Posted by Carrie on October 28, 2009, 10:39 pm, in reply to "Re: Carrie............................."
Peg, it's great to hear stories like yours, of survivors who have put their lives back together and found happiness and new productive roles. It's wonderful that you've joined Reach to Recovery as a volunteer! I bet you're making a big difference in the lives of many women who are frightened and confused. They certainly need someone like you to help them cope with an overwhelming diagnosis. More power to you!
I didn't have anyone like that for my first dx. I was very alone, having just gone through a bitter divorce, a move to a cramped apartment, and a stressful new job with a long commute...Fortunately I was blessed with a boss who was kind-hearted and co-workers who 'donated' sick days to me because I hadn't accumulated enough of my own...And there was a neighbor who revealed to me that she was an 11-year b.c. survivor, and she supported me and explained treatments. She brought me tea and treats and we had long chats. That was so miraculous to me, and I appreciated it so much. She inspired me----her 11 years of survival seemed like an eternity, and she gave me hope that I could make it, too. Other survivors---strangers----sort of magically came out of the woodwork and called me to offer help. The kindness of others can mean so much. I admire you for giving of yourself to other survivors.
Thanks for your kind words in return. I've been fascinated by nutrition since I was a kid. I began reading about, and eating, "health foods" at a young age, and I always loved science. I have a bachelor's degree in Microbiology and Public Health with a minor in chemistry. I was halfway to a graduate degree in dietetics when I moved away from the college and couldn't finish at any school near my new home. So I eventually got a master's in science teaching, and taught bio and chem for 18 years. I've also done some research in a biology field. I've read many, many books and articles about nutrition and am totally fascinated by natural healing. I grow some of my own herbs, which also provide food & habitat for lots of bees & butterflies.
There's always so much to learn and new research coming out.
You take care, too, as we start to think about hunkering down for the colder weather.
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