Despite living what I thought was a healthy life and doing my best to manage my stressors, I was diagnosed in 2024 with an incurable blood cancer (multiple myeloma) that threatens my bones. I know what it’s like to suddenly be diagnosed with a major disease, to feel powerless and lost, to want someone to tell me what to do, and to feel like a statistic with my doctor. Who do I trust? Myself? My doctor? Another healer? In the case of cancer, I found that there are so many viewpoints, many of which are convincing and contradictory! With so many opinions and options, it was hard for me at times to know which direction to take. I found that while western doctors can absolutely help with conventional treatments, they have not been trained to help from a whole person perspective. There are many helpful things that I have been able to apply to improve my overall wellness and increase my odds of survival. Unfortunately, my experience indicates that doctors are unlikely to talk to you or make referrals in the area of nutrition, mental health, relationships, and spirituality. Research shows that exploring and making changes in these areas can make a difference in your health and longevity. I learned that ultimately, it was up to me to chart my course toward wellness.