Diana, Congratulations for being a cancer survivor! You have joined a very large club with a lousey membership fee. I understand how terrified you must be. Having cancer once would have been enough for me had I been able to make the choice for myself. You understand that cancer can occur again in one of two ways. Metastasis (cells from the primary cancer finding their way to another area) and, a new primary site cancer completely unrelated to the first. Your oncologist will determine from the biopsy which one is ocurring in your breast (or if the lumps are even malignant, meaning not cancerous). So don’t get ahead of yourself and think positive, or if you must be cautiously terrified. ‘How is seven possible?’ In my case it comes from bad genetics. My mother and genetic father both grew up in an area of the country that has been determined to be a ‘cancer cluster.’ The combination of rural farming, coal mining, and oil wells have all contributed to unhealthy soil, water, and air. I only know of two members of my entire extended family who have not had cancer. Sadly, that same toxic soup has produced a genetic flaw in the brain and we are able to trace back five generations with ‘Essential Tremors.’ I come from a family of really strong women. I guess you could say I am strong, but I prefer to look at it as stubborn. During my very first diagnosis I was around forty years old, and had never been in a hospital or had a major operation in my life. I was more afraid of than anesthesia than the cancer. In that case ignorance was bliss. Since then I have become educated to a fault about each new diagnosis. I have sought out the best Western medicine available to me (doctors, treatment choices, support systems). I also sought out Eastern insight and treatment (meditation, accupuncture, Tai Qi, Qi Gong, yoga). Most importantly I looked inward to my faith and beliefs. I chose ‘life’ even if it required sacrifice. When I made it through my first cancer I realized that I was given my life back for a greater purpose outside of myself. It is for that purpose that I believe I am a survivor. If only for me to tell you that I understand your fear and that I am living testament that you can continue life beyond cancer(s). Lastly, I want you to hold on to your sense of humor. Don’t forget to laugh! Humor and laughter are very healing. Don’t let your friends and family treat you like you are dying. Make them laugh with you. Make them be part of your joy. Help them to understand that just because you had(have) cancer, doesn’t mean that you ARE cancer. Please enjoy every minute of your life. If you haven’t read this book, I suggest you do so. “The Cancer Conqueror. An Incredible Journey to Wellness” by Greg Anderson. If you have never been to the American Cancer Society’s web site, you should. There is a link that will take you The Cancer Survivor’s Network. It is informative, it offers a live chat, discussion boards, and an endless supply of resources. Diana, I will add you to my prayers. CA

before i seem an idiot—-do you live in an area of trees? i’ve seen a native-american method save even those given weeks. i’ve seen it work, even over the net—-you don’t have to believe—just Act.