Has anyone used Reiki? (sp??)  A co-worker is trained in this and has offered to do "treaments" (I'm not sure if that's the term) for free.  I know this was an alternative that some have found helpful at my cancer center orientation.

I had one treatment at a Living Well center and loved it.  I felt better after that, then after a massage.  Unfortunately the center is too far away for me to go regularly.  I would say try it and see what you think.  It is very weird because the person never touches you.  I was pretty skeptical, but decided to keep an open mind.  Good luck.
Blessings,
Cathy

Dx 2/1/07 IDC 9mm Stage 1 at age 49
Lumpectomy 2/21/07, SNB-4 nodes negative
ER/PR+, HER2-, Oncotype score 11
Mammosite radiation ended 3/05/07
Didn't tolerate Tamoxifen
oopherectomy 6/15/07
started Femara - 7/26/07

I also had one "treatment" from an aquaintence.  She came to my house with the table, and after I was laying down, she placed all these crystals around me.  I also was skeptical and at first had a hard time relaxing.  The crazy thing was when she was finished, i had this crazy emotional outburst, and was actually crying.  I'm not sure it was the "thing' for me and unlike Cathy,  would rather have a massage.  Doesn't hurt to try it.
Sharon

age 51@ dx, wife and mom of 3, PA
dx ilc/dcis excisional biopsy 5/30/08
r segmental mast (partial) snb 6/4
node neg stage1 gr ll
er+/pr- Her2 - Oncotype Dx 11
stereotactic bx Lb 7/14/08 neg
R mast 9/22/08 w DIEP
tamox 10/08

I was totally skeptical about it BUT then I had it done a couple times.  The first time was a couple years ago when I had some severely strained tendons in my ankle and I was in so much pain just walking and a co-worker did it, I was pain free for 3 days after...

Now with my chemo treatments I had it done a couple times when I was feeling miserable and it really helped.  The nurse, another co-worker, comes down to my chemo treatments or I stop by the unit where I work and she doesn't even touch me, but it helps with the aches and pains and is very calming...

So now I am a believer...

Paula

Paula

2/26/09 DX Invasive ductal carcinoma multifocal, solid and cribriform type, 6 masses total, largest 2.0 cm
4/15/09 Bilateral mastectomy, skin sparring, tissue expanders, 3 nodes removed, clear, Grade 1, Stage IIa
5/22/09 DIEP
5/26/09 Emergent removal of left flap, TE placed
7/2/09 Left Lat Flap
8/10/09 Started 6 rounds Cytoxan & Taxotere 
A MAMMOGRAM SAVED MY LIFE, START AT AGE 40, DON'T LISTEN TO THE 'NEW' RECOMMENDATIONS

Thanks...I was supposed to call her and go today...but I have laryngitis and can barely speak!

Hi Artlab,

Something else that I've been introduced to that I wanted to share is called EFT or Tapping.  The nurse that I work with who does Reiki on me also showed me this and I just watched a DVD about it.  

There is a website about it to, http://www.thetappingsolution.com/how-to-tap.php  
This one shows how to do it.  The website for the DVD is www.tryitoneverything.com.  The DVD is kind of expensive though so look at the first site and it tells how to do it then on the second site it explains what EFT is a little more.  I've done it a couple times but after watching the DVD I am going to spend a little time every day with this not just on breast cancer but on a couple other areas in my life.

Hope your laryngitis gets better!  

Hugs,
Paula

Paula

2/26/09 DX Invasive ductal carcinoma multifocal, solid and cribriform type, 6 masses total, largest 2.0 cm
4/15/09 Bilateral mastectomy, skin sparring, tissue expanders, 3 nodes removed, clear, Grade 1, Stage IIa
5/22/09 DIEP
5/26/09 Emergent removal of left flap, TE placed
7/2/09 Left Lat Flap
8/10/09 Started 6 rounds Cytoxan & Taxotere 
A MAMMOGRAM SAVED MY LIFE, START AT AGE 40, DON'T LISTEN TO THE 'NEW' RECOMMENDATIONS

Thanks.  I noticed on you other post, you mention your caring bridge site.  It's late now, but I'm going to try and visit it.  I'd love to see the picture with your new look.

Hi Artlab,
I had another Reiki treatment today, I was feeling sore all over, stressed over bills and everything else, and very tired.  She worked on my for about 25 minutes and then asked if I was having pain in my ankle, I was but wasn't noticing so much cause its always there.  I have weak tendons on the outside and rolled it a couple times lately.  She worked that area to.  I left just feeling a little tired but so relaxed about everything else...you'll have to try it and let us know if it helps you.  Also check out the tapping site I sent...

Hugs,
Paula

Paula

2/26/09 DX Invasive ductal carcinoma multifocal, solid and cribriform type, 6 masses total, largest 2.0 cm
4/15/09 Bilateral mastectomy, skin sparring, tissue expanders, 3 nodes removed, clear, Grade 1, Stage IIa
5/22/09 DIEP
5/26/09 Emergent removal of left flap, TE placed
7/2/09 Left Lat Flap
8/10/09 Started 6 rounds Cytoxan & Taxotere 
A MAMMOGRAM SAVED MY LIFE, START AT AGE 40, DON'T LISTEN TO THE 'NEW' RECOMMENDATIONS

I've had several treatments.  My left side was stubborn healing so I felt a massage might be too invasive.  Tried to go with an open mind.  It was very relaxing and I thought if nothing else, that part was great.  I was lying there thinking it was the most relaxed I'd been since my diagnosis and feeling great when she lightly touched my shoulder and elbow.  I just had an immediate emotional reaction (not at all what I was consciously feeling). Anyway, she said that happens, my body was holding a lot of emotion on that part of my body.  I've been back 3-4 more times and would go again.  My advice is go for it but go with an open mind - be pleasantly surprised!

50, in Maryland, two "sons", 2 Bengals, 1street cat from Boston,
Married to One of the Top Ten Best Husbands in the World
Stage IIB, Grade 3, Diagnosed 3/26/09, Breast reduction surgery 5/11/09, HER2+++ , 24 nodes removed, 1 positive
Chemo 10/29/09 - Taxotere, Carboplatin, Herceptin - 6 xs
Herceptin - every three weeks for yr , future treatment TBD