October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to get women talking about their health, visiting their doctors and scheduling mammograms. Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women, with 1 in 8 women (about 12%) developing invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
The best advice I have every received on the subject of breast cancer came from Denise Macdonald, a woman who battled breast cancer with an absurd amount of strength and grace. Denise was dedicated to sharing her journey, offering other women insight and support through a blog called ‘Learning to Live, Living to Learn (denisedmacdonald.me). In November 2014 Denise wrote:
“If I were to give another woman any advice about how to deal with a breast cancer diagnosis, it would be to NOT assume a lump is something other than cancer. Get it assessed immediately! Alongside traditional medical treatment, take a holistic approach - find a local Naturopath who specializes in cancer and do what you need to do to get your body in ‘fighting mode’.”
As far as prevention goes:
• Forgive yourself. Forget your worries. Be happy with yourself. Live each day to the fullest!
• Be aware of the chemicals in your food and cosmetics, (such as pesticides, etc.).
• Exercise – even if it is just walking. It is important!
• Detoxify your body – it probably is in need of it.
• Get an annual mammogram or ultrasound, as your doctor advises.
• Visualize yourself as being healthy.
• Take responsibility for your life and take care of YOU.
“If cancer has given me any gifts, it is that it has given me time to reflect, heal and to realize that the ‘little stumbles’ in life are nothing compared to the big picture. Love yourself. Our time here is limited - use it wisely.”
While Denise is no longer with us her spirit lives on in those who knew her best, her courage remaining in her writing, and her kind support continues to reach women fighting the “big C”, helping them defy to the odds.
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