My Journey with Breast Cancer: A Path to Resilience and Wellness

Dealing with breast cancer is something you never see coming, and it changes EVERYTHING in your life. For me, it all started in 2020, and it transformed how I think about health, wellness, and handling stress. I want to share my story to support others going through similar things and to show the importance of staying strong and taking charge of your health.

In early 2020, I found a lump in my breast. At first, I thought it was nothing, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I should get it checked out. The days before my appointment were full of worry and fear. We ran some tests and on a Wednesday night, my doctor called to tell me I had breast cancer. It felt like my whole world had turned upside down. The word "cancer" felt heavy and scary, full of unknowns.

Hearing I had cancer brought a flood of emotions. I was TERRIFIED– scared of what was going to happen, scared of the treatment, and scared of the future. I was also angry – angry at my body for letting me down and at the situation I was in. Then came the sadness, mourning the health and "normal" life I once had.

But through all of this, I felt a determination to survive, to live, to thrive. I knew I had to go through this not just for myself but for my husband, my loving family, and friends who were standing by me with so much support.

The diagnosis changed my life immediately. Suddenly, I was always at the doctor’s office, planning treatments, and undergoing countless tests. The physical impact was huge – the treatments, though I chose them, left me feeling weak and drained. But the emotional and mental toll was just as hard. My mind was constantly filled with "what ifs" and the fear of the cancer coming back.

Amidst all the fear, I realized something important: I couldn’t control the cancer, but I could control how I reacted to it. This realization changed everything. I started focusing on what I could do to support my body and mind during this tough time. That’s when I really started to see the value of health, nervous system support, and stress management.

I used my training as a health coach and delved deeper into how diet and lifestyle could help my recovery. I learned about anti-inflammatory foods, the importance of gut health, and how managing stress is crucial for overall wellness. With deeper intentionality, I started eating nutrient-rich foods, probiotics, prebiotics, and practicing mindfulness every day.

As I made these changes, I noticed I felt more energetic, happier, and generally better. The food I was eating not only nourished my body but also supported my immune system and helped with the side effects of treatment. Daily mindfulness practices like deep breathing and journaling, became my go-to tools to stay calm and centered.

Going through breast cancer opened my eyes to the power of holistic health and how our lifestyle choices can have a HUGE impact on our well-being. It changed my approach to life, health, and stress management, and sparked a passion in me to help others find these benefits too.

My journey with breast cancer was one of the toughest experiences of my life, but it also led to positive changes. It taught me about resilience, the importance of taking charge of your health, and the incredible strength we all have inside us. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to take control of their health, embrace wellness, and find their own path to resilience and wellness.