Hi, my mum was told today that she needs a procedure to remove some tissue from her breast. Having seen how powerful hypnobirthing can be (and I was a skeptic) I wondered if there is any material on dealing with cancer using those techniques - replacing scary sounding terms with much calmer ones, affirmations that you can play before you sleep, etc.
Thank you.
Hi Sunmoonstar,
Thanks for getting in touch.
My name is Eileen, and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists working on the Macmillan support line.
I’m sorry to hear about your mum and can appreciate you want to explore any therapeutic approaches that might be of benefit whilst she is undergoing conventional treatment.
People might use complementary therapies to improve their physical or emotional health whilst undergoing conventional treatment for cancer. Doctors are generally amenable to this, but it is important that she lets them know about any therapy she does intend to use.
Some people find these therapies can help them cope with the stress of having cancer as well as helping with side effects of treatment. In addition, using complimentary and mind-body therapies may give back a sense of control at a time when it can feel as if everything is out of your control.
There are many self-care resources available to people affected by cancer that your mum might find useful and some cancer support centres offer free complimentary therapies.
There are also apps available to help people affected with cancer who are experiencing anxiety or problems with sleep.
I do hope this information is helpful but please know that you can call one of our nurses to discuss things further.
Take care and best wishes,
Eileen
(Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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