Welcome to the Third Part of a Three-Part Series
By Jackie Totilo, Breast Cancer Survivor Advocate & Personal Health Coach
In the initial installment of this series, we delved into the concerning statistics surrounding breast cancer and its association with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The first article introduced Step 1 of my Four Step Healthy Living Roadmap, emphasizing the critical role of providing our bodies with a solid foundation of nutrition through nutrient-dense foods. Building upon this foundation, Part 2 explored Steps 2 and 3 of the Roadmap, shedding light on the significance of minimizing exposure to EDCs, optimizing the body’s detox pathways, and reducing overall toxic load. In this segment, we will delve into the final step, Step 4 of the Roadmap, which is dedicated to the holistic approach of reclaiming both physical and emotional well-being.
Surviving breast cancer is a courageous journey that often involves rigorous treatments, emotional challenges, and significant lifestyle adjustments. As survivors emerge from the intensity of medical interventions, it becomes crucial to shift focus towards holistic well-being. Often during treatment, emotions are pushed aside to focus solely on getting through it. Now, post-treatment, those emotions come boiling to the surface. You may be feeling overwhelmed by decision fatigue when it comes to making healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle and unsure where to start.
The pressure to move forward, and be happy and energetic after surviving breast cancer can be immense, yet many find themselves struggling. This struggle can feel like you are in a deep rut with no clear way to lift yourself out of it. It’s crucial to recognize that post-treatment is the time to allow oneself the luxury of falling to pieces to begin the process of dealing with the emotional side of your diagnosis. The truth is, that diagnosis and treatment often happen so fast that there’s not enough time to process your emotions. When treatment comes to an end, you’re left with a lot of unresolved feelings and nobody to talk to about them.
ACKNOWLEDGING THE EMOTIONAL TOLL
The first step toward healing is acknowledging the emotional landscape shaped by a breast cancer diagnosis. From the initial shock to the rollercoaster of treatments, survivors experience a range of emotions. The key is to validate these feelings without judgment, acknowledging that fear, sadness, or anger are integral parts of the journey, forming the foundation for healing.
DEVELOP A PLAN FOR COPING WITH YOUR FEELINGS
Mindful Practices: Engaging in mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools for reducing stress. These practices help survivors stay present, manage anxiety, and cultivate a positive mindset. Whether through guided meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful walks, taking time for oneself can significantly contribute to stress reduction and put you in touch with your feelings.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise has been proven to alleviate stress and improve mood. Tailoring a fitness routine to individual capabilities is essential, but activities like walking, yoga, or gentle strength training can be both therapeutic and energizing.
Support Connections And Networks: Building and maintaining a strong support system is vital. Connecting with friends, family, or support groups provides an avenue for sharing experiences, expressing emotions, and receiving encouragement. A sense of belonging and understanding can significantly alleviate stress and normalize what you are feeling.
DEVELOP A GRATITUDE PRACTICE
One of the most transformative decisions I have ever made was to look at my breast cancer diagnosis as a gift. While my diagnosis brought a lot of challenges and adversity, it also provided me with some unexpected gifts:
The Gift of Self-Care: Amongst the chaos of treatments and appointments I discovered the profound importance of prioritizing physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s a moment of quiet reflection, a warm bath, or enjoying the warmth of the sun on my face the gift of self-care has become my cornerstone of resilience.
The Gift of Mindfulness: Living in the present moment and cultivating mindfulness through meditation and deep-breathing exercises has become a powerful tool for navigating all the emotional complexities of this journey and life in general. I have a deeper mind-body connection with myself and it has transformed the way I perceive the world around me.
The Gift of Resilience: This journey has anointed me as a survivor, instilling a newfound confidence in my ability to face challenges and overcome obstacles with grace and determination.
The Gift of Perspective: I have an enhanced appreciation for the beauty of ordinary moments, the value of relationships, and the importance of pursuing passions and dreams.
Breast cancer survivors navigate a unique set of challenges, requiring a delicate balance between physical recovery and emotional well-being post-treatment. This journey changes us and it’s within our power to determine how it shapes our perspectives, emotions, habits, and choices. Breast cancer imparts valuable lessons, offering an opportunity to seek out silver linings and transform you into a hopeful, optimistic, resourceful, nonjudgemental individual who actively seeks the best in life.
Jackie Totilo is a tireless advocate for breast cancer survivors and a personal health coach. Jackie’s journey through breast cancer and incorporating holistic and functional medicine has strengthened her conviction that prioritizing prevention is fundamental to decreasing the alarming rate of breast cancer and the cornerstone of a healthy life. Jackie’s unique approach to prevention focuses on optimizing the body’s internal systems and adopting a non-toxic lifestyle. Her advocacy focuses on the power of nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mindfulness in maintaining a robust immune system for overall wellness and prevention. To learn more about her approach, get started with her free guide: The Four Step Healthy Living Roadmap.
