It's the Pits (4 September 2007)

I currently have two friends who are living with breast cancer; today, Jane Tomlinson lost her battle against her terminal breast cancer. Today also saw yet another report about the possible links between anti-perspirants and breast cancer.

I don't have many heroines but Jane Tomlinson was one of them; according to the BBC (news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2585103.stm):

"In November 2004, she became the only cancer patient to complete a full Ironman triathlon, a daunting feat comprising a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile cycle ride followed by a 26 mile marathon."

Her tenacity, determination and spirit were phenomenal.

If you know someone with breast cancer, you may want to recommend this book by Professor Jane Plant, which I have got for friends:

Your Life in Your Hands: Understanding, Preventing and Overcoming Breast Cancer

In the meantime, if you are not using an aluminium-free deodorant/anti-perspirant, you might want to consider doing so. I did the Moonwalk last year and we were given samples of a brand that is readily available in any chemists.

A book that I have yet to get but really want to purchase is this one:

Imperfectly Natural Woman: Getting Life Right the Natural Way by Janey Lee Grace. Janey has been advocating the use of natural alternatives to anti-perspirants for a long time now.

I don't know if it's an age thing (41 in one month's time), or an awareness thing (since LighterLife) or just coincidence but we often take our health for granted. There are many small changes that we can make that could have a big impact, for the better, on our health.

We've got nothing to lose, have we?

Comments

[Lesley]

I know exactly what you mean about Jane T - she's the sort of woman who sticks in your head. I have frequently wondered how she was getting on in between her various events and challenges. I suppose I knew the next news about her wouldn't be good when she didn't run in the Leeds Charity 10km run this summer which she set up but it's very sad to hear that she's gone now. Gone but definitely not forgotten.

I wish your friends all the luck and love in the world in their battle too. It's a horrible illness but people do get through it.

Lesley x

[Amanda]

I felt so sad when I heard about Jane T, she is a true role model. I have a friend who's come through breast cancer & my grandma who unfortunately didn't (this was a long time ago so treatment wasn't as good as it is now), so I also wish your friends all the luck in the world.

Could you possibly let me know of the name of the aluminium-free deodorant you were given? I didn't know there were any.

Amanda x