TUESDAY TIPS - Retreats

If you have never been to a cancer retreat, you are missing out! Last year, I was able to attend a free breast cancer retreat in Park City, Utah. The retreat was hosted by Image Reborn. I loved every minute of it. We had great food, discussions, art journaling, facials, yoga instruction, and more. It all took place in a gorgeous private home. It was a much needed, relaxing weekend.

I was recently offered a place at another retreat in December of this year, and I'm so excited! I can hardly wait. The retreat is put on by Women Beyond Cancer, and will be held in Park City also. Looking at their website, and at the past retreats they've held, it looks like we will have the opportunity to do some pretty amazing stuff - past retreat attendees have been able to do yoga, snow-shoeing, and hiking. I look forward to spending time with other survivors, and meeting the incredible people who are able to bring these retreat opportunities to survivors.

If you think this sounds fun, here is some information on the retreats you can attend in Utah...

Image Reborn: these retreats take place in Park City. They include a support group, nutrition, exercise, education, journaling, massage therapy, rejuvenation time. To register for a retreat, go to http://www.imagerebornfoundation.org/index.php

Here are two pictures of the group of survivors that I met at the Image Reborn retreat. We had a great time! That bathtub shows just how amazing this house was - it was in the master bath!!

The retreats for 2012 with Women Beyond Cancer are filled up, but they are taking applications for their 2013 retreats. Activities include: Hiking, Snowshoeing, massages, yoga, pool table, hut tubbing, shopping in Park City, Journaling, Relaxation, and Meditation. To sign up for one of the retreats offered by Women Beyond Cancer, go to http://www.womenbeyondcancer.org/welcome.html

Another retreat I've heard of is called Casting For Recovery. This retreat focuses on fly-fishing as a way to help survivors gain skills that will help them cope with recovery from breast cancer. The one being held this year is in September, at The Homestead. To register, go to http://castingforrecovery.org/home

These 3 retreats are all free to survivors. I think the important thing about these retreats is that they offer survivors the opportunity to sit down with other survivors, talk through their cancer journeys, enjoy some "sisterhood", and HEAL.

If you haven't gone to one of these retreats, sign up NOW. They fill up fast.

-Kara

MONDAY MENTIONABLES - A Restorative Retreat

Why is it important to talk with other breast cancer survivors? Well, I've learned over the past year that there are times when I just simply need to talk things over with women who have been through what I've been through. And I've had that opportunity several times.

The most recent opportunity I had happened this past weekend. I was invited to go on a breast cancer retreat, put on by a wonderful non-profit group here is Utah, called Image Reborn. (Even though it is head-quartered here in Utah, I believe their retreats are open to anyone - check out the information on their website: imagerebornfoundation.org)

This particular retreat was for young survivors - those 45 years of age and younger. I just barely slipped in there at age 45 (and counting). I'm glad I was able to attend and talk to younger women - I can relate a little bit more with the issues in this age group.

Let me tell you how we were pampered this weekend...

The setting was lovely - a beautiful home in the mountains near Park City. The weather was perfect - warm and sunny during the day, with those cool Utah nights. Each morning, we woke to see hot air balloons in the sky.

We watched with fascination the family of deer in the back yard the first night. The home with just incredible.


The food was good - it was nice to not have to worry about cooking meals for 3 days! There was fruit, yogurt, and sweet breads for breakfast. Lunch in the restaurant at the clubhouse - we ate next to the beautiful pool!

Dinners included different veggie pizzas, and Chicken Tetrazzini (with green chili peppers - YUM!). We got super good deserts, and I had dark chocolate stashed in my room for late night cravings, of course. ;-)

The activities included 3 things I've never experienced before...

1. Facials. Yes, you read that right. I've never had a facial before. Now I'm completely hooked.

Having a facial is what I call being pampered. The feel, the smell, the relaxation! Oh my!

2. Art Journaling. I've always wanted to try this. I know the importance of journaling, especially through your cancer journey, and this is just an unusual (but fun) way of doing that.

I worked on just one page in my art journal. I focused on what I was thinking about at the time - that even though cancer changed me a lot, I'm still me. It was fun to decorate the page, using quotes, and images. I made a list of things I've lost and gain. This is what it said:
Kara... minus boobs, hair, nails, veins, lashes, brows, and stomach. Plus implants, rest, wrinkles, scars, and love. Eguals - ME. A few of the quotes I used:

To thine own self be true - Shakespeare
Dare to be remarkable - Jane Gentry
For a long time, she flew only when she thought no one else was watching - Brian Andreas
I am just too much - Bette Davis


3. Restorative Yoga. This is something I've always thought I should try, but I've been too scared to take a class. And I have no idea what I'm doing, so I didn't think I could do it at home. I'm so glad I learned this wonderful exercise.

It brought my body in tune with my spirit - it was just incredible. We learned how to breath deeply and slowly, how to focus on each part of our bodies. Some things were hard for me, but it was mostly just wonderful, and just what our teacher claimed it would be - restorative.

Those three things will change my life, I think. I'm glad I got to experience them.

The company was made up of survivors - there were six of us. I got to meet the most fabulous ladies.

Beth, Jeni, B-Jo, Tonya, and Marci. This is the main reason I think I went to the retreat. I wanted to meet other survivors, and just take time to talk about issues we all face. I learned so many things, and hopefully helped someone as well. It was good to network.


When I got home, there were some neighbors visiting my family. As I told them about the retreat, I tried to explain WHY I felt like I needed to attend. It's hard to pinpoint the exact reason. All I know is that I feel better physically, and emotionally. It was a good thing for me. Survivors are the most amazing people - I'm so glad I was able to meet these ladies. They helped me so much.