When I was diagnosed with incurable, metastatic breast cancer, I threw myself into everything I could physically do- treatment, diet, exercise, supplements. But mentally, I was stuck in a spiral of fear and uncertainty.
That’s when Dr Judith Lacey, Head of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, told me I’d be the perfect candidate for a new meditation course in the LivingRoom at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, made possible by donor support.
I signed up, still sceptical. I didn’t think meditation was going to fix the storm in my head. But from the moment I stepped into that first session, surrounded by others living with advanced cancer, I felt an unspoken sense of calm and understanding. It wasn’t a support group, but it turned out to be incredibly healing.
We were taught evidence-based tools to stay grounded. Different types of meditation, ways to recognise and manage overwhelm, and practical strategies to help with daily anxiety.
Research shows that meditation can help people living with cancer feel better day to day. It can ease stress and anxiety, lift your mood, and even help manage pain. Programs like the one I joined are becoming more common, especially helping people with advanced cancer live a normal life while navigating so much uncertainty.
I now meditate daily. It doesn’t fix everything, but it gives me a sense of control.
Thanks to your donations, this course will continue for the next three years. If you are receiving care at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and would like to try the program, get in touch with the LivingRoom on (02) 8514 0038.
by Lynsey, patient at
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse
