Since October is breast cancer awareness month, I thought it would be good to share some of my story with you…….

It was the summer of 1991; I was 36 years old, married and a mother of three beautiful children.  My life had been fairly standard; led an active life doing “mom” things and was always healthy.  I was the last one anyone thought would hear the words, “you have breast cancer” which also began the hardest year of my life (or so I thought at that time).  Since then my life has never been the same.

I went through the standard surgery, chemo and then reconstructive surgery.  After the first year of eating, living and breathing cancer, my life seemed to head back towards “normal.”  Fast forward ten years to the summer of 2001 when again, my world turned upside down with the words of “you have a recurrence of breast cancer.”  Ok, been there, done that but here I was again.  Since this was a recurrence, my year of intense treatment included surgery, chemo, radiation and chemo again.  Then about the time I again thought life should be getting back to “normal,” at my three month check up, I for the third time heard “you have breast cancer again.”  This time even my oncologist was surprised anything could still be alive in me.  During this four year period, I had breast cancer twice, a major automobile accident which is when a brain tumor was found and then brain surgery.  Then on the upside almost two years to the day of my brain surgery at the age of 52, I competed in my first figure body building competition in honor of those women no longer here.  I wanted to let others know that no matter what your age or things you have been through to “never give up.”

We all have a specific journey in this life and I’m trying to learn all that I can from mine.  Cancer is not something I would wish on anyone, but the lessons I have learned because of it are priceless!  I really enjoy the small things in life and try to live every day like it was my last. 

As a result of my health issues and experiences, I am especially passionate about health care and women’s issues.  I strive to educate my clients on the importance of health;  stressing relaxation, sleeping better, eating healthy, exercising and learning how to be in tuned to one’s body and what it is telling you.  In spite of what we do to our bodies, all it wants to do is take care of us.  When we incorporate a healthier lifestyle and eliminate stress from our lives our bodies can do a lot of healing and repair to itself. 

I have found my passion in reflexology and enjoy introducing others to its wonders, especially those who have been diagnosed with cancer.  Reflexology is known to bring great relief to those going through chemo by helping move the toxins through the body faster, it helps the patient relax even while receiving chemo and can assist with decreasing pain and nausea..  I have also been honored to perform reflexology on hospice patients and assist them with relaxing their body during its final journey.

I believe we are all here for specific reasons and that no one else can do what we were sent here to do.  Since we are still breathing, our journeys are not yet finished.  I wish you all the best on your journey in your passion and love for life and that you enjoy it to the fullest!

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story and if you know anyone who could use a safe, confidential cancer friend, please do not hesitate to have them contact me at 949-370-0087. 

I have spoken at various organizations, sharing my life’s adventures and inspiring other to “Never give up.”  If you would like to contact me for a speaking engagement or would like to know more about reflexology, please contact me at 949-370-0087 or via e-mail at Pattie@MyBalancedSole.Com, www.BalancedSoleReflexology.com