I was only 66 and I knew I was very close to death if I didn't do something radical and quickly.  My PSA spiked and my doctor told me that I had prostate cancer and had to have a biopsy and most likely surgery, chemo and radiation.  My blood pressure was extremely high and very close to stroke levels.  I was very overweight and couldn't even see my toes.  I was about 40 pounds overweight.  My cholesterol levels were very high and warning of an impending heart attack if I didn't change things soon.  I had heartburn 24 hours a day every day.  I was suffering from depression.  I had a neurological condition known as dystonia that is very much like Parkinson's disease.  I would take injections into my hyperactive muscles of 25,000 units of botox every 3 months.

I'm venturing into dangerous territory: I am not writing a sappy story about breast cancer survival. In fact, I am doing the opposite, for the mental and physical health of breast cancer survivors everywhere. I am calling for a hiatus on the fear-mongering and sympathy. If I were making the rules for media, I would allow only breast cancer stories about achievements, health research results, and medical breakthroughs. There. I feel better already.

Regardless of how self-assured people behave "on the outside," there is always more of a struggle within.  This is particularly the case with cancer survivors.  The survivor in me wants to forget about cancer and live a life without thinking about it in reference to me.  The psychologist/scientist in me wants to study survivors and determine if some mental or emotional toughness, immunity, or fortune distinguishes those of us who survive more than 5 years past the diagnosis.  The mother in me knows I cannot forget that my own mother died of it 14 years after her first diagnosis, and that I shall never rest easy until both my adult daughters pass menopause without a breast cancer diagnosis -- that's a VERY long time from now.

As an avid health and wellness advocate, I have been giving some serious thought to the current pink craze.  Brett Favre wore pink cleats during Monday's big game, people are adding "twibbons" to their Twitter profiles, and every store I enter is pushing pink like its the new recreational drug.

I am on vacation, but I never take a vacation from good health.  Last night, before turning in, I tuned in to Greta van Susteren's visit to The Cleveland Clinic.  (If you weren't able to view it live, visit her website, gretawire.)

Folic acid (supplement form of folate) is a vitamin most commonly associated with pregnancy.  Its importance in cancer treatment and cognitive functions for surviving cancer are becoming increasingly apparent.  Folic acid deficiency is likely to be a major contributor to the disorder we know as chemo brain.

Why you need folate/folic acid if you are a cancer survivor:

• Helps form and maintain new cells (this is why many chemotherapies deplete it)
• Needed to make DNA and RNA, and helps to preserve DNA changes that can lead to cancer
• Needed in the formation of normal red blood cells
• Helps prevent anemia
• Helps maintain normal levels of the amino acid homocysteine (cardiovascular disease is associated with elevated levels)
• Needed by hippocampus (brain structure) for new cells and memory
• Deficiencies associated with cognitive problems and decline, and some cancers

Chemotherapy side effects: Certain chemotherapies deplete folate

In December, 2005, Ductal Carcinoma In Situ was found in my left breast.  Although surprised because 13 years had elapsed since my first cancer (well beyond "cured"), my strongest emotion was annoyance.  The previous 18 months had been devoted to caring for my dying father, then my widowed mother; by comparison the cancer was just a nuisance.

(Please note that the following was written for oncology professionals and general practitioners.  If you are a cancer patient or survivor, please comment and ask any clarifying questions.)