Melissa’s Journey with
Ovarian Cancer

DECEMBER 2021: DIAGNOSIS

December 2021, life was as it should be; I was busy training, working, and getting ready for holiday travel. One morning at the gym I noticed a slight difference in my hips as they seemed to be imbalanced.  I quickly wrote it off as I wasn’t in any pain or discomfort.  In the days that followed, a slight pain developed when I applied pressure to my lower abdomen.  By the new year, the slight elevation turned into the size of a grapefruit in my lower left abdomen.  Aside aside from the lump, swelling, and disruption in digestion, I felt good. I sought out conventional medicine for a diagnosis and much to my surprise we found a mass on my left ovary.

Ovarian Cancer at 41 shook me to say the least, however, my confidence in the strength of the human body was never stronger.

A naturopathic girl is thrown into an allopathic world.  Doctors’ appointments suddenly took over my life. Treatment plans, chemotherapy, hair loss, etc became a constant conversation.  Confused and frustrated with this Western medical system, I immediately contacted a naturopathic doctor.  Our goal at that time was to maintain health and balance out the effects of conventional cancer treatments and surgeries.

Modern medical advancements are nothing short of miraculous.  The Naturopath’s ability to maintain homeostasis during such harsh and sometimes necessary treatments was miraculous as well.

FEBRUARY 2022: HYSTERECTOMY

In February of 2022, I had a complete hysterectomy, and 9 liters of fluid drained from my abdomen. I began preparing for my physical recovery and upcoming cancer treatment; chemotherapy. 

Fortunately, by maintaining proper health prior to my cancer diagnosis, I was in a good position to recover somewhat quickly.  Post-surgery, I walked the hospital hallway as soon as they would allow… nurses and staff clapped and cheered for me.  This was a very special moment for me and one that made me realize how special these people are even if I don’t approve of all that Western medicine is designed to be.

I maintained weekly naturopathic visits for my treatments while going through chemotherapy.  My experience with 3 rounds of chemotherapy wasn’t too pleasant.  During chemotherapy appointments, I was very uncomfortable and stressed and my blood pressure was through the roof.  This was not the case at my naturopathic appointments. I was quite comfortable and relaxed.  A lot of thought went into committing to cancer treatment, I have no regrets and remain grateful for the experience. 

NOVEMBER 2022: CANCER FREE

November 2022 was my first cancer checkup and received an all-clear. For the first time in over a year, my blood work was all back to normal range.

JANUARY 2023: COMMITMENT TO REACH OPTIMAL HEALTH

As of January 2023, I continue to maintain my healthy lifestyle consisting of regular exercise, a modified diet to prevent cancer, and routine bloodwork.

Everything is designed to reach optimal health.

Most importantly I find ways to balance my lifestyle socially, medically, and holistically.