My Diagnosis

In June 2023, my life changed when I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) — invasive ductal adenocarcinoma. The tumor was 1.5 cm and classified as Stage 1.

Like many people, I had noticed the lump years earlier but ignored it while navigating the stress of work and everyday life. When it eventually began to throb and cause discomfort, I decided to finally get it checked — just to be safe. That decision led to a diagnosis that completely shifted the course of my life.

In August 2023, I underwent a partial mastectomy (lumpectomy). After recovering from surgery, I began chemotherapy at the end of October 2023, receiving treatments every two weeks for 16 weeks. My final chemo treatment was in January 2024, followed by a condensed course of radiation, which I completed in April 2024.

The physical treatments were challenging, but some of the hardest moments were the emotional ones.

I still remember sitting for my first chemo infusion, feeling the weight of everything that was about to begin. The fear of the unknown, wondering how my body would respond, and knowing I had months of treatment ahead of me was overwhelming.

There were days when I knew I needed to eat but had no appetite for anything. Days when my body felt completely different from the one I had known before. There were difficult decisions to make about surgery options, recovery periods that felt slow and frustrating, and moments where I wondered if I was making the right choices.

Cancer changes your body, but it also changes how you see life.

My Transformation

Throughout treatment and recovery, I became deeply committed to supporting my body’s ability to heal.

I focused on eating whole, nourishing foods and began making many things from scratch — baking my own bread, making almond milk, cooking meals at home, and cutting out processed foods, packaged items, and refined sugar.

I prioritized sleep, movement, and stress reduction, slowly rebuilding my strength after feeling so depleted during treatment. Over time, my body grew stronger again — sometimes even stronger than before.

I also explored ways to support my health alongside conventional treatment. I worked with naturopathic practitioners, incorporated supplements and herbal teas, monitored my gut health, and used additional supportive therapies such as high-dose vitamin C IV treatments. I tracked my circulating tumour cells regularly and focused on maintaining a healthy internal environment for my body to thrive.

Just as important as the physical healing was the emotional healing.

During and after treatment, I began counseling to process the fear and trauma of cancer, as well as the emotional weight of a relationship that had been slowly draining my energy and wellbeing.

I came to understand something that would ultimately change my life:

My health and happiness had to come first.

Without your health, it becomes incredibly difficult to care for anyone else.

Leaving a Toxic Relationship & Rebuilding My Life

One of the most difficult decisions I made during this journey was leaving a seven-year marriage that had become emotionally draining and unhealthy for me.

It wasn’t an easy choice, but I began to recognize how much the stress and loneliness of that relationship had been affecting my overall wellbeing.

I moved out and started fresh.

Not long after, I purchased a home on a few acres, creating a peaceful environment where I could truly focus on healing and rebuilding my life. My parents moved in with me, offering incredible support and helping reduce the stress of going through this transition alone.

Over time, I allowed myself to open up again to love and trust — and I met a partner who supports and loves me in the way I deserve.

Where I Am Now

Today, I feel healthier, stronger, and happier than I did before cancer.

I live on a small acreage where I spend much of my time growing food, caring for chickens, and being outside in nature. My mornings often begin at the gym with my mom, rebuilding strength together, and the rest of the day is filled with the simple joys of work and home life.

We recently welcomed a new puppy who brings constant energy and happiness into our home.

And something I once thought might never be possible after treatment — especially after experiencing medically induced menopause — has become one of the greatest blessings of my life.

I’m currently expecting a baby after 40.

Life today feels peaceful, supportive, and full of gratitude.

Why I Created This Space

One thing I remember clearly from the beginning of my diagnosis was how alone I felt.

I searched for someone who had been through triple negative breast cancer and was now thriving — someone who could tell me what to expect and reassure me that it was possible to come out the other side.

But I struggled to find that support.

I wish I had been able to speak with someone who could tell me:

• this journey, while difficult, is temporary

• you are stronger than you think

• there are ways to support your body and mind through treatment

• life can become even healthier and more fulfilling after cancer

That’s why I created this space.

I want to help others who are newly diagnosed feel more supported, more prepared, and less alone than I did in the beginning.

Because while every journey is different, it is absolutely possible to come through this experience stronger, healthier, and with a renewed appreciation for life.