Hi everyone, Linda Dyson here. I want to share a deeply personal and transformative journey that I embarked on as a breast cancer survivor. This journey led me to Reins of Hope, an incredible equine physical therapy non-profit founded by the amazing fellow breast cancer survivor, Becky Bunner. It's a story of pain, healing, and the power of mindfulness.

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, my world turned upside down. The whirlwind of surgery and radiation treatments left me physically and emotionally drained. The pain was relentless, and I struggled to find relief. I found an incredible team of breast cancer physical therapists at TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation(TPBCR) in Roswell, Georgia. The PTs there were compassionate, and empathic - and affirmed my experience that the surgical team and oncologists were less concerned about helping me with healing from surgery and the effectiveness of the radiation than helping me with my excruciating pain. I couldn’t sleep. My movement was more limited than I had hoped from lingering post-surgery pain in my chest and abdomen from the TRAM reconstruction. It was a challenging time for me. TurningPoint referred me to Becky Bunnel and Kathryn Fidati, two amazing ladies and an amazing non-profit organization called Reins of Hope.

Becky Bunner started Reins of Hope with a vision to help breast cancer survivors like me find solace and strength through equine therapy. The bond between me and a compassionate and understanding horse named, Archer was something truly magical. I felt the magic that moment I first stepped into the serene grounds of Reins of Hope. Archer, with his gentle and intuitive nature, seemed to understand my pain without a word spoken. His presence and awareness alone brought me a sense of calm and peace that I desperately needed. This new sense of calm became the foundation of healing and pain relief.

Equine therapy became a crucial part of my healing journey. Riding and interacting with the horses helped me reconnect with my body in ways I hadn’t thought possible. It was a form of therapy that transcended the traditional methods, offering me a unique blend of physical and emotional healing. The rhythmic movement of riding, the simple act of grooming, and the peaceful moments spent with Archer became a source of profound comfort and strength, released by tight muscles and angry nerve-endings so I have let go of the pain in my body..

However, the journey didn’t stop there. Alongside the physical benefits of equine therapy, I discovered the power of mindfulness in managing my pain and emotional turmoil. Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment, became my anchor. It was through the guidance of Reins of Hope and my personal exploration that I learned to harness mindfulness as a tool for pain control and emotional resilience.

 Mindfulness taught me to breathe through the pain, to acknowledge it without letting it consume me. It helped me navigate the overwhelming fear and anxiety that often accompanied my treatments. Each mindful breath, each moment of focused awareness, brought a sense of control and peace that I hadn’t experienced before. I knew I had to share what I learned with other breast cancer survivors. 

Inspired by the profound impact mindfulness had on my recovery, I felt a calling to give back to others and share other mindfulness tools with other breast cancer survivors and thrivers. This led me to volunteer with Reins of Hope and offer webinars with Kathryn Fidati, executive director of Reins of Hope, fellow breast cancer survivor, and advocate for breast cancer wellness. Together, we developed a comprehensive mindfulness program tailored specifically for those battling breast cancer. We also host “Renewal & Resilience,” an online community serving breast cancer patients, and nature retreats.

Our program combines the therapeutic benefits of mindfulness with practical techniques for managing pain and stress. We teach survivors and thrivers how to incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives, helping them to find peace and strength amid their struggles. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s been a joy to witness the transformations in the lives of those we’ve touched. Now I offer connection, community, resources, and support to other BCS and BCT through www.lindadyson.com.

Looking back, I am grateful for every step of this journey. Reins of Hope and the practice of mindfulness have not only helped me heal but have also empowered me to help others. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that healing is a multifaceted process that goes beyond physical treatment. It’s about finding harmony within oneself, connecting with nature, and embracing the present moment.

To all the breast cancer survivors and thrivers out there, know that you are not alone. There are resources, communities, and practices that can support you on your journey. Whether it’s through the gentle strength of a horse or the quiet power of a mindful breath, healing is possible. And together, we can find our way to peace and resilience.

With love and hope,

Linda Dyson

(P.S. - Check out my FREE GUIDE on how to REFUEL through breast cancer: Home (lindadyson.com)