ABREAST of LIFE : Breast cancer treatment information, supplements & diet

I rejoice the day that this site was born. It literally came about through my own spiritual and emotional searching.

To give you a brief introduction to myself. My name is Deborah Brookes. I live in London, am married with three children and studied law in my younger days. I am not a doctor nor medically qualified in any way.

In November 2003, at the age of 47 I was diagnosed with advanced ductal carcinoma in situ. After considering two opinions and medical advice I had a mastectomy. My mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer nine months before which had unfortunately metastasised. It was very traumatic but somehow became less so once we decided to join forces to try to beat this horrible disease rather than just sit back and remain vulnerable. We had to get on with life and in doing so set out to gather as much information as possible on both orthodox and complementary treatments despite the distance between us ( she resides in Portugal). Neither of us had any idea what had hit us and we bonded again in a whole new way. We were somewhere else! My husband also found it difficult. There was so much that one needed to learn and continue to learn but time was of the essence and it took time, time and energy. So this is what led to the site being born. The realization that this information is needed by us all as quickly as possible so that we can tap into it straight away and start cleansing and caring for ourselves in a whole new way that can still be enjoyable and fulfilling.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and figures have risen by more than 80% in three decades. The consensus among scientists is that about 90% of breast cancer cases are caused by a person's lifestyle and that by eating the right food and avoiding exposure to pesticides and other carcinogens in the environment one can reduce dramatically the risk of developing the disease. Only 10% is supposed to be linked to a hereditary gene. Then there is the emotional and stress factor associated with the illness which renders the spiritual and emotional side of the disease of tremendous importance.

I was very fortunate to have taken part in a workshop at The Breast Cancer Haven in London. It fulfilled my need to meet people and share experiences of breast cancer. It was a great reinforcement. Senior therapist, Barbara Siddall is a true earth angel. She introduced us to various meditation and relaxation techniques to help with relaxation and feeling at peace. It is a wonderful nurturing place, just like coming home, so go there if you can! There is also a Haven in Hereford and more Havens will be opening their doors all over the country.

Here I am three years on, keeping well and trying in my own way to help and to heal at the same time. It is an ongoing process! We all need love and nourishing so that we can live happier and healthier lives. So many people say that having breast cancer made them really start to appreciate life and begin living. For my mother and I, it is certainly true! It can take time to feel this way, so don't despair, it will come. All you have to do is to remember that in time you can become the old you, an even better you, a desirable you.

The information on the site comes from a number of sources as do the products which have been chosen carefully with quality and good health in mind avoiding potentially harmful toxins and chemicals. The site will receive a commission from each order through the affiliate programmes on offer. Please remember that none of the products are claimed to cure. It is solely about decreasing one's risk and increasing one's chances of survival based upon research.

This way of living is not only important for people who have breast cancer. It is important for everyone to realize that cancer is now an epidemic. It is not an event but a multistep process that takes decades to get there. One in every nine women in the UK now get breast cancer, men are getting it also, and childhood cancers have doubled in the last 30 years. Every day man is inventing more and more chemicals and adding to the 80,000+ already in existence. Each of us is said to have at least 100 different toxins in our bodies. A frightening thought. So let us join together in every possible way to help each other and wage war on this disease.

Please remember that it is essential to have screening as early detection increases the odds of surviving to a ripe old age. When I was in hospital I was told by one of the nurses that they are now seeing girls in their twenties with the disease. It is becoming increasingly common in younger women and so there really is no age guideline although the recommendation is over 40 unless there is a history of breast cancer in the family.

Thank you.
Wishing you much love, light and good health.
Deborah

info@abreastoflife.co.uk

P.S. Sadly, my mother died in December 2006 shortly after completion of the site. It was launched in her memory on the 16th March, the date of her birth.