Getting a diagnosis of Breast Cancer is so fucking scary. Your whole life flashes before your eyes, you wonder who is going to look after your kids if you die. You are so scared that nothing makes sense and in this state of total fight-or-flight, you are expected to make life-changing decisions that affect you and everyone you love. And when all the treatment is over – life goes back to how it was before, but with a little bit of fear that pops up now and again, reminding you that you could get sick again any time. But does that have to be the only way? Is it possible to alleviate fear, prevent recurrence and live a life you love?
I believe so, because I’ve been there twice. The first time, I did everything I was told. The second time I realised I was in charge of my health. And if I didn’t step up and take responsibility, I would probably die from cancer. So began my journey of self-discovery, self-care and finding my voice.
Doing the “right” thing!?
The first time, I was only 28 – “don’t worry, you’re too young to have breast cancer, I’m sure it’s nothing”; “oh, it is cancer. you’ve got a lot of years to get through, so we’re going to hit you really hard with treatments”. Yep, well that didn’t work!
Fast forward to 42, now with a partner and two kids, 4 and 9 at the time – “sorry it looks like you have cancer again, in the same breast”, despite all the treatments I’d endured for over a decade, and countless scans and appointments! When I later had a double mastectomy, they found 14 tumours in the breast that had been treated with radiation and none in my healthy, now-gone breast, that had fed my two beautiful children.
Was I scared shitless? Absolutely. Was I petrified for the people who loved me? More than I was scared for myself. And was I overwhelmed with options and didn’t know where to turn? Definitely.
Taking a breath to lessen stress
What was the difference between the two times? I took a breath the second time. I allowed myself time to let my body relax so I didn’t make reactionary decisions in the midst of panic. (Cancer takes 10-20 years to grow. In most cases, taking a few days to make key decisions will not affect your outcome.)
Think of it like you’re making a big presentation at work and you freeze. You lose your place and become overwhelmed with fear and you can’t go on. When we are stressed, our brains literally stop functioning – the blood rushes to our extremities so we can run away or fight! Our mind doesn’t stand a chance. I’m the friend who comes up on stage with you, tells you to take a few breaths, and gives you the tools you need to go on. To finish your presentation with less fear, and create what you want for the future.
Stats are too high – what can we do?
Breast cancer affects 1 in 7 Australian women – that’s 20,000 diagnosed every year. Thankfully survival rates are between 90-95%, however there is also a 10% chance of recurrence in the first 5 years. Cancer is one of the chronic conditions affecting 50% of Aussies, meaning it’s something that can come back anytime – if we continue to do what got us sick in the first place. Sadly, 75% of people given a life-threatening diagnosis will not change their diet or lifestyle. It’s impossible to free ourselves of illness without changing our environment, thoughts and behaviours.
We fear the future and worry about everyone but ourselves, leading to people pleasing and ignoring our intuition. We are overwhelmed with options for how to get well, making us panic and do nothing, or numb ourselves with crappy food and alcohol to feel better in the moment. Which only makes us more frozen in fear. We need to step back and instigate some self-care. And learn how we can change our present and redesign our future.
We need more than just a medical approach
A holistic approach is the only way to treat chronic conditions. The medical approach alone ignores causes, ignores mindset, ignores food, ignores emotions, ignores intuition, ignores support and ignores self-care.
My Rainbows for Breast Cancer Holistic Healing course will set you up for success. It will:
- alleviate your fear as you take back power over your own health;
- teach you the tools to prevent recurrence; and
- allow you to create a fulfilling and healthy life you love.
You will learn, in a caring and supportive environment:
- common breast cancer triggers
- foods and supps that work for YOU
- ways to connect with your intuition
- how to advocate for yourself with less fear
- self care and so much more.
Testimonials
Here’s what some of my previous clients have said about me.
- “I am eternally grateful to Kate for helping me, teaching me and guiding me to feel so much better. She has given me back my health and freedom”
- “Kate is excellent at what she does and very intuitive. She really cares about her clients, you can’t go wrong.”
- “Kate is extremely knowledgeable, has a welcoming approach and took the time to listen to my issues. I’ve had great success and I’d recommend talking with Kate if you’re looking for a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.”
If you have breast cancer and you feel the fear – let me help you find support and solutions. I can help you make the change you want to see in your life.
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If you know anyone with breast cancer, please share this article with them.
Contact me for more information at 0468622609 or kate@ktsnutrition.com or message me on Instagram @kts_nutrition.
Or read more about my personal healing journey with breast cancer the second time around – part 1 taking my health into my own hands, part 2 the steps I took and part 3 my key learnings for us all.
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