When asked how KR was feeling, she answered, “We’ve had some nausea this morning.” A 54-year-old esophageal cancer patient, KR had endured surgery and several treatments. She requested something soothing—classical flute music. While setting up, we discussed her large selection of music CDs on the bedside table. I asked if she had ever used music to help diminish anxiety. She replied no, but admitted that she probably should and added that, to center herself, she listened to the singer Sting.

Smiling, with eyes closed, KR focused on her breathing as I played the flute. Between pieces she commented, “If you have to be in the hospital, what could be better than this? Beautiful flowers, a great view, and music. This is the first time in a long time that I've been able to visualize artwork. I work with tapestry and beads. I could see dark red velvet tapestry with beads around it, almost like a butterfly.” She continued with obvious disappointment that the previous four months of cancer treatments had resulted in disabling attacks of nausea that interrupted each attempt to resume her artwork.

When asked to describe her nausea level at the therapy session's end, she responded, “What nausea? We've gone from four to one." ( On a scale of 1-10, one equals no nausea. )

View the other four Patient Testimony pages   A    B    C    D