In October 2014, seven weeks after completing the Chicago Half-Marathon where I logged a PR (personal record) and felt like a million bucks, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC).

Breast cancer. ER+/PR+ breast cancer, to be exact.

To this day, I marvel at how my body could harbor a disease whose goal was to kill me, and at the same time be in peak physical condition.

The Insanity-Inducing Cycle of Disbelief. . .

Shortly after my diagnosis I was in the shower, in tears (again), asking the universe “why?”

Not “Why me?” That’s victim language.

But “Why?”

I had no family history. I maintained a healthy weight, ate a vegan diet, got plenty of sleep, worked out 6-7 days every week. I couldn’t wrap my head around how I, a ridiculously healthy woman, had been thrust onto a merry-go-round of appointments with breast surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists.

How was I qualified to participate in conversations about pathology reports, clinical outcomes, and surgery requiring the skill of a plastic surgeon? Conversations that demanded I make critical decisions, even as I reeled from the news.

Breast cancer was so far outside my reality, that even as I paced the pre-op room the morning of my lumpectomy, I refused to believe it. There was just no way breast cancer was actually my life.

. . .and Rage

Although my disbelief was wickedly potent on its own, apparently it required a sidekick.

It found it in the companion emotion of rage.

Rage wrapped itself around my brain and nervous system, rendering me impatient with and angry at the world. Regardless of how many miles I ran or pounds of weight I lifted, I battled the urge to break glass, punch walls, throw something.

One day, I’d had enough. Riding the rage wave was exhausting. The anger was becoming corrosive. I realized I needed to harness it; turn it into something good.

One year after my diagnosis, still struggling, seeking clarity and answers, I attended a women’s empowerment summit in NYC. One inspiring speaker challenged us with this: “What pisses you off? Use THAT to fuel the change you want to see in the world.”

My “Why” Became “What If”

• What if. . .I could reach women around the globe.
• What if. . .I could help women use nutrition and exercise to build physical resilience for improved outcomes and optimal healing.
• What if. . .I could end fear and confusion in the ER+/PR+ breast cancer community over what to eat, how and when to exercise, and what it takes to create and sustain a health-supportive lifestyle.

My 20-plus years as a lifestyle dietitian, personal trainer and nutrition therapist, combined with my own ER+/PR+ breast cancer experience offered an opportunity to serve others.

Although I had no idea what that would look like, I knew:

• It had to be big, bold, broad and intentional
• It had to be built on actionable behaviors versus passive awareness

Finding the courage to share about my breast cancer (I’d kept it mostly private), channeling my anger into action, and shifting my focus to serving others became the fuel behind dam. mad. About BREAST CANCER.

I know from experience that a healthy lifestyle improves every area of our lives. Blending the science and psychology of nutrition, exercise and self-care lights me up.

I’m not a breast cancer researcher. I’m not an oncology dietitian. I don’t have all the answers.

I AM on a mission to serve the ER+/PR+ breast cancer community through education, information and inspiration.

You can take charge of your health, even at this critical time. It’s my honor and pleasure to help you.