1 in 8 woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. And although I strive to be exceptional, being the "ONE" in this case was not what I was going for.
Read the first part of my story...
The Mindset of Cancer
Cancer's Return:
The Brain Cancer Diagnosis
You know how sometimes life decides to throw you not just a curveball, but what feels like the whole dang ballpark?
That was me, right on the cusp of Day 2 of the Build Your Online Course Challenge.
Picture this: just one hour before I was due to go live online, I got hit with the news – brain cancer. Not that there's ever a good time for that news, but come on!
So, after a quick meltdown, deep breath and wiping the tears, I stepped up and delivered what felt like an academy award-winning coaching session.
That evening, Mark and I let it all out with a major cry fest on the beach. But you know me – action follows tears pretty swiftly. We set our sights on finding the best brain surgeon in the business.
After putting Dr. Duma through a grueling interview, he won a spot on my winning team, with his assurance that “I can’t stand losing” still ringing in my ears.
The tumor was oddly in a 'perfect' spot – if it were on the other side I would have lost my ability to speak. He dubbed it “another Karmic event.” I walked out of his office with a solid game plan in hand, knowing he was “the one” to steer me through this unprecedented journey.
The lead-up to surgery was bizarrely marked by a voracious appetite, thanks to hefty steroids meant to tame brain swelling. But it was truly the love and support from friends and my community that fed my soul.
An intention circle, led by my dear friend Nathania and supported by 30+ souls at James Wedmore's Performance Mastermind, sent waves of healing vibes my way. Their video, brimming with love and encouragement, reached me right when I needed it most, mere hours before surgery.
Adding to the pre-surgery rituals, my friends sent personal "you got this" videos, which I watched before and even during surgery. Yes, I was awake during surgery, listening to their voices, drawing strength from their faith in me.
And let's not forget Winnie, my intuitive pup, who seemed to understand the gravity of the moment, presenting me with a brain-stuffed toy as if to say, "You've got this, mommy."
On the day of surgery, the Universe sent me someone who needed a dose of Christie coaching—a new friend facing her third surgery, teetering on the brink of fear. Together, we chose faith over fear.
My pre-op nurse turned my room into a shrine of positivity with well-wishing post-its everywhere, a beautiful testament to the kindness of strangers.
Decked out in my brightest colors, with healing crystals in my pocket and manifesting socks on my feet, I embraced surgery with a mix of awe and adventure.
I saw myself healed, healthy and whole.
And once again, I knew this was part of my story and not the end of it!
"How cool is this?" I thought, totally geared up for what I knew would be a positive outcome.
You know the kind that miracles are made of!
As the drill hummed and was about to remove the metal frame, I grinned at the camera, thinking, "Reverse, please!"
In such moments, we truly shine, finding humor amidst brain surgery's aftermath. The moment the drill tangled with my hair, I was whisked back to childhood shenanigans with my brother, a sweet reminder of the resilience stitched through our memories.
There, laughing in the face of it all, supported by an incredible tapestry of friends, family, and a medical dream team, I felt the depth of our collective journey.
Stepping out of surgery, I strutted down the runway to an even healthier and happier life.
We were on the road the next morning, not just any road, but the one leading to Arizona, to the mastermind. It wasn't about learning; it was about feeling the love of my closest friends, leaning on them, and absorbing their strength.
To my astonishment, I was voted the most inspirational member of the year—a title that humbles me, given the incredible human beings I share that room with. Yet, the story didn’t end there.
Sedona’s embrace was magnetic post-mastermind, its mystical red rocks and ancient energies wrapping me in gratitude. Thanksgiving with Ana and Keith – pillars of strength since the June 2022 “breast guest” diagnosis – was a celebration of friendship, love, and the healing power of crystals. Sedona wasn’t just a place; it was a sanctuary of peace and recovery.
A month later, COVID struck, leading to a challenging 17-day water fast, guided by my doctor's wisdom. I chose 17 days because that’s my angel number, a reminder I was on the right path, and more than enough time for my immune system to activate autophagy and remove unhealthy cells from my body.
A week later, Mark and I celebrated my 555th day of no alcohol, no sugar and no fried foods at our favorite restaurant appropriately named 555.
The wait for the official "all-clear" was a long one—106 days to receive the official confirmation that I was healed, healthy and whole.
The news shocked both of my doctors but it was exactly as I expected and worth every second of wait—the "brain guest" was gone, a testament to an atypical, yet triumphant, healing journey.
This journey has been a vivid reminder of a truth I've lived by: mindset is everything.
Choosing faith over fear, discovering laughter in the darkest corners, and leaning on the strength of our community can transform any challenge into a journey of growth and healing.
As I write this update, I am so deeply grateful for the additional lessons the brain guest delivered because I would not be the woman I am without this experience.
The lessons I've learned from facing cancer weren't just for me—they're a push for me to dive deeper into my true purpose, which is helping you conquer whatever life throws your way.
I'm thrilled to announce that come August, we're launching a powerful mindset course. It's designed to arm you with the resilience and optimism needed to navigate life's toughest challenges.
In the meantime, a heartfelt thank you for standing by me through this wild, scary AF ride.
Your support means the world!
Big hugs,
How to Support Me...
I always tell my clients to ask support when they need it.
So, here I am walking the walk and talking the talk.
Here's HOW to do that and what NOT to do:
#1 Getting CARDS is a love language for me.
You can send me fun snail-mail here anytime! P.O. Box 91538, Long Beach, CA 90809
#2 Do NOT say “I’m Sorry…”
Why? Because this "brain guest" has brought so many gifts and lessons that were not delivered by the "breast guest". I am truly grateful for this experience because it has further shaped me into the woman I am meant to be.
And finally:
#3 Do NOT tell me your stories of someone who died from cancer.
There is no room in my circle for anyone who isn’t speaking life. And I want you in my circle. So don't be that person who doesn't get this is not the time or place to word vomit on me horrible stories related to cancer.
If you want to support me, then think and talk about this as my health journey, not my cancer journey.
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