How do you take back control after a cancer diagnosis?

Overhauling my nutrition approach dramatically changed my life in the most unexpected and beautiful way...  

Depending on where you are in your own cancer journey, that statement might be hard to read.
How could cancer change your life in a beautiful way? 

Let me start at the beginning. Now 8 years ago, I started to transition my nutrition approach to be more plant-based after stumbling upon the research related to nutrition and cancer as an oncology dietitian (whose family has been burdened by cancer for generations).

But at that point in my life, I was struggling with infertility and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). As a last ditch effort before moving on to more aggressive fertility treatment, I ditched the animal products for good. 

And I got pregnant. Finally. And gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl. 

A few years later at the age of 33, only 10 days after completing my breastfeeding journey with my second baby girl, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma - breast cancer. 

I heard over and over again, "You are the healthiest person I know! How could you have cancer?" 

Of course I wondered, "Why me? How did this happen? I was doing everything 'right'." 

After identifying that I carry a genetic mutation that increases one's risk of developing cancer - I learned, again, that I was dealt a difficult deck of cards when it comes to health and disease. 

I realized I could keep focusing on the unfairness of it all, the things cancer was taking away from me - my breasts, my opportunity for another child, etc. - and questioning how this happened after doing "all the right things" (although, not perfectly). 

Or, I could instead focus on what cancer was giving me. Of course I wish I could have learned what cancer has taught me without a life threatening disease - but I'm not so sure anything less would have taught me what I needed to learn. 

I realized that all the things I did right were going to be what was going to help me thrive through surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. And if I let it, cancer could be my teacher. 

I went back to all the strategies I've taught hundreds of cancer patients over the years - the things that are within our control. Nutrition, lifestyle, mindset. 

It started with knowledge, that led to empowerment, and ultimately...

Thriving. 
Being fully present.
Loosening cancer's grip. 
Living my best, healthiest life.

And although hard, it's been so worth it. 

Now it's your turn. 

 

And so did cancer.

Alison's Professional Background

* Re-certification exam required every 5 years.

Bachelor's of Science - Dietetics, Summa Cum Laude
                 
  > Coordinated Program in Dietetics


Master's of Science - Nutrition & Fitness

     > Graduate Thesis: Effects of
Physical Activity on Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation and/or Chemotherapy Treatment


Bachelor's of Arts - Business Administration with Leadership & Management, Summa Cum Laude

> Oral Examination Thesis: Servant Leadership


Registered Dietitian, 2014


Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition*, 2016

> Re-Certification, 2021


Graduate Professor, Adjunct: Evidence Based Practice, Oncology Nutrition