My Story
My cancer journey was about much more than the physical; it was emotional, mental, and spiritual. Today, I carry that Warrior spirit into every aspect of my own life as a Thriver, and am now dedicated to empowering others to embrace their own strength, resilience, and unleash their Inner Warrior too.
NOV 2022
Breast Cancer
DIAGNOSIS
In early November 2022, I went in for my routine mammogram, only to receive a breast cancer diagnosis that turned my world upside down. A few weeks later, I underwent a biopsy to gather more information on what showed up on the mammogram. I had early stage cancer: DCIS.
I remember pacing around my house, repeating the words aloud: “I have breast cancer! I have breast cancer!” I wanted to take the sting out of the “C” word, to reclaim the power cancer had so suddenly seized from me. By speaking those words (along with a few choice F-bombs), I began to take back control, and letting my Inner Warrior rise.
MY LEFT
BOOB BLOG
Three days after my diagnosis, I started a public blog called My Left Boob. It became a creative outlet for processing my emotions, tracking my journey, and providing a space where loved ones could stay updated without me having to give regular individual updates.
JAN 2023
Lumpectomy
After meeting with my oncology surgeon in late November, I had a biopsy in early December and a lumpectomy in mid-January 2023, followed by another surgery in February due to unclear margins.
APR-MAY 2023
Radiation
Then came a exhausting regimen of 15 rounds of radiation. Every weekday for three weeks. With cumulative side-effects increasing with each treatment. I was still experiencing great discomfort for weeks after radition had ended.
Every step of this journey was not only physically demanding but also an emotional challenge. Managing my mindset and prioritizing self-care became my full-time job. I turned to mindfulness practices and meditation, which helped me stay grounded amid the chaos. I also started a private journal, writing in it daily to work through my thoughts and feelings — some days, it was little more than a page filled with expletives. In time, I allowed myself to lean on the love and support of those around me, realizing that accepting help is a form of strength, not weakness.
On May 9, 2023, I rang the gong at Princess Margaret Hospital to mark the end of my treatment. It was an emotional moment - not just as a treatment finish line, but as a celebration of everything I’d been through. That summer, I focused on recovery - giving myself time to rest and heal, inside and out. I was finally putting cancer in the rearview mirror and gearing up for my next chapter.
RING THAT
GONG
In November 2023, a routine follow-up mammogram revealed possible local recurrence in the same breast. A biopsy in December revealed the need for more surgery. I was devastated by the news, yet was able to face this unexpected chapter with a transformed mindset.
THE PLOT
TWIST
January 2024
Mastectomy
In January 2024, I underwent a mastectomy of my left breast. All the inner work I had done during my first cancer journey was crucial in helping me cope with losing a part of myself. This experience challenged my sense of self, bringing a flood of mixed emotions. My recovery was neither quick nor easy, but it was worth every bit of work I put in.
The Next
CHAPTER
Now that breast cancer is in my rearview mirror, I’m thrilled to step into the next chapter! With my own journey behind me, along with years of personal growth and my training as a certified Cancer Coach, I’m excited to help empower women through their cancer experiences. I’m here to offer support, guidance, and a sense of strength during one of life’s toughest challenges.
And on November 4, 2024, two years after my initial diagnosis, my right breast mammogram came back all clear!