Photo: Nancy Beckerman
Updates about Wendy’s health
OVERVIEW: Dear family, friends, and Mindfulness and music communities, After three years in the clear, I had a cancer recurrence culminating in a complex surgery Sept 4, 2025, removing a mass from my pelvis. The tumor had attached to several structures, including muscles and arteries that affect movement in my right leg (e.g, walking and using stairs). Healing is in progress, and further treatment is described below.
Note to class participants: While I pause for healing, I hope you will connect with each other in strength and love through community-led Mindful Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation via the usual Weekly Schedule Zoom links.
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March 5, 2026 – Empowerment
As I told some of you when I popped in on Meditation class on Zoom, for the foreseeable future I will be focusing on healing. I envision myself teaching again, and that is an uplifting thought. I will let you know when I’m ready!
Not to alarm you—it’s a good thing—I had an urgent blood transfusion Sunday, March 1. I was so impressed with the doctors’ quick communication with each other. We jumped in the car, albeit slowly, and gave my blood in Oakland. The very next day I was in the infusion clinic. They gave me my own room, and all went well.
I’ve been enjoying increased independence/empowerment. For example:
My Occupational Therapist suggested stretching a tote bag across the walker so I can carry around the machines, walk the extra laps around the kitchen counter by myself, walk down to the bathroom (in the daytime), etc.
The spontaneous singing and laughter continues to be part of the healing. The tremor symptom affects my voice, so it feels like good muscle and breath building—plus, it’s fun!
I met with a Speech Therapist yesterday, focusing on cognitive issues, mostly short-term memory. I aced the tests! She encouraged me to get back to writing songs, and to writing longhand every day.
I have a heart full of gratitude for all your love. I’m sending you mine!
Below is a treat: One of my mom’s photographs is being shown at her photography school. Her teacher gives her interesting assigments. I love this one so much.
February 15, 2026 – In the Flow
After much organizing and sorting out all the items and details, of which there are many, we are finally in the flow of just being home. Of course this is not simple for Karen and Louise. One example; twice a day they set up medication that goes into my PICC line, and give me various oral meds too. I’m a complex case, and Karen and Louise are handling it beautifully.
Three times a week the Wound VAC dressing is changed by a nurse, which is helping heal an infection. It’s very painful, but I go to a relaxed meditative space. The sound of the unrolling of the tape to close the wound is always a relief.
We have a core group of people who know the basics and can “Wendy sit” to give Karen and Louise a break.
I have a Night Caregiver so we can all get some sleep, and I am well cared for.
I am very active, doing PT twice a week, doing the PT exercises twice a day, often with Louise, and using the walker around the kitchen island for extra laps. I sit at the table for many meals. I’m getting stronger every day. When the sunshine comes, we go out to the garden in the wheelchair.
Lots of singing and laughing too, all the way through — such good medicine.
I feel so grateful and blessed.
Some of you know I released an album in June 2025, simply called “Wendy Beckerman.” My first on piano and voice. It’s on all the streaming platforms and many people find it calming and healing. I hope you’ll pause and have a listen.
Peter Gallway, the co-producer of this album, who also played many of the instruments and sang, just published his memoir, and it’s outstanding. It’s called Hard Tail Strat – Guitars, Heroin, Songs, and Stories. I savor a few vignettes every morning. I highly recommend it.
Thank you for your love and care! I hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
February 4, 2026 – Home! Savoring.
Just wanted you to know I’m home!.
Love to all,
Wendy
January 19, 2026 – Brief Update
Happy Martin Luther King’s birthday!
The hypotheses of this being a rare Autoimmune Reaction to the treatment holds true. I’m now on a 6-week taper of oral steroids and and adjustments can be made if needed. Still in the hospital, taking it a day at a time.
Much love!
January 11, 2026 – Receiving the Healing
As some of you know, I have been in the hospital since 12/31. (The local fireworks were spectacular from the 10th floor!)
After much testing, the current hypothesis is that the immunotherapy protocol, while effective in further shrinking the two small tumors, caused a rare autoimmune reaction, adding up to fevers, tremors, significant hearing loss, and slight visual changes. IV steroids are helping, along with IViG infusions. I’m in such good hands, and many protections are in place.
Along the way I am appreciating all that is going well in my body! (How could someone so healthy be feeling so crappy?)
Receiving acupuncture in the hospital has helped me feel a sense of peace in the deepest center of it all. (I will add her info to my resources page. As soon as she enters the room, healing begins.)
Equally so, my dear friend Patrice Haan brought her Celtic Harp, and the healing was deep and lasting. Within the first minute, tears came fast and long, and I easily surrendered. Patrice said the harp does that. At the end, we harmonized together on a song we worked up a few years ago. What a gift.
(I am using the airpods hearing aid feature for now. So helpful.)
Students: I’m having my website rebuilt because the original template is no longer stable. They will use the existing photographs and copy, making it look very much like East Bay Yoga, but with a refresh. It could be ready in about six weeks.
Fortunately, my updates are now viewable again! A little magic? My site will remain running until the new one launches.
Thank you immensely for all your love, care, support of me, yourself, and each other.
With tremendous love and gratitude
❤️Wendy
December 28, 2025 – Resting and Feeling
I’m hoping you’ve been enjoying holiday celebrations (quiet, full, or some of each) as we get ready to put up a whole new calendar.
I enjoyed waking up at home on Christmas morning with a sweet and playful grouping of Karen’s family. Everyone pitched in and made this impromptu slumber party easy and fun. Later, another grouping of Karen’s family (plus a close friend and her cute dog) brought Christmas dinner and much love was shared. I put my feet up a lot.
I was glad to see those who were at the Friday online Meditation Practice Group this week, even though I could only stay for part. So glad to see the group going strong!
Who would have guessed the next morning I would have an extreme low blood pressure episode, with phenomenal first responders stabilizing my BP before bringing me to the ER for lots of tests. Everything checked out ok, and it seems most likely it was the BP meds I was prescribed to balance out a side effect of one of the immunotherapy drugs. One less med to take now, which is a welcome equation. Fingers crossed. Endless gratitude and love to my partner Karen who made the call that saved me.
And so, today I’m resting, hydrating, feeling all the emotions, and looking forward to the next time we get to the coast. [Below, such joy with my brother Ken at Half Moon Bay toward the end of November]
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year, with much love.
December 4, 2025 – Blessings
Well, my computer died for no apparent reason, and more important, I am alive and well for SO many good reasons.
(PSST: Do you have a good backup system for your computer? End of public service announcement.)
To be real, I had a few very rough days after the 2nd infusion (noticing the thought, “How am I going to get through this?”). But time and following my heart, and all the love and compassion around me, and deep breaths and major and minor gratitudes got me through. I am counting my blessings on fingers and toes and late autumn flowers and stars and this big beautiful moon.
I will resize the family photos below (and more are coming soon), but for now, click on each one to see the full image. Tender Note: The photo on the right with my parents and my Uncle Bill was just a few days before he passed away unexpectedly. Some of you know him — perhaps you met him at one of my concerts, enjoying his playful light. What an incredible blessing that we were able to be with him for that magical day.
November 19, 2025 – A Good Start
Hello dear ones, Thank you for checking these updates and supporting me on this healing journey. The first two weeks of immunotherapy have gone well, with minimal side effects (some uncomfortable, all manageable). My next infusion is Nov 25.
The most significant challenge has been severe pain in the right buttock due to reduced blood flow from the vasculature that was removed in the life-saving surgery. Some trial and error (finding the right balance of movement and rest) along with mind-body practices and lots of bodywork, and this should improve in the coming months. Slow and steady.
November has brought a loving parade of visits from the East Coast: Each of my brothers, Joel and Ken, and my parents, Nancy and Steve, have been taking turns being here and being real. I’m blessed to love my family so dearly and have their full support, now and always. (Fun photos coming soon!)
Wishing you a Thanksgiving to savor!
November 5, 2025 – Hopeful
This afternoon, on this bold full-moon rainy day, I will begin immunotherapy infusions (once every 3 weeks), along with the M-F pill that will help activate it. I’m ready and feel hopeful.
The 2nd opinion doctor shared good news: Sometimes ovarian cancer actually has a different source. What was originally viewed as ovarian cancer when it appeared three years ago, we are now viewing as endometrial cancer instead. Why does this matter? It’s a match! After a promising clinical trial of over 1,000 people with endometrial cancer, this immunotherapy protocol was approved and has been effective for the last 4 years.
While I’ve always been interested in looking for the cause rather than treating the symptom, I’m already living such a healthy lifestyle. So I’m making a very conscious choice to begin this treatment — which feels empowering — as I continue doing what I love: Enjoying healthy eating, exercise, mind-body practices, being playful, embracing community, making music, being in nature, throwing my head back laughing, and all the rest.
Note to class participants: My hope is that in several weeks, assuming I tolerate the treatment well, I’ll slowly begin to lead mindfulness classes again, and find new ways to offer what I have to give.
Thank you, everyone, for your support and for joining me in envisioning healing, and savoring life.
October 26, 2025 – Home Again & Getting Ready (Revised 10/27)
Last Sunday my partner Karen and I had such a lovely day with her stepdaughter Chieko and Chieko’s husband Eric. Good meals, laughter (always laughter with them), and a walk by the bay where we marveled at the pelicans fishing in free fall, sometimes three in a row — quite a show!
Unfortunately, that night my body had a lot to tell me, and I listened. After several hours of being sick and in pain, and after consulting with the on-call doctor, Karen drove me to the ER at 3:30 AM, and I was admitted for a partial obstruction of the small intestine. Relatively common, I’m told, after abdominal surgery due to scar tissue. So, another round of the NG tube — only for a couple days this time (whew!) — and the great care of family, friends, and hospital staff gave my body a chance to heal. I returned home on Thursday, and yes, it’s so good to be home again, eating soft foods and continuing the healing. Never a dull moment!
The scan that found the obstruction also showed a small mass in the pelvis. Too big for radiation, so…
We had an excellent meeting with the 2nd opinion doctor and really appreciated his perspective and encouragement. He had a lot to say about the recommended combo protocol of Lenvima (pill) and Keytruda immunotherapy (infusions) being proven, effective, and appropriate for me as a next step for treatment. It has its challenges (side effects), so I’m getting ready. Some other very interesting and promising learnings as well that will set me up for future treatment and help me live with this as best I can. Of course my mind-body practices will keep serving me, including allowing space for all the emotions. As I write this, I’m feeling hopeful and fortunate.
Here’s an appropriate quote my Aunt Lainie and Uncle Rick shared: “Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day.” (Alice Morse Earle)
Wishing you much love and daily goodness!
As you’ll see below, my friend Jen helped me with the goodness of dressing up the house for Halloween. And below that, see what it inspired the next morning!
October 17, 2025 – Perspective
In this in-between time of gathering information — via scans, second opinions, and more — to make conscious and informed choices about further treatment, I am savoring rest, reflection, walks, playing music, learning, feeling loved, and appreciating all that I have. I completed Home Health PT and have shifted to outpatient PT, which hopefully will increase functioning and reduce pain. I’m hopeful and continue to appreciate your offerings — good thoughts, texts, homegrown produce and poetry on our doorstep, heartfelt wishes — all of it. Wishing you much love and joy!
This, from a recent evening walk by the bay:
October 10, 2025 – Grateful
Each day I receive and savor every big and small gesture of kindness, support, compassion, and generosity, and all your beautiful prayers for healing and wholeness. Karen and I are so grateful to feel held with love by so many! Thank you for continuing to send good energy and light, and holding a vision of peace, vitality, and joy. It means the world to me and us. I’m sending you much love as well!
October 4, 2025 – Next Steps
I’ve made great progress with healing and strengthening this past week. I’m celebrating each success, such as walking a little longer each day, and climbing the stairs with one foot on each next step. (If you’re Facebook-y, see the stairs progress HERE.) Slow and steady!
Yesterday my doctor confirmed the pathology of the tumor shows a recurrence of the ovarian cancer that I had three years ago. The good news is the margins are clear. Next steps are to consult with the Radiation Oncologist for treatment recommendations, and another cancer specialist for a second opinion. I move between feeling sad to be going through this, and strongly curious about any and all good that may come of it as I refresh my intentions and broaden my view. It’s a practice.
Louise flew home to Colorado today, so we’re adjusting, and so incredibly grateful for her invaluable support these past weeks, born from a lifetime of friendship. Below are some scenes from recent walks by the bay and in the local hills.
September 26, 2025 – Life and Love
A friend asked me how I keep the glass half full. I credit the mindfulness practice of allowing space to hold whatever is here with love, while simultaneously filling my being with what feels life-affirming. For example, when I learned of the tumor, what came to me front and center was a strong and clear vision that I want to be here for my beautiful octogenarian parents Nancy and Steve. I envision having a good number of years to enjoy more life together with them, and to be here to support them when it’s their time to die. This is a powerful reason for me to live. I have many others too, like making music with Karen and Louise in our trio The Sway Birds, rescheduling our mini tour when my healing allows so we can continue to share the joy. And intending to be a positive force in the world with even more strength than I knew I had before. So, whatever the pathology report shows on Oct 3, I’ll follow the medical steps, do my research, explore holistic modalities, practice all the good self care, and envision on a daily basis what feels uplifting without being concerned with how to achieve it. It feels like a good way to live.
More life: We’re celebrating the arrival of my cousin Jill and Chris’s baby boy Logan Taylor Beckerman, born on the Equinox! And, this weekend my nephew Josh marries Analis. So much to celebrate, even from afar. Thank goodness for technology for sharing face-time and photographs.
September 22, 2025 – Comments Working Again, Mystery Gift, & FB Post
Happy Equinox! Feeling stronger each day. The Comment section is ready for action again — apologies for the glitch. Who sent the Hello Sunshine Gift Box and grabber tool? Please comment below! And, if you’re FaceBook-y, check out yesterday’s post with some photos you haven’t seen and a video of me walking up and down a few stairs! I’m thinking of my cousin Jill in Seattle whose baby is getting ready to make our lives even brighter. Wishing you all a beautiful day.
September 19, 2025
Some bumpy days and nights with pain management, but today is a wonderful day! Being by the bay (part cane, part wheelchair) is so life-affirming.
September 17, 2025
I’m tremendously grateful for the high level of care in my 18-day hospital stay. And now, what a profound joy to be home. In the coming days I will share some of my most notable inner and outer experiences. Today I’m happy to provide the link to our Meal Train, where SF Bay Area locals who enjoy cooking may sign up to contribute a nourishing meal toward my healing and my caregivers’ well being. We also welcome gift cards for Door Dash, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts (Updated 10/17). Whether you provide food or simply envision us all healthy and whole, we are feeling your love and all the blessings of being alive.
Homegrown bounty by Verena and Angie!
September 16, 2025 – Trusting the Timing – Part 2
It was slow… not yet… wait and watch, then all of the sudden “a step at a time” sped up to this: I’m heading home!!!
September 14, 2025 – Trusting the Timing
Here we are, ten days since surgery. It’s a slow process for my GI system to wake up and function well enough for discharge home. But the NG tube is working, and I’m grateful my doctors are being careful. (Will continue post later…)
September 11, 2025
My spirits are good and lots of powerful healing is happening. But as is common after a big surgery like this, my GI is sluggish, so I’m still in the hospital. They put in an NG tube, which is really putting my mindfulness practices to the test beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. (I know some of you can relate!) I’m hopeful it will just be a few more days. The view from my quiet hospital room is beautiful, and I am grateful for all the great care. I am happy to receive your cards, emails, texts, and love, and now you can add a comment below the posted comments! (Your comment will appear here within a few days.)
Many powerful insights have been coming to me, and I look forward to sharing them soon.
I appreciate your offers of support. The greatest healing is knowing and feeling we’re all connected. We are also grateful for gift cards for Door Dash, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts (Updated 10/17). Once I’m home, a dear friend will be setting up a meal train for those who would enjoy making us a home-cooked meal.
Thank you for caring deeply and being with us in all the ways you are!
View from my hospital room:
September 8, 2025
Much has happened since surgery day (some details below). I hope to be discharged to our home in the next couple of days.
My beloved partner Karen and dearest friend Louise are taking turns being with me in the hospital, and I’m in close touch with my parents and brothers at every step. I’m handling the challenges with great support and making strong progress daily.
Some basics: I received a six-hour surgery on Thursday to remove a tumor in my lower right pelvis that involved several structures. (No infection.) Five different surgeons: Vascular, orthopedic, urology, and 2 from GYN/ONC. An amazing team. Full pathology report comes in 3-4 weeks. Started PT and OT, as my right hip flexor was involved, and this will continue at home. We will have Home Health Care Plus, with a hospital bed, and other equipment.
I enjoyed rediscovering that my blood type is B Positive! Thank you for all your positive wishes, light, and love — I feel every bit of it, and it helps immensely. Much love to all.
September 4, 2025 – Surgery Day
All went well! More soon. xo
September 3, 2025
Dear friends, family, and Mindfulness community, Please send good healing energy and light as I prepare to undergo surgery tomorrow, Sept 4, 2025 at 9 AM Pacific.
The surgeons will remove a mass in my lower right pelvis that appears to be a tumor, an infection, or both. Due to its location, it will be a big surgery followed by 6-8 weeks of recovery. Any further treatment is uncertain at this time.
I’m so grateful to have a tremendously supportive, capable, and loving family and community, and a phenomenal team of doctors and support staff.
I will post updates when I can.
Much love to all!
DEC
2025
