Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Weeks
Hi stephanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
At 43 years young, I heard the words no one wants to hear, “Cancer”. I was diagnosed with Aggressive, Invasive, Rare, Triple Negative, Stage 3, breast cancer with lymph involvement. How could this be? I ate well, took care of myself, exercised, and practiced self care. I loved learning about health, nutrition, biology, read books, articles, and more. Yet, there I was. I write this now as I surpassed 3 Years No evidence of Disease! I am proud of myself, how far I have come, and how much I have learned which is now how much I can share to make a difference in the journeys of other survivors. I truly felt in my heart and soul that there was a reason I was walking this path. I was determined to learn the lessons I was to learn, to heal, to grow as a person, and make a difference in the lives of other survivors.
Throughout the journey, butterflies came to become one of the guiding lights that sparkled along the path of my journey.
Just as a butterfly undergoes a profound metamorphosis, transforming from a caterpillar into a beautiful, resilient creature, my journey through cancer mirrored this transformative process. The caterpillar, much like a cancer patient, faces uncertainty and challenges as it prepares for change. During its time in the chrysalis, it undergoes significant internal struggle and transformation, akin to the mental, emotional and physical trials of cancer diagnosis, treatments, healing and then survivorship.
Emerging from the chrysalis, the butterfly symbolizes rebirth and newfound strength. This metamorphosis reflects my own journey of healing and growth, The trails, tribulations and triumphs gave way to resilience, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose. The butterfly’s flight represents freedom, hope, and transformation, reflecting the beauty in the journey itself. It’s in the quality time with loved ones who attend treatments with you, in the heartfelt gestures from those who reach out, check in, bring meals, send thoughtful cards, or beautiful flowers that brighten a room. It’s in the way loved ones show up for you, in discovering the importance of self-care, learning to love yourself, and sometimes forgiving yourself and others. The true beauty lies in recognizing how strong you are, as strength is forged from surviving and thriving through something you never thought you could endure.
This parallel reminds us that, despite the challenges we face, there is always the potential for beauty, growth, and new beginnings. Butterflies, with their delicate wings and vibrant colors, serve as a powerful reminder of the strength and grace that can emerge from our most challenging experiences. The butterflies are still all around me even now!
Another guiding light was and still is Peacocks. The peacock, with its vibrant plumage and majestic presence, represents renewal, awakening, and the vibrant beauty that can emerge from even the darkest times. Just as a peacock displays its magnificent feathers, we too can find our inner beauty and strength, showing the world the grace and resilience we possess. The peacock’s journey from plainness to brilliance mirrors our own potential for transformation and the discovery of our true selves through adversity.
It never fails, any time doubt, fear, anger, frustration, etc. try to creep in, a butterfly or peacock shows up in some way. If you find yourself with a diagnosis, I urge you to find your guiding lights.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a cancer survivor, I faced numerous obstacles and challenges, each teaching me valuable lessons about resilience, self-care, and the power of choosing more than one direction in my healing plan. I complimented the standard of care with mind body medicine, integrative medicine, holistic healing and more!. Here’s how I navigated through some of the key challenges:
Vitamin Drips: These helped me feel better and heal quicker by replenishing essential nutrients that were depleted during treatment.
Saline Infusions: Immediately following treatments, saline infusions helped to hydrate my body, flush out toxins, avoid many of the side effects from treatment and significantly improve how I felt.
Supplements: I used various supplements to support my health and healing. Each supplement was chosen based on research and its specific benefits for my condition.
Fresh Vegetable Juices and Smoothies: These were a staple in my nutrition, aiding in healing and providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Meditation: Practicing meditation regularly aided in my health and healing, providing mental clarity and emotional stability.
Positive Attitude: Maintaining a positive attitude was crucial. It wasn’t just about surviving; it was about thriving through the journey. Of course, I had thoughts which tried to creep in, but I allowed myself to choose other thoughts that were more supportive to my health and healing.
Dressing Up for Treatments: Dressing up for my treatments helped brighten my spirits and those around me, making the process slightly more bearable. Some days, when I did not want to go, by the time I got dressed silly and looked in the mirror, I had convinced myself to show up.
Journaling: Writing down my thoughts and feelings was a form of therapy, helping me process my emotions and track my progress. Providing regular updates through my journey on my podcast in hindsight was incredibly therapeutic.
Recording my journey, both for myself and to help others, was therapeutic and allowed me to reflect on my experiences.
Accepting Help: Allowing others to help me was a gift to both them and myself, fostering a sense of community and support.
Learning and Applying Knowledge:
Extensive Research: Over 25 years of research and trial and error in health and wellness fields, including studying epigenetics, integrative medicine, and Chinese medicine.
Influential Figures: Learning from experts like Dr. Bruce Lipton and Dr. Joe Dispenza, whose work on the biology of belief and mind-body connection influenced my approach.
Documentaries and Books: Gaining insights from various documentaries and books on health, nutrition, and positive thinking.
My journey is a testament to sheer determination, resilience, and the power of holistic healing. From managing pain and side effects to maintaining mental and emotional well-being, I have learned to embrace every aspect of my experience. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire and support others who are navigating similar paths, showing that with the right mindset and tools, we can not only survive but thrive.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My superpower is my ability to take even the worst situations, process them, and quickly move through the stages to not only reach acceptance but also to find and highlight the positives within them. Essentially, I turn challenges into opportunities for transformation. Even when faced with a cancer diagnosis, I decided to find the beauty in cancer, the beauty in the situation itself. I was excited about the opportunity for this interview not to tell people about my superpowers, but because I’m more interested in showing them theirs.
I found purpose within my journey. I am forever changed. Any opportunity I have to share my unique approach, methods, failures, and successes is brings me joy. With this, I am power women to have more information and advocate for what feels right for them. I am now forever connected to and committed to helping breast cancer survivors see their own strength, resilience, abilities, and superpowers. I am forever changed, and with that has come a passion and drive to inspire and empower breast cancer survivors to navigate their own challenges with resilience and positivity. Helping them to reclaim their power and recognize their inner strength. Strength comes not from what you think you can do, but from overcoming what you think you can’t. To all my pink sisters out there reading this, I’m sending you so much love and light.🩷
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-taking in the context of cancer survivorship is about advocating for yourself and being actively involved in your care. It’s about questioning, understanding, and collaborating with your medical team, and implementing practices that support your overall well-being. By taking these risks, you enhance your chances of recovery and empower yourself to live a healthier, more informed life. My journey has taught me that the greatest risk is not taking one at all.
IN CONCLUSION ~
My journey through cancer, with all its challenges, obstacles, and necessary risks, has been a transformative experience that reshaped my life and outlook. From the moment I heard the dreaded word “cancer,” I knew that my path would be fraught with difficulties, but I also understood that it was an opportunity for growth, learning, and resilience.
Advocating for myself, questioning my medical providers, and seeking collaborative, rather than directive, treatment plans were risks that empowered me to take control of my health. Implementing holistic practices, from nutrition and hydration to mindfulness and emotional support, played a crucial role in my recovery. Sharing my story, allowing help, and embracing positivity became my anchors, guiding me through the storm.
Throughout this journey, butterflies and peacocks have symbolized my transformation and renewal. Just as a butterfly emerges from its chrysalis, I have emerged stronger, more resilient, and with a profound appreciation for the beauty in life’s trials. The peacock, with its vibrant display, reminds me of the splendor that can arise from adversity and the importance of embracing our inner beauty and strength.
Risk-taking, for me, was about more than facing the unknown—it was about advocating for myself, making informed decisions, and actively participating in my healing process. It was about embracing every facet of my journey with grace, courage, and a relentless pursuit of well-being.
As I continue to walk this path, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons learned, the strength gained, and the opportunity to share my experiences with others. My story is not just about surviving cancer; it’s about thriving in the face of adversity, finding beauty in the journey, and inspiring others to do the same.
To anyone facing similar challenges, I offer this message of hope: Embrace the journey, take risks, advocate for yourself, and never lose sight of the beauty and strength within you. You are not alone, and together, we can transform our trials into triumphs.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_beyondthediagnosis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556731926477&mibextid=JRoKGi
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXVbJIMTKC7wLoc8E9axWQ
Image Credits
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