Do You Hear What I Hear?
I was totally unaware. But slowly I began to see that my time in the chemo lounge was passing more quickly and for some reason, the experience did not feel as draining. Sitting in that treatment chair and looking up at the tubes, bottles, and plastic packets was not as intimidating. I no longer felt the sense of dread that often came with each infusion appointment. A strange feeling of calm came over me because I unknowingly was releasing a powerful flow of opioids into my bloodstream, independent of the many infusions of chemotherapy.
So, what was going on?
After being told I needed chemotherapy to treat my non-Hodgkin lymphoma, panic set in and I blindly began to seek out things to calm me down and at the same time keep me occupied for the many hours it took to complete each infusion. My first “stroke of genius” was to load up my Kindle with several books. But deep down something was missing - I wanted more. On a whim, I signed up for an online music service. Why not listen to music and try to read as my chemo adventure unfolded? It all sounded very logical in my highly emotional stressed-out state.
It is strange how your mind works under stress. Deep down I wanted an escape and needed to find something to do as the poison cocktail was injected and then worked its way throughout my body. Unknowingly and by chance, I stumbled on a healing tool that helped get me through the chemo treatments and the aftereffects in the days, weeks, and months that followed.
Feeling more relaxed
People undergoing cancer treatments can and do experience many unpleasant side effects. I was no exception and “enjoyed” an amazing combination of anxiety-filled days, weeklong stays in the hospital, bowel blockages, cramps, and sleep problems. I was very fortunate not to have experienced any pain or nausea during my time on chemotherapy. Small blessings are really appreciated during therapy.
Somewhere along the line, I read an interesting article and learned when you listen to music, your body releases natural painkillers that our body manufacturers. Oxytocin and dopamine levels increase in your body when you are either creating or listening to music. The increased level of hormones can make you feel more relaxed and at the same time let you explore and enjoy a more positive attitude.
It worked!
It was amazing to learn that something I was doing was mimicking a type of therapeutic plan that was unfamiliar to me. Even better I was also combining slow, deep breathing sessions along with the music and incorporating all of it into my chemo sessions. And it worked.
If you are facing chemotherapy or having difficulty coping with the pain, stress, or anxiety caused by cancer and cancer treatments, try to find a type of music that helps you relax. If so, inclined you might also want to explore the services of an online music therapist. Should you need professional guidance check out some resources at www.cbmt.org. The site lists board-certified music therapists across the country who are available online for virtual care.
For me, a headset, and my iPhone worked well. Good luck but suspect hard rock may not be the number one best choice.
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