Over a year has passed since that dastardly lump was removed from my breast. I live every day with a new outlook. I appreciate that I really am a finite being. I have prayed when my WBC’s were low, fearing I was at risk of contracting a life threatening infection. I never got any elevated temperature or infection. When I felt the most threatened, whether by the cancer, the chemotherapy, the radiation or my body’s response to all of the above, I did feel powerless. I was grateful for my belief in a higher power. That belief gave me the energy to move; to be in touch with the world and dragged me away from the edge of dark depression.

I believe that our bodies function as fine tuned machines. Machines can have malfunctions. We should intervene as soon as possible to correct any problem, to prevent more complex malfunctioning. It is our responsibility to care for this "temple", whether you believe it houses a soul or not.

It is said that a person experiencing great trauma and fear can suffer from post traumatic stress syndrome. That may be a normal reaction to a cancer diagnosis.

How do you plan to comfort yourself? A therapist might help. Reread your favorite books and poems. Write letters or send e-mail to friends. Express your gratitude to God. Read the Bible or Kahlil Gibran.

When your breast cancer is gone, or in remission, do not set alone and anticipate its ferocious return. Share the good news of your successful fight. You have won the battle. Celebrate! Tell your closest confidants and family. You may have felt the "cancer anxiety" for so long that you must give yourself permission to enjoy the improved health.

Re-evaluate your physical condition. Regular visits to the gym and pool relieve stress and will give you an improved sense of well-being. Modify and vary your activities to gradually increase the amount of exercise that you can do.

Many people enjoy walks, skating, and bike riding. Discuss your level of ability with your physician if you are anxious about resuming or taking up a new sport. When I felt too miserable even to perform moderate physical activities, I watched inspiring movies, called friends and sewed. I even gave myself permission to draw pictures. I wrote poems. I look back and feel a sense of accomplishment achieved even during the harshest times.