Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer receives a lot of awareness and that awareness has helped drive funding, research and incredible advances in treatment. I am living proof of how far we have come and its benefits!
Last year, following a stage 4 diagnosis of triple-positive (estrogen, progesterone and HER2 positive) breast cancer, I received medical treatment alongside natural & complementary healthcare that has brought me to a place of "no evidence of disease". I am incredibly grateful for the medicine in all its forms, the research behind it, and the support of organisations like the McGrath Foundation, Cancer Council and Breast Cancer WA, who make such a difference to people navigating this journey.
While we continue to celebrate progress in breast cancer and its awareness this month... all cancers do matter! And we have to value the importance of listening to our bodies, recognise changes and advocate for ourselves when something doesn't feel right.
Surviving cancer doesn't mean the journey is over.
The scars we carry are not just from cancer itself, but from the surgeries and treatments that save our lives. Whether it's a mastectomy, reconstruction or another major operation, chemotherapy or radiation, these experiences change our bodies in ways that can take a long time to heal, both physically and emotionally.
I have often had feedback from non breast cancer survivors about the cosmetic outcomes and benefits of a (DIEP) reconstruction following a double mastectomy, all said with good intentions. But, the reality is these are major medical interventions, not makeovers that were chosen. We can be grateful to be alive and still grieve the changes to our bodies. We can celebrate being alive and still have hard days.
The end of treatment is not the end of healing. Many of us continue to navigate fatigue, pain, fear, altered body image and the uncertainty of what comes next. And some of those medical interventions that have saved our lives, have also wreaked absolute havoc on already depleted body's. Support and healing is needed through this chapter too... maybe even more so!
So this October, I want to celebrate how far research has brought us, honour everyone still navigating cancer, acknowledge those living with no evidence of disease or metastatic cancer and what that means to be alive, and remember those we have lost 💗
If you wish to learn more about navigating your cancer journey with the support of Chinese medicine and Acupuncture, please reach out. The journey back to health following treatment can be just as vital for your wellbeing; for seeking optimal health, and understanding the changes we need to make in our lives to try and avoid a recurrence.
Nat 💗
About the Author
Natalie Bailey is a practitioner of Chinese medicine with over 10 years of clinical experience and a Bachelor of Health Science in Acupuncture. She is the founder of Radiant Chi and has a particular interest in integrative approaches to health and wellbeing.
Further Reading
Cancer Council Complimentary Therapies Booklet
Acupuncture As an Integrative Approach for the Treatment of Hot Flashes in Women With Breast Cancer: A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (AcCliMaT)
Lesi G, Razzini G, Musti MA, Stivanello E, Petrucci C, Benedetti B, Rondini E, Ligabue MB, Scaltriti L, Botti A, Artioli F, Mancuso P, Cardini F, Pandolfi P.
J Clin Oncol. 2016 May 20;34(15):1795-802. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2015.63.2893. Epub 2016 Mar 28.
Medical Disclaimer
The information shared in this blog is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It reflects my professional knowledge, research and personal experiences, and is not intended to replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a suitably qualified healthcare professional. Every person's circumstances are unique. Please consult your doctor or appropriate healthcare provider before making decisions about your health, changing prescribed medications, or commencing, modifying or stopping any treatment or supplement. Complementary therapies may be used alongside conventional medical care where appropriate, but they are not a substitute for necessary medical assessment or treatment. No particular health outcome is guaranteed. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Readers are encouraged to ask questions, seek reliable information and make informed decisions in partnership with their healthcare team.
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