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I am an active 35-year-old mother of two small children, ages 5 and 2 who has happily been practicing Bikram yoga for a little over a month. You would no longer know it from looking at me, but I am also a recent breast cancer survivor. I was 32 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After enduring a breast biopsy, 2 lumpectomies, an axillary node dissection, 6 months of aggressive chemotherapy, a hospitalization for shingles and viral meningitis, and 6 weeks of daily radiation treatments, my immune system was at its lowpoint and I experienced daily swelling and soreness in my left armpit and shoulder due to the biopsy and removal of lymph nodes. I am still receiving ongoing hormonal therapy and ovarian suppression, which induces menopausal side effects such as hot flashes and migraines.

I was thrilled when acupuncture successfully relieved my migraines, and desperately wanted to find more non-prescription ways to relieve my other side effects and begin detoxing my body and mind--I'd had enough drugs! I sought out yoga, which I'd enjoyed in the past. However, I was discouraged each time I tried to return to my pre-diagnosis vinyasa yoga practice, because the repetitive weight-bearing on my arms (downward dogs, planks, push ups) would trigger the swelling and soreness in my arm.

Not wanting to give up on yoga, I decided to try Bikram and quickly became hooked. From the first class, I realized that it was the perfect series of poses for someone with my medical resume. The sequence does not put strain on arms and shoulders. I love the predictability of doing the same 26 poses each class, knowing that in Bikram I will never have to wear my compression sleeve on my arm and that for the rest of the day my arm will actually feel better. I also like being able to measure my progress, however subtle it may be, from class to class. Other benefits I've enjoyed are that it has been easier for me to fall--and stay--asleep, I have fewer hot flashes, better-looking skin, more patience with myself and my family, and I recently began to feel like I have increased lung capacity when I go jogging.

At my most recent oncologist check-up, my blood pressure was perfect, oxygen was 100%, and best of all my white blood cell count had made its biggest leap since my treatments ended and has almost returned completely to normal. My oncologist is impressed with the speed at which my immune system is finally recovering. I remain cancer-free today, and I feel healthier and more energetic than I have in a long time. I feel that my mind is quieter as well thanks to the relaxation that is built into every Bikram session. Bikram has proven to be the "medicine" I've been seeking and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon! I highly encourage people like me who are recovering from cancer treatments, have had lymph node surgery, are experiencing menopausal symptoms, anxiety, or just need a break from the frenetic pace of parenthood, to give Bikram a try!
anonymous, Cohasset, MA

"Plant a seed of hope in every student" -- Bikram Choudhury