Welcome survey response, et al

[Guest guest]

I'm primarily a "lurker", but felt compelled to post on this. I find it so sad that people seem to take things personally that which was generally stated. It is my opinion that the first answer to the new person was rude...to state your opinions as fact is never acceptable. It is "your" fact, but does not necessarily make it so for everyone. As far as meat and cheese being unhealthy, period, I beg to differ. One only needs to peruse The American Heart Association diet...it includes meat/eggs/fish/poultry (proteins), cheese/milk (dairy), grains, vegetables and fruits...none of which are considered "unhealthy". As the one lady, I believe it was Bobbie, stated, moderation and balance is the key. It is a matter of personal preference and belief. Anyone can find research to support whatever it is they think and want to believe...but for each one that is found, there are others that would dispute it. As

far as the post from the same lady who said there are some beliefs that cancer is self caused by a unhealthy psyche (my paraphrasing)...I did not see that she directed that to anyone specifically, it was an informational response, nothing more. And she is correct in that there are cultures out there who do believe this to be true. As for it being vicious, hateful or mean, that is only if you allow yourself to take it that way. Cancer is derived from your own body cells...immature cells that for some reason, are suddenly triggered by some unknown message in the body to begin multiplying. Cancer is NOT a foreign substance introduced into your body...it IS part of your body. Everyone has these cells, it's just that for some, they remain dormant. I too have done extensive research on cancer. I believe that mental outlook does have an extremely direct impact on cancer as well as other illnesses. However, what I believe and

think does not make it so for everyone. I do not believe that what one eats or drinks "causes" cancer, although it may be considered linked. Most studies state that something is "..believed to cause cancer in laboratory animals" (primarily rats). Now, I don't know about you, but I am not a rat nor a laboratory animal. And, everyone's metabolism is different and therefore reacts differently to things. However, I do believe that there are things out there that will exacerbate a cancerous condition.

What I am trying to convey is that tolerance is the key....tolerant of others and their beliefs, tolerant of others and their choices, tolerant of the world in general because this world is full of diversity. No one is right and no one is wrong....only when it pertains to themselves personally. No one has the right to judge nor make judgmental statements about anyone except themselves. Unfortunately, it is a fact of humankind that we all have a tendency to do so. There are just some who are aware of it and make more of an effort to avoid doing it.

Oh, and just so no one gets their drawers in a bunch, I would like to further qualify my statements about cancer.....I am a cancer survivor. I also lost my mother to cancer, and prior to my father passing, he also had cancer. For me, I made the decision to tackle the cancer with a positive attitude and do whatever it took to overcome it. I knew and fully believed (and still do) that it was not going to take my life. I also felt that it was not the worst thing that could have happened to me in my life....personally, getting involved in a bad auto accident would be much worse, especially if my truck were to explode into flames. There are thousands more things that I can think of. I got it, took care of it, and I am continuing on with my life. Should it recur, I will again tackle it in the same way. That's not denial, simply accepting that it was an unfortunate situation out of my control insofar as

getting it, but certainly within my control to take action. I have never, ever, felt sorry for myself over it, and I never allowed anyone around me to voice any negativity. I did not join support groups simply because I had a great network of family and friends, as well as a dear friend who is also a cancer survivor, for support. I did not wish to be around others who, and rightfully so for them, may have been unable to cope, maybe break down, feel sorry for themselves, etc. I did not feel that would be conducive to my own mental health and healing for the cancer. That was my choice and it's not for everyone....some need that camaraderie of others in the same situation.

So, please, remember to be tolerant and respectful of others and their opinions even though it may differ from your own. Anything I have said here is strictly my own thoughts, beliefs and opinions and if anyone takes it any other way, then the problem is yours, not mine.