"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do."
(Pope John XXIII)

The works below are all books, which have helped me to learn about myself, and remain healthy and positive while coping with my long relationship with breast cancer. I hope you find them useful too. The books I read basically fall into two categories: 1) informative and 2) inspirational. The former because I want to know all there is to know about my disease, and what I can do to help my body and the latter, because I believe life is about growth and personal development. Reading such works is only one rung on the ladder of positive thinking and living. I highly recommend it to anyone, whether sick or healthy.
The Power is Within You by Louise Hay (audio-book)	You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay (audio-book)
The most inspirational book I have read by Louise Hay, and my favourite of the two listed here. This book does not discuss breast cancer, but rather the subject of positive thinking and the effect negative thoughts and influence can have on the course of your life as well as your health.	This is the first work by Louise Hay which I read, given to me by my best friend Judy at the time of my second cancer. It is just as enlightening a read as "The Power Within You", but also offers some practical exercises.
The Power Is Within You by Louise Hay (Paperback)	Your Life in Your Hands by Jane Plant
Same as the above but in paperback format.	A woman's quest to conquer her recurring breast cancer by using her scientific knowledge to understand why breast cancer is more prevalent in western diets, and much lower in oriental ones. Behind this reasoning lies the theory that there is a link between breast cancer and dairy products. This is a debate which is still ongoing, but very interesting nevertheless. This book contains a chapter explaining breast cancer in plain language, and also offers practical advice on nutrition and cancer generally.
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma	Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch
A simple fable about an over-stressed lawyer, who ditched his legal career for the secrets of blissful living of a mysterious Himalayan tribe. This book will help you to lead a more productive, rewarding, peaceful and positive life by teaching you some straightforward methods in seven steps of enlightenment.	Having cancer raises spiritual issues, and if like me, the teachings of organised and institutionalised religions do not match your concept of faith, this book will show you that there is no need to feel isolated. Perhaps "God" is not quite what the Church would have you believe...
Witch in the Kitchen by Cait Johnson	The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B White & Steven Foster
The best vegetarian cookbook I have come across so far, which uses everyday ingredients that can be adapted to your taste and to your diet. Learn how to turn seasonal foods into simple and delicious dishes.	A great encyclopedia written by medical practitioners on how to treat common ailments in the natural way, using plants and herbs in tincture, tea, capsules, or original form. Very useful to have on your book shelf.
You Are What You Eat by Dr Gillian McKeith	Bathsheba's Breast by James S Olson
Your body is a temple, believe it! This is even truer for those of us struggling with cancer. This book will change the way you look at food, and help you to make the connection between what you put in your mouth, and how your body responds to it.	A fascinating insight into the history of breast cancer, and the evolution of its treatment from Ancient Egypt to the present days. Reading about the sacrifices of earlier women, who suffered from this disease is a very humbling experience. Everything that is available to us today, we owe it to them.
More Books...