How I Healed after My Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Moral of the story? Take radical responsibility for your health.

Four years ago this month, on October 19, 2019, I received my breast cancer diagnosis. Throughout this journey, I have worked hard not to let cancer define me, but I also recognize the importance of sharing my story to help others who may be going through something similar. I am finally in a place where I feel confident and strong, and a lot of that strength comes from the incredible support of my family.

When I first received my diagnosis, panic and terror washed over me. My mother had survived breast cancer twice, and my grandmother had also battled the disease, so it hit me hard. It took me a week to find some sense of calm and come up with a plan. I began by meeting with various medical professionals in Montana and then reached out to surgical teams across the country, including those at Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson, Cedars Sinai, UCSF, and Cal Pacific.

After careful consideration, I chose Dr. Anne Peled and her team at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. Dr. Peled was the only surgeon who presented me with all of my options and reassured me that I had time to make a decision. It was comforting to know that she understood the importance of advocating for myself. Additionally, Dr. Peled’s personal experience as a breast cancer survivor herself solidified my decision to choose her as my surgeon.

This process of finding my surgical team took about a month from my diagnosis. By then, I had also decided to proceed with a unilateral oncoplastic lumpectomy reduction and reconstruction, which was scheduled for December 10, 2019. Having a plan in place allowed me to focus and regain some confidence. While I still experienced high levels of anxiety, I no longer felt so overwhelmed and scared.

Throughout my journey, my family has been my rock. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in my healing process. I want to emphasize the importance of having a strong support system during times like these. If you don't have the support you need from your family, there are numerous organizations available to provide support and guidance. Please seek them out.

During my recovery after the initial surgery, I had time to reflect and heal. The world had gone into quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it provided a strange sense of comfort. I felt like the world was healing with me. Being alone during my follow-up appointments and post-surgery care also allowed me to connect with myself on a deeper level. I found solace in spending time in nature and made daily walks a part of my healing routine. Walking became my form of meditation and helped me navigate the emotional and physical challenges I needed to face.

From an oncology perspective, I started a medical regimen that included taking tamoxifen. As a pre-menopausal woman with hormone-positive breast cancer, tamoxifen was a suitable option for me. However, initially taking the full dosage of 20 milligrams floored me and had adverse effects on my mental and physical well-being. I immediately gained weight and experienced depression for the first time. Recognizing the toll it was taking on me, I advocated for myself and worked with my oncologist to reduce the dosage to 10 milligrams.

Despite the lower dosage, I still experienced joint pain as a side effect. I explored alternative treatment options with an integrative oncologist and together, we decided to transition to a daily low dose of naltrexone. This was a personal choice that worked for me and may not be suitable for everyone. It's essential to work closely with your medical team and find the best approach for your specific diagnosis.

Remember, each cancer journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's crucial to advocate for yourself and make informed decisions based on your individual circumstances. I cannot stress enough the importance of open communication with your medical team and seeking support from organizations and loved ones.

I am sharing my experience to shed light on my journey and offer hope to those who may be facing a similar battle. Cancer is a personal and challenging journey, but with the right support and mindset, healing is possible. I am grateful for the love and support of my family, the guidance of my medical team, and the healing power of nature.

The moral of the story?

NEVER hesitate to advocate for your own health and well-being.