Michelle is a survivor of stage 2 primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In her early thirties, she began experiencing symptoms such as neck pain, which she initially dismissed as a pulled muscle. This was around the anniversary of her mother’s passing from stomach cancer, and Michelle felt a growing sense that something was wrong. Following a series of inconclusive medical exams, an x-ray ultimately revealed a large tumor in her chest, leading to her diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Michelle’s diagnosis and subsequent journey marked a significant and transformative chapter in her life.

The discovery of the tumor stunned and terrified Michelle, particularly given her recent experience losing her mother to cancer. Genetic testing revealed no hereditary links to her illness, suggesting it was likely environmental, further compounding her sense of the unknown. Her treatment plan included 6 rounds of intensive chemotherapy, which involved 5-day hospital stays on a continuous drip. The treatment was effective but came with a host of side effects, including severe nausea, fatigue, appetite and weight loss, and hair loss, which further traumatized Michelle. She recalls how losing her hair and eyebrows created a “loss of identity,” as she struggled to recognize herself. Her physical transformation added to the emotional toll, which was exacerbated by continuing to work full-time.

Ringing the bell at the end of Michelle’s successful chemotherapy treatment marked the start of a difficult recovery journey rather than closure. She found that, contrary to popular belief, the end of treatment brought a new set of challenges: trauma from the experience, persistent health issues from chemotherapy, and anxiety about recurrence. Additionally, her body struggled to absorb nutrients due to chemotherapy’s impact on her digestive system. Despite these challenges, Michelle committed herself to her recovery, focusing on nutrition and mental well-being.

This experience led Michelle to change her career path, eventually becoming a certified integrative nutrition health coach to support other cancer survivors in recovery. She emphasizes that recovery is an ongoing process, requiring tools to manage stress, anxiety, and long-term side effects like lymphedema and scar tissue.

Michelle has found purpose in helping others navigate the post-treatment journey, hoping to bridge the gaps in aftercare support. Through her own trials and transformations, she has emerged with a renewed sense of identity and dedication to holistic health, embracing the perspective and purpose she found on the other side of her battle with cancer.