[Mary Jo]

Great post Debbie and I agree with every bit of it. Although we all know what we should do, doing it is difficult. I remember when treatment was over for me, trying to do ALL the right things to stave off a recurrence. Then when I slipped up felt so guilty and thought "oh my gosh, what if it returns, it will be my fault." Then I got realistic I realized, life is life. We all slip up. Getting a recurrence or not has nothing to do with whether or not I do or don't do all the right things. Since then my philosphy has changed. My philosphy is this.......each day when I get up I thank God for my health that day. Then I set out to take the best care of myself I can. Some days I do a great job. Some days I don't. I exercise almost every day. I powerwalk anywhere from 2 mile to 5 miles per day. I TRY to eat the right foods but always have a "treat" of some sort everyday. Some days (on the "great job" days) I have one "treat." On the (not such a "great job" day) I may have a few treats. Here I am 6 years since diagnosis. No recurrence as of yet. It has nothing to do with what I have or haven't done. I know that's true because I don't do it all well. Just ok. As you so perfectly stated Deb......the guilt..the shame....OH we surely don't need to add any of that to the mix. What good does THAT do? Now THAT probably causes more harm then good.

Thanks for a great post Deb.

Hugs and much love....

Mary Jo