Relaxation and Visualization Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients

The purpose of this study is to find out if it is possible to study relaxation and visualization therapy (RVT) with individuals that have breast cancer. We will also look at what effects, the good and bad, RVT has when used with radiation therapy. We are interested in how RVT may relate to energy, quality of life, stress, and the immune system. Relaxation is a state in which the body slows down, like in sleep or rest. Heart rate decreases, breathing slows and digestion increases. Visualization is an interactive mental process. The participant imagines herself doing a physical activity. This imagination stimulates a measurable physical response. Relaxation and Visualization therapy will lead participants through a practice of physical relaxation and then a step by step visualization. RVT can be performed by an individual alone, or it can be led by a health practitioner. In this study, participants will be led through an RVT exercise, providing an interactive process. In addition, women will perform solitary RVT exercises at home on weekends. Participants for this study will be drawn from two OHSU physicians' regular patient base. Newly diagnosed patients will be offered the opportunity to participate in our Relaxation and Visualization Therapy Study. We want to make sure that the results we see are not due to any other factors. To be sure that we are testing the effects of RVT alone, we will use three groups. The three groups will be RVT, education, and a control. The RVT group will receive RVT with radiation, and the education group will receive breast cancer related health education with radiation. Both test groups will last approximately one hour. The third group will receive no treatment beyond radiation. This third group is called the control. The entire study will last for approximately twelve weeks. For the first 6 weeks, each participant will be receiving radiation therapy. The second 6 weeks will be done mostly at home. We will be particularly interested in the effects that RVT may have on energy, quality of life, stress, and the immune system. To examine this, participants will complete surveys about stress and psychological changes. A dietary assessment will be conducted via interviews. Participants will be asked to recall what foods commonly eaten. A heart monitor will be worn during the educational and visualization activities to monitor any changes in heart rate. Additionally, 5 blood draws will occur during the study, and the total amount of blood drawn will be about 4 tablespoons of blood. No experimental drug or device will be used during the study.