t call on her and she is there. She is a blessing to so many on this journey(cancer or just life) and I am blessed that she is my sister.
Nameste
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Wow…Beautiful commentary by all. The “Through Healing Eyes” calendar has been an inspirational project since it’s inception. Yet, this coming year’s 2010 “Through Healing Eyes” calendar is truly a special edition. It imbues a penetrating, transcendental, soul-touching feeling onto its readers. It is the energy of spirit exposed. I highly recommend it for everyone.
And remember horse-back riding for getting back into shape! There is tremendous core balance and stamina involved with this sport also. I know a very special gal who regained her strength more than once from cancer with the help of her horses!
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Katheryn,
Thank you for sharing your very inspiring story! The photographs are just lovely, and I look forward to purchasing a 2010 calendar. I learned of your organization, Through Healing Eyes, from your also inspiring sister Diane. She gave me a calendar when I myself was going through treatment for breast cancer in 2007. Thank you for what you’ve both done to help others continue the fight.
Namaste,
Tanya Horning
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Many thanks for all of these extremely inspiring stories. I’m closest to Colette in terms of fitness level (though I rarely swim more than 2.5 miles per week). I’ve heard real horror stories, always second or third hand, about implants and pectoral-intensive sports like swimming and yoga/pilates (two of my FAVORITES). One last question, should anyone wander back to this spot: does anyone out there with implants find that they are self-conscious because of the way the implants deform during exercise or just everyday living? I ask because even my failed tissue flap reconstruction jumps around on my chest to an embarrassing degree during ordinary movements, like passing a bowl of pasta across the table. I’ve heard implants are worse, and it’s my one remaining question.
In any event, thanks again to everyone who posted here — I had such a bad experience with my failed flap reconstruction that I’m having trouble showing up for more surgery. But when you’re staring at the trees in front of your face, it’s exceedingly good to know that there is Life Beyond the Woods!
Thanks all, and namaste!
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