Hearing “you have cancer” is like stepping into a world that’s spinning just a bit too fast. For me, it was no different. With my commitment to healthy eating and exercise, I thought I was somehow immune to the big "C"—the mother of all inflammation. It turns out, cancer had other plans.  
 

In those early days, it was tough to see past the shock. But eventually, I began to appreciate that my healthy habits were there for me when I needed them most—they helped me through treatment and, ultimately, led to becoming cancer-free.

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Rewind about 15 years to when I first started my health journey, and I discovered Kris Carr, the queen of green juices and a true wellness warrior. Kris was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer over 20 years ago and is thriving today thanks to her holistic approach to mind, body, and spirit health. So naturally, right after my diagnosis, I revisited her work, especially her incredible Cancer Guide, which was a lifesaver for me.

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This guide, while not breast cancer-specific, is full of practical wisdom, with step-by-step advice on working with your doctors, plus tips on nutrition, meditation, and even ways to navigate those dark days when optimism feels like a distant memory. 
 

But if you'd rather stay cozy right here, here are a few of my biggest takeaways from Kris that made a world of difference for me:
 

1. Be the CEO of Your Health

You are the boss of your healing journey. Do the research, ask the hard questions, and take the time to interview multiple doctors until you find the ones who are not only experts in your condition but also feel like the right fit for you. Trust me, finding a medical dream team makes all the difference.
 

2. Integrative Medicine to the Rescue  

Bring in the big guns of holistic care by finding a cancer-trained naturopath. They can guide you with supplements, IV therapy, acupuncture, and other complementary therapies. My go-to experts were Dr. Sandra Colvard with UCI Health in Irvine and Dr. Mark Stengler in Encinitas—both amazing resources on this journey.
 

3. Fine-Tune Your Diet  

Whether you need a total overhaul or just a few tweaks, your diet is key. Focus on whole, minimally processed foods, reduce or eliminate sugar, and lean into a plant-forward lifestyle.  Learn more about healing foods here.  Personally, I also reduced my alcohol intake. But full disclosure—while some may skip alcohol altogether, I still enjoy a glass of high-quality wine now and then. It helps me unwind, and hey, it’s part of the Blue Zone diet!
 

4. Soothe Your Mind 

Fear can hit like a freight train (it sure did for me). Guided meditation, therapy, and spiritual backup became my lifelines during some of the darkest days. Taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important as the physical side of things.  Of course, exercise and massage are critical elements here too.
 

5. Call in Support

Learning to ask for help can be difficult, but it’s necessary on this journey.  In addition to professional help, asking for support from your partner, friends, family and pets.  Be sure to bring support to your doctor appointments (and even record them, where possible) -- I was so lucky to have my amazing man and bestie by my side. 

 

And a note to caregivers, stay happy and positive -- patients can't worry about soothing and reassuring their loved ones too!  It was so important to me to live in a positive bubble during my initial diagnosis and treatment.
 

Kris, thank you. You helped me reclaim my power and find my footing when the ground felt shaky. And to anyone reading, I wholeheartedly recommend her work.

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Disclaimer:

Every person’s cancer journey is unique, and treatment plans should always be personalized. The information shared in this post is based on my own experience and is intended for informational and supportive purposes only. Please consult your physician or medical team before making any changes to your treatment, supplements, or self-care routine.​​