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• December 20, 2012 12:50 a.m.

  I must have music everyday. I am 49 currently & my father was in a band (drummer) before I was born. Music was always in the house & I began learning to play @ 5 yrs old. Music was my best friend before I had friends. My ipod is filled w/specific playlists to accompany any "emotion'" Im at or want to get over. Artists that have harmonies soothe my soul i.e. The Eagles, The Beach Boys, Little Big Town, to name a few...songs that move me someway; Don Henley Heart of the Matter. Jackson Browne Love needs a Heart, America the beautiful, too many too list. I never play music to provoke sadness or bad memories. I use music as a tool for my well being and balance. Every morning I walk/run to my music as loud as i can handle because I love it so much for an hour. I used to teach aerobics in my 20's & got my a.m. daily dose. I believe it is the only universal language there is and can do so much to promote well being. I am addicted to it to the point if I'm having an off /bad mood day its cause didn't start listening to music along the way.It is my miracle drug.

  - Sandra

• August 13, 2012 10:25 p.m.

  I'm a healing harpist, and I find that music can be so helpful in reducing pain. First, the music gives the mind a distraction away from the pain, and then the tones themselves cause the body to relax, releasing some, if not most, of the pain. Though I believe the healing power of music, I am constantly surprised at how gentle and effective it is. We are lucky to live in a time when music is being accepted as a healing modality.

  - Cymber

• April 27, 2012 1:01 p.m.

  I've been playing guitar for ~16 years, and music has always been my refuge, my solace and therapy. Its incredibly cathartic. Ever since my diagnosis, I've focused on my playing - and its never been better. I've been in a phase of prolific creativity. I have a lot more to "say" in what musical ideas and "moods" I try to express. They say you can't play the blues without suffering - and now I know what they mean. I definitely have a lot to work with, now.

  - Andrew

• September 4, 2011 5:17 p.m.

  I started singing to my dogs every day during the last year. I make up songs that I sing to them. It helps so much! I also play the piano once in awhile. It relaxes me and the dogs as well. It helps get my mind off my cancer.

  - Sue

• July 13, 2011 10:47 a.m.

  I also find music very enjoyable and it also makes me dance! Look for a good radio station and start dancing!! Best wishes every body

  - louise

• July 11, 2011 12:02 a.m.

  Music is our gift from above. It's great for everyone in the family.I'm helping my mom tackle her battle & I love to relax to music at least once or twice a week for a couple hours. Youtube is an excellent place to sit down and start finding songs you forgot you loved. One of my favorite uplifting tunes is "Drift Away" by either Dobie Gray or Uncle Cracker. It's so inspiring... :)

  - Love Life

• June 22, 2011 2:27 p.m.

  Contemporary Christian music lifts me up in just the right way at the right time. Klove.com will give you your local station.

  - Luree

• June 10, 2011 1:16 a.m.

  I am a research and I find cool country music quite soothing especially when I am writing a complex report. Having such music play in low volumes in the background makes my day. Same applies when I want to sleep too! Try it, it works!

  - David

• May 25, 2011 8:02 a.m.

  2yrs ago i had dbl b/c 2 different cancers. waiting in the waiting room all day tests etc with others i was taken at 5pm. long day and managed with i pod and my music.Played Anre Rieu Last Rose of Summer 47 times.2 yrs before going through radiation on the v.cord i would bring my m usic and they had to blast it for me .Music got me through without a pill.Today IM FINE.

  - leonie

• May 14, 2011 7:35 a.m.

  George Harrison - "Stuck Inside a Cloud" says it all.

  - Cynthia

• May 13, 2011 12:20 p.m.

  I truly believe in the benefits of music. Everyday while going through treatment I listened to soothing music and looked out our bay window at a beautiful view and garden. I believe this truly helped my positive attitude and recovery. Although only 3 months since my last treatment, I continue to do this daily.

  - Kathy

• May 12, 2011 10:53 p.m.

  I think music is wonderful for the spirit. I have loaded my ipod with many songs I loved when I was young and listen to them when I take my morning walk. I would love to dance but the legs aren't as strong as they use to be but I give a try anyway.

  - Joe

• May 12, 2011 4:42 p.m.

  I found it exceptionally helpful at night. Sleep for me has been exceedingly difficult and about 30 minutes of music while I lay in bed has helped me sleep. Also for those middle of night episodes where I'm wide awake, I plug in my earphones and it works in reducing my frustration and sadness..

  - Rick

• May 12, 2011 2:55 p.m.

  I understand that brain research during this past decade has evidenced the positive effects of certain kinds of music on the feeling and physiology of a person.

  - Hugo

• May 12, 2011 1:47 p.m.

  i totally agree. i have my on and off days when the pain is just too much and it makes me really depressed but then i turn on my music especially the garth brooks song "the river" and i wouldnt say it takes away the pain but it works for the depression part i feel like there is a ray of hope.

  - deborah

• May 12, 2011 1:22 p.m.

  I had chemotherapy 15 years ago and while I was in the hospital they had this stuffed bear with a tape player in its stomach. I listened to music tapes a lot during the 35 days I was hospitalized and it was very soothing. I now use music to energize and also to ground me when life gets too stressful. I recently told my brother who was just diagnosed with cancer to listen to some music as it is great for the mind and body.

  - Pat

• May 12, 2011 1:04 p.m.

  I found that when I listen to music either during chemo treatment or in time of stress I can leave my worries and pain behind.

  - Robyn

• May 12, 2011 12:35 p.m.

  My husband an I go out every Saturday night to dance for at least one hour. That's my exercise for Saturdays. It is great for the mind, body, and soul.

  - maureen

• May 12, 2011 12:12 p.m.

  First of all the previous post was by mistake, sorry to everyone and to mayocilinic website regarding the music in relation to cancer Oh, that's really what I am doing lately, I am had hodgikin lymphoma since 3 years and 2 month, and yes music, dancing, good imaginations, getting back memories to your mind is a very good thing that I tried, and I tell myself, deep inside, there is a voice say, I am almost healed, I will heal completely… I will live a normal life I like the song" the dancing queen" while really feeling so, I used that, and it works out Hidaya

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• May 12, 2011 12:12 p.m.

  My HMO, bless its heart, has online music, meditations and guided imagery sessions which I've put onto my MP3 player and have used again and again to relax, renew, and strengthen myself as I cope with a recurrence of ovarian cancer...what a great resource!

  - Meg

• May 12, 2011 11:46 a.m.

  Music can definitely impact cancer patients in many positive ways such as relaxing and equally important to energize. Also, please consider one more thought. Using music in therapeutic riding sessions, to both relax and revitalize. "THE BEAT"(Heart Hoof Drum)

  - Phil

• May 12, 2011 11:36 a.m.

  What you say about music resonates with me. A digital music player, eg. iPod, is a great investment. Download your favourite tunes. Listen while you are doing chores, waiting to see the oncologist, walking, etc., whenever you need to be calmed or uplifted.

  - Kathleen