Breast Cancer Awareness: Kristin's Story Part II

Image: Hayley West

Styling: Stylist LisaG

MAU: Hanna Fisher

I couldn't possibly share this amazing woman's story in one blog. This is Part II of Kristin's journey from battling Breast Cancer to her road to recovery. Kristin has been so inspiring to me and what an amazing way to celebrate her end of chemotherapy treatment than with a styled pictorial showcasing her beauty - both external and internal. If you missed the first Part read is HERE

There is a lot more to recovery than the physical healing of incisions. Kristin told me what she has been doing to heal herself, and what she would tell others who have received a diagnosis, "You’re not alone! Be careful doing searches on Internet. We are really fortunate to have so many helpful resources in this town. For example, Wellness Kitchen in Templeton I get bone broth and healing tea quite often. There is pick up location in San Luis Obispo.

 No sugar or processed foods! Sugar feeds cancer 

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I take several supplements to keep my immune system and overall support.  I Know you are thinking that must be so expensive and the answer is YES. But I think it is worth every penny. If you can't afford it at least take Vitamin c, d . Mushrooms are great for immune support. I started with Turkey tail and since then moved on to Mitake and now Shitake (Host Defense Brand).  Consult with a Naturopath doctor first. I feel fortune to have best of both worlds. I have a regular oncologist Dr. Dicarlo and Dr. Hedi Lucas my integrated naturopthic oncologist.

Please check out Kristin'a GoFundMe Page if you are able to help out!

HERE

Kristin explains how your contributions are helping her with her health; 

" I went back and fourth on the derision of doing radiation . After many visits to radiation oncologist with many questions . I decided to not move forward with radiation . Just never had a 100% peace and my gut was telling me it was more harm then good . With that said decided to go an alternative route and work with a nutritionist . On a very strict diet and as he works on re-booting my body . I buy all my fruits and veggies at local farmers market . We are so blessed to have one every day of the week in different towns near by . Usually I attend sat in Templeton and wed. In Atascadero . Currently on a plant based diet with fish and chicken . My nutritionist has me on intestinal cleanse , then gall bladder cleanse , kidney , liver ...... This is to purge the toxins out of my body and keep me healthy ! Also juicing twice a day . So as you can imagine it's very time consuming and costly to work with a nutritionist . I am feeling better and feel this strict regiment is with it ."

Her words of wisdom:

"Stay Positive: Your mind plays a huge part in your mood. Yes there will be good days and bad days. Feel blessed to have had more good days than bad days.

Allow help: Everyone has different ways of showing they care and helping.

Keep moving: I think the biggest reason was so strong through treatment and surgery is a great team of support but also private Pilate lessons at the house. I also try to walk at least 30 min a day and eat really clean.  

I feel so fortunate to have been a part of the project and to have connected with Kristin. I am so thankful for her courage to share her story as it may save a woman's life. Share what you have learned with your sisters, we need to support one another. As women we have an amazing opportunity to educate,  empower and inspire each other and lift each other up by sharing our truth and experiences. Take the opportunity to speak to your friends, colleagues, family and strangers about early detection, self examination and overall health this month and beyond.

L

XO

Breast Cancer Awareness: Kristin's Story Part I

Image by Hayley West

Styling by Me - 

Shabby Apple Tulle Skirt / Betsy Johnson Bracelet/ Forever 21 Ear Cuff

MAU: Hanna Fisher

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the month I want to share stories of women that I have had the honor of bring connected with. We have all seen the statistics but like everything else in our fast paced life we have maybe breezed by them or said to ourselves "that could never happen to me". Did you know that in every 8 women 1 will be diagnosed with breast cancer?

A really sobering thought. I met Kristin when I was asked to donate my time/styling expertise to a photo shoot celebrating the end of her grueling chemotherapy treatment. Of course I answered the call, anything that will serve to empower or inspire another woman I always show up!

She first met me in my Evolution Vintage showroom and we talked a lot about what she is authentically drawn too. She loves lace, ruffles, anything romantic and feminine. She adores pink and was also open to my ideas. I was inspired by her strength but also by her willingness to step outside her style comfort zone and give some looks a try she may not have otherwise chose. The pictorial is a true celebration of her beauty and life.

Kristin wearing Vintage Ruffle Gown, Vintage Gloves and Vintage Pearls

She told me, "One morning I though I pulled a muscle, so did a self-check and felt around. To my discovery found a lump. Trying not to freak out I immediately booked an appointment with my OB November 14th , 2015.  She said there is defiantly a lump I suggest getting an appointment to get a mammogram/ Ultrasound.

(Nov19th 2015)

From there things progressed pretty quickly

Biopsy December 1st 2015 and December 7th I was officially diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

I can’t say enough do your self-breast exam on the 1st of every month!You are never too young or too old. There is something to be said about that  "Gut feeling. "

Kristin was 31 when she received the news she had breast cancer. She explained,

"Stage 2-breast cancer, BRCA Positive (carry the gene), HER 2 Positive (the cancer cells have more of protein. It causes these cells to grow and spread faster than the ones with normal level of protein)" 

She shared what inspired her during this chapter in her life,

"God’s overwhelming Grace upon my life.

Family and friends near and far.

Often a physical illness will impact you more than just physically.  It can impact your emotions and hope, your spirit and soul. But God Himself can redeem even those times for good and His glory. When you are ill and forced to slow down, of course visit the doctor, take your medicine and rest. And, yes pray to the Lord, for He is the only one that heals your diseases. Sometimes, though, Jesus also wants to speak to you during this quieter time, so look and listen for what He wants to teach you when you are ill. – God’s Promises for when your Hurting by Jack Countryman"

Tomorrow I will share her tips for staying healthy and strong through Chemo and beyond as well as her recently acquired wisdom for anyone who has been recently diagnosed. You can also come back and see the rest of her gorgeous pictorial! 

L

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