Breast cancer has given me a new perspective on life. We should be cherishing our family, friends, simplicity and love! Here's some advice from me to you. I call them, the four GIVES:

1. GIVE up stress: stress compromises your immune systen, and inhibits your body's natural ability to fight disease and heal itself. Let go of all your stress, because life is too short to "sweat the small stuff," and it's all "small stuff" in the larger scheme of things!

2. GIVE up control: When you think about it, there's not much you can control. I can't control whether my cancer comes back. The only thing I can really control is my reaction to these things. Letting go and realizing that there are some things beyond your control really helps to reduce the stress!

3. ForGIVE everyone: You need to forgive everyone for everything; especially yourself. Not being forgiving is a huge burden to carry. Forgiving, on the other hand, is great for your phsical health and your relationships!

4. GIVE it the light touch: Humor is the BEST medicine! Studies show that humor releases physical and emotional tension, and that laughing increases many beneficial chemical reactions in our bodies that help to lower levels of destructive stress hormones. So laugh as often as you can!

Cancer has changed my life; in many ways for the better. Life is richer, fuller, and more precious than ever before.

With Love,

GH Fairy