MyFit Breast Cancer Journey Part 1: The Diagnosis

Eight weeks ago (October 13, 2021), I was diagnosed with breast cancer. No. My new hair cut has nothing to do with it (smiling). I cut my hair like this because I am radical...Because change is good...Because I am finally ready to take control of my authenticity. I wanted to take some of my time back, especially knowing I was moving to Florida (my favorite place for year-round warmth and ocean) in September. Instructing fitness and yoga in a warm/humid environment leaves no time to worry about hair. It's a good thing I got the new cut because before I could even get settled into my new state (week two), I fell and broke the wrist of my dominant left hand, and one month later, I was diagnosed with cancer-can't be bothered with the hair. Although, as I reflect upon the decision to cut my hair, I feel that intuition (the gut-knowing) was the driving force. More about that in the next few blogs...

The tumor is tiny, they said. Stage 1. Six millimeters (sub centimeter) and of intermediate growth means the tumor could have been growing for 3-9 years, according to medical doctors. Read that again. A tumor this tiny takes years of cell formation! Get your "shenanigans" (my word instead of cursing) together people! Only 10% of breast cancers are type "triple negative." Because I am special and a rare breed (as you well know), this is the type that showed present in me. Medical oncologists are unsure of the source of triple negative breast cancers which makes it difficult to provide a clearcut treatment plan. Normally, breast cancers are fueled by estrogen, progesterone, or her2 neu (a protein involved in normal cell growth, but goes rogue when it forms cancers).

Now, I know you are in shock- "NOT HEALTHY TAMMY?!" I’ve heard this from almost everyone. But, listen, I have been telling you all for years that exercise and healthy nutrition are a HUGE part of saving ourselves. However, it’s not just about exercise and eating healthy. Let me say this again—those two things are key pieces of our overall health. We don’t have a chance of optimum health without the best of exercise and good nutrition. It is because of my excellent nutrition and my exercise routine that I have not gotten sicker sooner AND the reason that my chances of living a DIS-ease free life IS possible. Get your "shenanigans" (my word instead of cursing) together, people!

Balancing my life in the past decade has kicked my butt and due to the lack of balance for such a long time, I allowed this DIS-ease to form within my body. If you know me, then I have told you this more times than you probably want to remember..."if I get a disease or get sick or die, it will be from an overload of stress." Controlling stress and thoughts over the last decade has not been an easy feat for me; however, for the past 3 years, especially this year, I have taken my life by the reins and steered it in the direction of which my soul calls. I didn't change it soon enough, but I can start from where I am. A decade of unbridled stress and lack of adequate sleep creates a breeding ground for disease. I knew this, but I was out there just trying to survive-meeting those basic survival needs of shelter, food, bills, helping family, friends, and strangers alike, etc. Instinctively, I knew the lack of balance would catch up to me, and this diagnosis has been a wake up call for me to align my life and my body as it was designed to function and to do it now!

I am not fearful. I refuse to live in regret. All decisions will be informed, not based on fear tactics. I will make my own decisions about my health. I will reach out to those I know and those I trust in order to guide my research. I will become a warrior in taking control of my health. I urge each of you to do the same.

This is one of many blogs that take you on my life-changing journey. Visit my blog page often, as I write about the power of faith, mindset, intuition, changes I have and will make, and more. Feel free to reach out to me if you have questions or if you just want to say hello!

I'm ready to help you! If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a condition and you need support, need help executing your medical health plan, need help navigating which questions to ask, interested in knowledge regarding natural herbal supplementation during treatments, which foods may help, etc. I will help you gather the knowledge, skills, and tools and confidence you need to fully participate in your own care and well-being.

Disclaimer: Although I am fascinated by the human body-especially the human brain; and although I have happily and excitedly spent years on learning, training, and on certifications regarding the human body, I am not a doctor-I could be if I could just figure out how to get past the math parts of it all! Seriously, speak with your healthcare provider before changing your healthcare plan or nutrition plan or your exercise plan. I am just providing knowledge. MyFit is not, nor is anyone that I mention in my blog, videos, or in my sessions, responsible for your health. I am not advising you to put any of this information into practice. These are my thoughts, my feelings, my journey. If you choose to implement or try any of it, it is at your own risk. The people and ideas that I speak of will be things that I believe in as I am always true to myself.