It's time for Yoga Nidra
Alongside my best possible news …
… are the treatment’s side effects. Immunotherapy unleashes my immune system to attack cancer cells. Unfortunately, cells that I’d like to keep are also candidates for attack. My thyroid was the first to go. Next, I started experiencing joint pain in my hands and wrists. A few months ago, I thought I was seeing things, as white blotches appeared on my hands. The clinical name for this autoimmune condition is vitiligo. A few weeks ago, the IBS-like systems flared up.
On the plus side, these side effects mean that the cancer drug is working. They aren’t completely debilitating. And I hope that some of them will subside. In the meantime, I’m managing with diet, exercise, and drugs.
As I complete the next set of three infusions, I’m also relying on Yoga Nidra, a style of yoga that promotes deep relaxation and healing. This type of yoga is especially helpful for dealing with acute and chronic pain.
Here’s a 30-minute guided session if you’d like to try it out. Thanks to Anita, who shared this practice with me in December 2021.
We did not acquire a cat. Just petsitting for a spell.