Spirited Women - Journeys with Breast Cancer by Petrea King

Gai

Spirited Women - Journeys with Breast Cancer by Petrea King

Gai

When I was diagnosed I was given two gifts.  Firstly the book "Spirited Women" by Petrea King and secondly a guided mediation 'tape" by Petrea King.  Both turned out to be godsends for me during treatment and beyond.

The book helped me understand that I was not facing breast cancer on my own.  I had a small stash of her book which I gave to friends when they were diagnosed.  The tape started a connection with meditation that not only saw me through treatment and a connection I still have today.  

Petrea does amazing work at the Quest For Life centre and I just wanted to share a little of how, I was impacted by Spirited Women.  Petrea also runs programmes at the Quest For Life Centre in Bundanoon in NSW this is a little more about the Spirited Women course.  Please share to anyone you know how may be interested.    

Spirited Women – Journeys with Breast Cancer by Petrea King

Spirited Women provides a wealth of practical information and support for women with breast cancer. It addresses the emotional and psychological reactions to diagnosis and treatment as well as focusing on the practicalities of living well, once you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer.

It is packed full of information, suggestions, skills, tips and techniques and many refer to it as their ‘bible’ during their breast cancer journey. It is also a handbook for men and women who know someone with breast cancer.

Petrea has allowed women to tell their own stories in this inspirational book. She has conveyed the thoughts, hopes, feelings, joys and frustrations of the many thousands of women who have sought her counsel, either personally or in retreats during the past three decades.

In Petrea’s words “My role with the women in this book has been one of friend, counselor, nurse, meditation teacher, group facilitator and naturopath. My function has been to minimise their emotional, spiritual, psychological and physical distress and to provide information and guidance about how to regain control over their lives and actively participate in their healing process. Breast cancer can precipitate us into a journey of self discovery, self healing and self accomplishment. In this way, regardless of the outcome of the illness, the destination can become deep and profound peace. To achieve this peace is a victory beyond words”.

Spirited Woman was the first handbook for breast cancer published in Australia and it is equally relevant today. It is a resource packed with information on the following areas and more:

•             Reactions to diagnosis

•             Choosing your healing team

•             Decision making

•             Support from family and friends

•             Work related issues

•             Peace of mind – what it is and how to get it

•             Relaxation and meditation – how and why to meditate/relax

•             Finding support in the community

•             What to eat and why

•             Reducing symptoms of disease and side effects of treatments

•             Managing issues around body image and sexuality

•             Women who love women

•             Children – what and how to tell children, rituals which help, understanding children’s behavior

•             What if I die?

•             Creating an environment for healing

•             Talking through the difficult issues in relationships

Unlike other available resources on breast cancer this book focuses on what women can do to help themselves when they are diagnosed with breast cancer. Gentle, honest, informative and moving, Spirited Women is an essential resource for any woman whose life has been touched by breast cancer. It is also a valuable read for anyone who knows someone who is living with breast cancer or has had breast cancer.

If you are living with cancer you may like to attend Spirited Women:  An inspiring, practical, educational and experiential residential program for women living with cancer. The next program is in Bundanoon from 8th – 12th April, 2013. Visit our website http://www.questforlife.com.au/spirited-women for more information.