Comments on: Through Healing Eyes

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:23:43 +0000

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!

By: Tanya Horning

Tanya Horning — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:02:48 +0000

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

By: Ann Donaldson

Ann Donaldson — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:04:49 +0000

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!

By: Diane Skiba

Diane Skiba — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:21:48 +0000

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

By: Shane Cooper

Shane Cooper — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:01:41 +0000

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

By: Debbie

Debbie — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:19:20 +0000

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

By: Katheryn Harlan

Katheryn Harlan — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:45:31 +0000

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!

By: Robin Farina

Robin Farina — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:32:49 +0000

You are an inspiration. Thank you for your passion to help others and your willingness to share your story!

By: Debbie Schwartz

Debbie Schwartz — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:33:10 +0000

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.

By: Maria Jose

Maria Jose — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:16:19 +0000

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