In May of 2001 I received the news that I had breast cancer in the 2nd stage in my right breast, and that 3 lymph nodes were involved. This came after large tissue removal and pathology reports. I was informed by my medical oncologist that if I removed the breast and surrounding tissue, went on chemotherapy, I would have a 50/50 chance of survival. After leaving the doctors office that day, I told my husband I would go through with the suggested treatment but that I had a 100% ability to survive. “I am not planning to leave you”; I told him “because God and me, we can do anything!”

Thus I began my journey that could have been a very devastating one with a mind set that I was going to survive. By the end of May I had received a radical mastectomy, and also removed 23 lymph nodes. I started chemotherapy by June. The chemotherapy lasted until December of 2001 and left me with pains in every joint of my body, neuropathy and pain in my hands and feet, reduced functioning in my pancreas, sores from the front of my mouth through my alimentary canal, no hair anywhere; even eye lashes, blackened fingernails and toe nails, a strange, burnt completion, diabetes and very high cholesterol and triglycerides etc. The year 2002 was a blur because these conditions left me unable to function. I was a mess. Prior to finding the lump under my arm during breast examination, I had considered myself as being very healthy, and in 2 years after that diagnosis, my life was changed in a very devastating way.

It is now 2009 and I am very healthy, slim and vibrant. I spend a lot of time talking to women about steps I have taken to regain my health. Here are some of those critical issues:

1] Become acutely aware of you body and the changes it is going through. Do your breast examinations so you can find subtle changes before they become big changes. Consult with experts that will become your partners in surviving the challenge if you are diagnosed. Beware of practitioners that seem distant and uncaring. You need a team of cheerleaders who believe like you in the possibilities.
2] Keep your body’s pH in an alkaline range. I test my pH through the first urine in the morning. Acidity is something that kept my body off balance. To keep balance, I eat large quantities of fresh vegetables and some fruits and I drink large amounts of clean, alkaline water, lean fish and meat; 5 times per day in quantities no bigger than my fist. This helps my metabolism and never puts any strain on my body.
3] Clean your colon! I make sure that my daily output of fecal matter is at least 12 -18 inches. I try to keep my colon clean.
4] Nutrition is vitally important. I make sure that I am getting good amounts of vitamins, trace minerals, digestive enzymes etc. I take some of these in liquid form so as to have good absorption.
5] Exercise gently. Yes you can have gain without pain. I exercise by walking.
6] Recreation is vital. I use gardening as one of the ways in which I get in touch with my spirit. Gardening brings me a lot of joy.
7] Keep your thoughts on positive outcomes. Don’t waste your creative energy on the things you cannot change. Focus on what you can. I believe that a positive mindset keeps me focused on and putting my energy into staying well. I can’t afford the luxury of a negative thought.
8] I believe that good nutrition, good absorption and excellent elimination are the keys to supporting a strong immune system.
9] I believe that a strong immune system will help me stay healthy and vital for a long time to come.
I am happy to share my story and answer questions in an open forum for anyone who would like to learn from my experience. I may be contacted at: Carol Hope, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ; Hope Providers, P.O. Box 69-3393 Miami, Florida 33269 - Telephone 786-337-5965.