My path to oncology nutrition began with my own cancer diagnosis at 29.
At that time I was a grant writer serving nonprofits, but following my brain surgery, I suffered vision impairments, seizures, balance issues, and cognitive delays. Unable to work; I didn't know what was next for me.
As I began treatment, I wanted to know what I could do as a patient to improve my circumstances, and response to chemo and radiation.
To my disappointment, I was told there wasn't much I could do. That I just needed to "eat red meat and protein powder" so I didn't lose weight.
I went straight home to do my own research. I knew nutrition had to be more important than they were admitting. Despite my lingering physical and cognitive impairments, what I learned caused me to return to school to study nutrition, specializing in metabolic oncology nutrition.
It was a long road, but by improving the function of my body's systems and using targeted nutrition therapies, I have recovered fully, and I am currently free of disease.
(I cannot leave out the importance of other modalities which brought me back to myself: physical therapy, vision and speech therapies, counseling, and somatic work.)
And one very special "unofficial" therapy dog: Harvey.