[Andrea Barnett Budin]

I've been riveted to what survivors of every unimaginable adversity have to say, since I was around 7 years old. I sensed that each person had a message. Something I could learn and incorporate in my awareness.

I also listen intently to winners of various ilk as well. From childhood, one would speak on television and I would turn my attention and full concentration on their words! I began to notice a common thread that ran throughout their commentary, and I absorbed that information as thoroughly as I could. I do believe that accumulated knowledge contributed to my survival, along with surgery, chemotherapy, Herceptin, the excellent advice of numerous oncologists and nurses, meditation, my supplements (suggested by one of those cutting edge integrative oncologists), my impassioned will, my imagination, my guided images, love, compassion, kindness, open-mindedness, generosity of Spirit and humble gratitude...

We learn by sharing experiences and discussing what is new and cutting edge. Of course, it's our choice to adopt what we hear or disregard it. We have each been granted the power of choice.

However, ranting is never helpful. It incites emotions and obliterates potential lessons learned.

Sometimes, I choose to disregard others' input, as my Inner Voice, or heart, direct me to do. I have always trusted that intuitive feeling that comes over me. I know that my Spirit (which I see as guiding and protecting me, nurturing and sustaining me, not to mention imparting eons of wisdom) has always served me well. It is the very essence of who I am.

I never considered coffee enemas personally, but felt I should share what Ann, a longtime survivor, had to tell. Over the years, I've heard numerous people espouse this for various conditions and believed it might enlarge our scope of understanding.

With Love and Light, as always,