Carole Ann Wainer Gore, a member of Congregation Shaarai Shomayim in Lancaster, PA, shared the story of her cancer and the guided imagery she created to help her during each round of her chemotherapy. After the first round of chemo, Carole decided to base her guided imagery on Jewish liturgy and concepts. Below is an excerpt from her story.

CREATING MY OWN JEWISH GUIDED IMAGERY

Carole Ann Wainer Gore

For several days before I began chemotherapy for transitional cell carcinoma, I created and rehearsed a guided image of a boat that allowed me to relax and give myself permission to enjoy the journey toward renewed health one chemo drip at a time. During my first chemo session, as my husband held my hand, I began to breathe deeply and follow my guided imagery. As I did, I felt HaShem's profound presence. There was no doubt in my mind that the infusion process was being guided by a Higher Power.

Because the guided imagery I used for my first round of chemotherapy served me well, I decided to create something completely different, a mantra, to contemplate for the second round of infusions. Since the Hebrew word Shalom denotes peace and inner tranquility, I repeated the following every day as a way of connecting to my spiritual self. It became the mantra I repeated throughout my second round of chemo.

Meditation for the Second Round of Chemotherapy

SHALOM

S is for serenity
H is for harmony
A is for affection
L is for luminous
O is for Oneness
M is for mystical

May the mystery of the One
lead to my inner luminosity,
compel me to show affection
for those I love and produce
harmony around me with
serenity in my soul.
-Amen

The meditation on Shalom worked very well for the second round of chemotherapy. I decided to create another mantra for the third round. I had been praying daily to the Source of Creation and had become humbled by it. The Hebrew word Shema means "hear" or "listen" to the still voice within one's self.

Meditation for the Third Round of Chemo

SHEMA

S is for silence
H is for humanity
E is for envision
M is for meditation
A is for affirmation

In the silent recesses of my mind,
I envision a meditation that
affirms my humanity.
-Amen

My fourth and final round of chemo was to be given the afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It is customary during the month of Elul to practice T'Shuva, the psychological process of turning inward, letting go of one's past and being open to one's future. This was the basis for my meditation.

Meditation for the Fourth Round of Chemo

T'SHUVA

T  is for turn
S  is for self
H  is for hidden
U  is for ultimate
V  is for view
A  is for allow

Turn inward toward your hidden self.
Allow yourself to view your ultimate
existence.
-Amen

This meditation during my last chemo infused me with the confidence that I would have a peaceful transition from the arduousness of chemotherapy to the joy of living.