At the time of my diagnosis, my life was already a whirlwind. I was dealing with overwhelming emotional stress, and trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy. "Normal life" for me meant juggling work, co-parenting, and the challenges of keeping my inner world together amidst chaos. However, I began to have a persistent feeling that something was "off." My body was speaking to me, but like many people, I initially brushed it off as stress.  I had this ongoing leg pain and noticed when I jumped rope for exercise, my right upper tibia and knee felt like a ton of bricks had hit it after a session.  The vibration from certain activities triggered this pain and became more concerning over time.

I chose to be seen about this and was told there was nothing abnormal about my x-rays. However I happened to notice a shady area on the x-rays which the doctor was going to dismiss but due to my pushback he told me to hold on while he consulted other doctors. He ends up referring me to another orthopedic doctor that specialized in bone Cancers and other special orthopedic issues. After consulting with him and receiving scans I got my answer and it was called Adamantinoma Cancer. Sounds scary doesn't it?

When the diagnosis came, I felt like the world had stopped. Cancer—a word that instantly brings fear, uncertainty, and grief and not to mention under 1% of people have this cancer so it was rare. Mentally, I was already strained from my ongoing life challenges, and emotionally, I felt like I had no more capacity to process another battle. But I quickly realized that if I wanted to survive—not just for myself but for my children—I had to step into my power and advocate for myself. I asked questions, sought second opinions, and leaned into my inner strength, even when it felt impossible.  

I dealt with surgery of this cancer along with finding out I had another cancer on top of that, which I currently am still dealing with called Neuroendocrine Cancer which is also a rarer Cancer. Every step felt like climbing a mountain. But through it all, I discovered an inner resilience I didn't know existed. I leaned heavily on spiritual tools I had been cultivating: meditation, journaling, prayer, and mindfulness. My faith in the process and the support from loved ones became my anchor. Some days are harder than others, but I learned to give myself grace and focus on small victories.  

To anyone starting this journey, I want you to know that you are stronger than you realize. Trust your body, lean into your community, and find the tools that resonate with you to stay grounded.  

Looking back, I see my cancer journey as a pivotal part of my healing and transformation. It was a chapter that tested me in every way but also awakened a deeper understanding of my purpose. Today, I feel gratitude for the lessons this journey brought into my life. It taught me the importance of self-care, self-advocacy, and the healing power of hope. Through Innerworth Wellness, I now channel my experiences to help others find their strength, heal their traumas, and align with their purpose.  

Cancer was not the end of my story—it was the beginning of a new one.

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