My story about Breast Lumps
I started going to see Atul while he was still working with Leslie Harrison, not for any specific condition but mainly because I was approaching my fortieth birthday and thought I could do with improving my lifestyle. Although I listened to what he was advising it was not until the end of 1997 that I started to make a serious effort. This was because I found a breast lump (or two) in my left breast. Galvanised into action by fear I changed my lifestyle immediately- gave up drinking, changed my diet, started going to the gym and yoga and tried to get more sleep (always the most difficult to achieve).
For the next two years I maintained this lifestyle, going to Atul every week to monitor the lump. My general health improved but the lump remained and in July 2000 I went to my G.P. who sent me to the hospital for a mammogram. As a result I was called in and told I had cancer and should have a biopsy straight away. I nearly gave in but spoke to Atul and he reinforced my belief that this was not a good idea, so I opted for a lumpectomy.
While waiting for my operation I was constantly on the phone to Atul who maintained his belief that the lump was not cancerous as it had not increased in size and my general health was good. He kept my attitude positive and advised me on diet etc in the time before my operation.
I had the lump removed and felt fine (apart from a stiff arm as a result of removal of lymph nodes- something the surgeon mentioned after my pre-op medication otherwise I would have objected. Atul helped me resolve this with exercises which worked well and quickly.) I went back to the hospital and was told that the lump was made up of D.C.I.S ( ductal carcinoma in situ) which is in some opinions thought to be pre-cancerous, in others a benign cancer and by some not cancer at all. My plan was to go away and stick to my healthy lifestyle but my consultant was very negative about this and, mainly through fear, I was persuaded to have a mastectomy. I went ahead with this and again recovered well from the operation (listening to Atul’s advice once more.)
Since then I have got on with my life with my stick-on breast and not taking Tamoxifen, as the consultant recommended. I have not been called back to the hospital for check-ups and have not made any contact with them. I keep reading articles about unnecessary treatments being given for D.C.I.S and think my operation was a little over the top! However I considered it to be a better option than radiotherapy or chemotherapy, both of which would have affected my general health.
My conclusion at the end of this? Atul was right about the diagnosis (imagine my mental state without his help). The more I read/hear about the “conventional” medical profession the more I appreciate Atul’s wisdom. I have not managed to stick to my healthy lifestyle at all times but I plan not to go back to my old ways and if I do slip off the wagon sometimes I know how to de-tox and get myself back into shape, and I still have my monthly appointment with Atul to remind me. I think that I can honestly say that I am in better shape now than I was ten years ago.
CR N Yorks