[Laurel]

You know, I think about this issue quite a bit and like you I can never really sort it to any degree of satisfaction. Undoubtedly our Western diet is unhealthy on many levels. No question. Of course there remains the question of pesticides, estrogen mimickers in our lotions, shampoos, make-up, etc., and chemical and environmental pollutants in abundance. What "causes" breast cancer?

When I get stressed, or feeling guilty for eating candy, I like to think about Linda McCartney, Paul McCartney's wife, who died of metastatic breast cancer after a battle with our disease. She was a vegetarian for many, many years, but she still got breast cancer and succumbed to her disease. Asian women eat a comparatively healthy diet and yes, they have less breast cancer, but they still get breast cancer.

I don't know. I suppose Lien (Jacqueline from the Netherlands) said it best just a few days ago when she instructed us to not feel guilty if we should recur. I recall when I was diagnosed I felt so responsible for my cancer. Did I drink too much red wine? Not exercise enough? Was I mean to others? I thought that I was being punished and I was willing to further punish myself. Time has lessened these feelings.

In summation: I applaud every person who decides to modify their diet and adhere strictly to their choice. I admire those who make the determination to proactively fight with supplements and diet, but I equally admire those who modestly modify their lives and just decide to live their remaining days with enjoyment and allow the chips to fall where they may. Either choice is fine.