Photo: Ken 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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Feb 4, 2026. Home! – Savoring

Just wanted you to know.

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!

Effortless Action: relaxed, supported, playful — with easy presence.

It was a challenging hike, so my companion put her hand on my back to help me up the steepest part. She used no force, just a gentle, loving touch, and that’s all it took to make it easier. 

Since then, when I’m climbing alone–or facing another challenge–I imagine a strong, loving hand supporting me from behind or somehow all around. I surrender the tension of trying to control and ride the current of support that’s always here. 

When a tree grows it’s not doing the growing; It’s just growing. The same with a flower opening, so gracefully evident in time lapse photography. And with any action–a yoga pose, a deep breath–how does it feel to allow this body to open and these limbs and spinal column to grow? 

What about everyday tasks, like cleaning my glasses? When I invite myself to do it effortlessly, I notice I turn on the water in a relaxed way, I easily add some soap, I’m present, and feel as if someone or something is moving my hands. Easy, playful joy.

In meditation I invite this: “Be present with the sensations and movement of each breath the way you naturally would show up for someone or something you find easy to love; No agenda, no expectations, open-hearted, listening, present. Give yourself these qualities of attention now.” Easy to love. Easy to be.

What happens when you allow a deeper, slower breath to support every movement and action? Reaching, speaking, singing?

And when you notice efforting, what happens when you stop for a moment? How is it to remember the feeling of being supported by a friend’s hand and heart, by spirit, by higher power, nature, community, love, and begin again?

For me, easy grace. 

Updates about Wendy’s health:

May 25, 2022: Thank you for your supportive thoughts as I prepare for surgery June 2. The ovarian mass is localized, I have excellent doctors, and am hopeful for a successful outcome. While I pause for healing, I hope you will enjoy connecting with each other in loving presence through self-guided Mindful Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation via the usual Weekly Schedule Zoom links. I will post updates when I can. Love to all!

June 3, 2022: Success! Surgery went well, and I was able to come home same-day due to laparoscopic wonders. So grateful to be cleared out and healing in comfort. The mass was malignant, but contained. We’ll find out more details in the coming weeks including any further treatment recommendations. Thank you for all the healing wishes, prayers, and other support, my dear family, friends and beloved mindfulness community! It helps tremendously! 🙏❤️

June 6, al fresco with the steady support of my spouse Karen and my parents Nancy and Steve.

June 13: I’m doing really well, stronger each day and appreciating all the mindfulness tools during this healing time. Your good thoughts and wishes are helping too! How wonderful to know that some of you are meeting at class time for community-supported practice. Breathing in what’s here; breathing out love and gratitude for this precious life.

June 23, 2022: Making great progress, walking strong, holding each moment with reverence and plenty of joy. I will receive a short course of chemotherapy July 11 to Aug 22 Aug 29. I hope to resume teaching [a little at a time] by mid-Sept. This week’s epiphany: I can live a great life while going through this. And I am doing just that–feeling the full spectrum, including continued gratitude for all your well wishes! 

Point Pinole, one step at a time.

June 30, a warmhearted visit with my brother Joel.

July 9: Fun moment! Pre-chemo haircut allows me to donate my locks before losing them. Receiving all the good vibes and sending love and light to all.

July 31, 2022: Tomorrow is my 2nd of 3 chemo treatments. I’ve been doing quite well, thanks to so many supportive beings and practices.  The hair loss has been an adventure, symbolic of this time as a rebirth. Resting, nourishing, reflecting, reading, singing, hiking, laughing, being playful, just being. Relaxing around discomfort of body sensations, emotions and thoughts, shedding old hurts and anything that is not essential. Envisioning (and experiencing) joy, inner radiance, creative spark and loving life all the way through. Sending blessings of gratitude for your continued good energy and healing wishes. 

July 26 with my brother Ken on his sweet brief visit, holding our breath without masks for a moment.

Aug 1, 2022: Change of plans–My white blood cell count is a little low, so we’re delaying my 2nd chemo a week to Aug 8. This is common. Adding some more high-quality meat and more rest. Should be good to go next week. 

Morning walk on the neighborhood trail.

Miraculous August rainbow.

Aug 6, 2022: Good news! My white blood cells are up in the normal range again, so I’m ready for the second chemo on Monday, 8/8. Appreciating every success, every step. 

Aug 19, 2022: Whew! After making it through last week’s tumultuous side effects (the chemo doing its job), I’m enjoying some gentle days and simple pleasures: Luxuriating in a spoonful of peanut butter. Singing a new tune (not at the same time as the peanut butter). Sensing the loving presence that is always here. 

Aug 28, 2022: Tomorrow is the third and final chemo infusion. I’m ready. Feeling the power of your loving wishes; each one a breath of light. 

My partner Karen’s resonator guitar collaborated with the sun to bloom something magical above our hearth of healing cards.

Aug 30, 2022:  The chemotherapy is complete! Healing forward from here. CT scan in a few weeks for the all-clear and a new baseline, plus continued integrative medicine support. And loving life.

In quiet, joyful celebration.

Sept 18, 2022: The side effects of the final round of chemo were challenging, and all the great support is carrying me through. After tomorrow’s CT scan, I’m preparing to resume teaching classes a little at a time. (Schedule coming soon.) Feeling tremendously grateful.

Sept 21, 2022: Dancing with joy and relief!  Monday’s CT scan report says no residual, recurrent or metastatic disease. With a lightness in my step I enter the next phase of close monitoring for five years, easing progressively. And continuing healthy practices and complementary care always. 

Please check the Class Schedule for updates as I get back in the saddle, slow and steady. 

I wish I had just the right words of appreciation for all the incredibly generous support — beautifully written emails, uplifting photos, sweet texts, a glorious mountain of cards, warm voice messages, donations big and small, creative gift cards, abundant fresh food, healthy and artistic desserts, cashmere leggings (really!) and other lovely and sassy adornments, inspiring books, flowers galore, and most of all your true prayers, good thoughts and constant love. I have received every offering with an open, grateful heart. And I’ve discovered that receiving is part of the healing. Thank you.

Nov 30: After particularly poignant and celebratory birthday/Thanksgiving with my family (warm hugs with Mom and Dad’s flourless chocolate cake), I’ll be resuming some yoga classes next week!