My Blog & Reflections from October
Hello and welcome to my blog!
I hope you’ll enjoy following it and tapping into areas such as mindful living after breast cancer, managing stress and anxiety, input and tips from specialists, book recommendations, motivation and inspiration on how to get fit, managing your menopause symptoms holistically and figuring out how to stay on top of your nutrition.
As always, my mission is to empower those affected by breast cancer but if you haven’t been, (phew!) please don’t leave! There will be so much content on ways to improve your lifestyle so that you can actively reduce your risk of getting breast cancer.
I am super excited to take you on this journey with me as we explore different paths guiding us towards a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life. If there is anything you would like me to cover, please let me know or get in touch to contribute.
Reflections on Breast Cancer Awareness Month
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I was lucky to be able to attend the Future Dreams House Ladies’ Lunch at The Savoy Hotel in London. I was struck and touched by the speakers who ranged from breast cancer survivors, ladies living with secondary breast cancer and loved ones speaking so graciously about those they had lost to the illness. It was a truly inspirational and life affirming afternoon where Liz O’Riordan received the Humanitarian Award for her tireless work on raising awareness about breast cancer. Give her a follow if you don’t already; she’s amazing!
Liz receiving The Humanitarian Award. Also…I chatted to Liz Hurley while waiting for the loo (as you do) She was even more beautiful in real life!!
That said, Breast Cancer Awareness Month can be very triggering with the potential of bringing up difficult memories, emotions, and trauma for those affected. But we mustn’t forget the important message that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here to convey. Breast cancer is real; it affects someone every day, and it is so important that we all learn the signs and symptoms and remember to check ourselves regularly. When I was having chemotherapy in October 2022, I was still in total disbelief that this was happening to me. I was living it while posters, adverts and campaigns were all around me! I remember feeling terrified about the future, but I hope it is of some comfort to know that the memories fade, the fear lessens and while you may not find the old you again, you will feel joy again and you will come out stronger. And who knows? You might like that person better!
My third cycle of EC chemo in November 2022.
Seminar with Sarah Newman’s members - Get Me Back UK
On Friday 11 October, I was invited to talk to Sarah Newman’s members about living with uncertainty after a cancer diagnosis, and coping strategies for dealing with common triggers. Sarah is a cancer fitness trainer and the founder of Get Me Back UK. Since her own experience with cancer, Sarah has focussed her attention on bringing people together in safe environment where they get expert advice on exercise, restoration and nutrition. I love what she does and her enthusiasm for getting outside is infectious!
My top tips for dealing with recurrence fear and uncertainty.
Fear, worry or concern relating to the possibility that cancer will come back, or progress is real and can be very debilitating. But rather than trying to predict the future, try this instead…
Talk to yourself like you would to a friend.
Empower yourself through exercise, good food, relaxation, and time to be you.
Practice positive affirmations and gratitude.
Pay attention to what you can control.
Talk to someone about your fears.
Keep a journal of your feelings.
Keep in touch with your medical team and advocate for yourself.
Download the ‘I AM’ App to receive your daily affirmations.
Nutrition!
If you are feeling the cold and the need for something to warm you up, my friend and breast cancer survivor, Lucy Pattullo, has put together a wonderful recipe for us below…
After her own breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, Lucy retrained to become a Pilates teacher and has recently added an NTEC in Nutrition to her qualifications. I think that deserves a round of applause. Congratulations!
Do follow Lucy on Instagram @rebalancemeuk
I hope you give this a go! It sounds and looks absolutely delightful.
Until next time
Anja x