Breathing through it: Cancer and Breath Control
Earlier this week I had a CT Planning Scan and one of the radiographers asked me to breathe out and then to hold my breath for as long as possible.
This is called an exhale breath hold and I found it really difficult.
I’m used to the inhale breath hold, where you breathe in and hold your breath, but I hadn’t done the exhale technique.
I had to hold my breath, and remain perfectly still, for about 20 seconds.
The CT Planning Scan is done in preparation for a course of SABR radiotherapy and it’s vital that you remain still so they can get clear images of your innards.
I was so pleased to start breathing again.
I’ve been slowing down this week, thinking about the three-way relationship between my movement, mind and breath.
Today I got to breathe with the sounds of the birds, waves and wind.
The waves were crashing and noisy. The wind was a gusty north westerly.
Yet the birdsong cut through it all, like moments of mental clarity.
Dr Peter Lovatt
26 March 2026
