About Me

My journey began in 2021 when I was first diagnosed - and just one month later, my husband was diagnosed with stage 3 follicular lymphoma. It was a whirlwind, and I felt rushed into surgery as soon as possible. In hindsight, I wish I had taken the time to find a team of doctors I truly loved. I chose based on what my insurance covered; I adored my breast surgeon, but my plastic surgeon left much to be desired.

In February 2022, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy, and two weeks later, my husband began chemotherapy. Complications from my surgery made healing a long and difficult road. It started with an infection in the incision site on my right breast that opened to the point where I could see the tissue expander. I slept on a towel every night as the wound drained fluid. When my pathology report came back, the margins on the tumor removal were not clear - so I went back into surgery. Even in pre-op, my plastic surgeon denied there was an infection, despite my breast surgeon confirming it. Thankfully, that surgery achieved clear margins, and my right tissue expander was removed so I could heal “flat” on that side.

Two weeks later, signs of infection appeared on the left side. My plastic surgeon prescribed antibiotics, but within two days I was back in his office having the tissue expander removed with just local numbing - no anesthesia. I can’t express how traumatizing that experience was. To this day, when I share it with other medical professionals, they’re shocked by how unprofessional it was. After the staples and drain were removed, I never returned to that surgeon, and he never once checked in.

Weeks went by, and the incision site still wouldn’t heal. I began searching for a new plastic surgeon. I was deformed and left to figure things out on my own. Eventually, I found a compassionate surgeon who referred me to infectious disease specialists to determine if infection remained. I had a midline IV installed in my arm and went on IV antibiotics twice a day for a month. Still, the incision wouldn’t heal. Back to surgery I went, where the new surgeon removed the dead tissue - too much of it. I was left even more deformed, and whoever took on my reconstruction would face a difficult challenge.

During those four months after my mastectomy, my husband was undergoing monthly chemotherapy, while still working full time. My oncologist recommended chemotherapy for me as well, but said I wouldn’t need radiation since my margins were clear. With both of us battling cancer, I chose not to do chemo, believing our family couldn’t handle both parents in treatment simultaneously. Instead, I opted for Tamoxifen.

In July 2022, I finally found my current plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael Bateman, to whom I owe so much. I highly recommend him for reconstructive breast surgery. In 2023, I had three surgeries—one to place new tissue expanders, one to switch to implants, and one for fat transfer. During that last surgery, my recurrence was discovered. It was a devastating moment that made me realize my body was trying to tell me something.

Understandably, I panicked. I cut out sugar - cancer’s favorite food - and carbs. I quit drinking and immersed myself in research, sifting through overwhelming information and holding on to what resonated. I transferred to a new oncologist who was thorough but not supportive of alternative therapies beyond diet and acupuncture. My husband’s chemotherapy had worked, and he remained in remission. Because of that, I felt compelled to try chemotherapy too - what if it could work for me as it had for him? Before starting, I brought an integrative oncologist onto my team to support me with complementary and integrative approaches.

Unfortunately—or fortunately, depending on who you ask—the chemotherapy only shrank my tumor by 10%. I was devastated, and hopelessness started to seep in. I consulted with my integrative oncologist, and together we created a plan that incorporated alternative therapies such as mistletoe and repurposed drugs like fenbendazole, simvastatin, and metformin to block cancer’s nutrient pathways. I believe it was all of these steps I took afterward that truly led to my healing.

I took a comprehensive approach—addressing my body, mind, environment, and soul. I refined my diet and wore a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) for three months to fine-tune it. I reduced toxins, prioritized sleep, and managed stress. I sought both medical and alternative therapies, tailored my lifestyle based on genetic insights, and focused on emotional healing. I began exercising and meditating daily, incorporating visualization and gratitude. Supported by a strong network of loved ones, I shifted my focus from fighting disease to creating the best possible conditions for my body to heal and thrive.

In December 2024, I had more scans and in January 2025, I finally heard the words I had long hoped for: “No evidence of disease.”

I can truly say that I am thankful for cancer and what it has taught me. It led me to my new purpose: helping others navigate their own cancer journeys. I became a Certified Holistic Cancer Coach in February 2025 to help others find their own path through this complex and deeply personal maze. I am currently pursuing certification in genetics and plan to continue with Applied Functional Medicine training.

Healing is possible—and I would love to help you find your own customized path to it.