You see, I was diagnosed with breast cancer over the phone. My first in-person meeting with an oncologist left me confused, defeated and feeling utter despair. Yes, one can argue, that would have been the case with any oncologist telling a patient they have stage 3 HER2+ breast cancer and the fight of their life is ahead of them. However, it wasn’t just the diagnosis or treatment protocol that shook me, it was the practitioner’s lack of empathy and poor bedside manner that really was the kicker. In the darkest moment of my life, what I needed most was compassion, education, and someone to explain to me what they recommended but also why. Instead, I was told what needed to happen, reprimanded when I questioned it and put in a position that felt totally disempowering.

The next day, I sought a second opinion. I also began creating my own team of health professionals, that were qualified, experts in their field, compassionate and made me feel like part of the process. This wasn’t limited to oncologists and breast cancer surgeons either. As a natural health practitioner, I believe the best outcomes and level of care comes when you combine western medicine & natural medicine to support your body to heal holistically.

Speaking with other cancer patients throughout my journey, I was amazed when they told me they didn’t know that choosing their health team was possible. Yes, it can be uncomfortable advocating for yourself. Yes, it can involve more appointments with health professionals, and often more of a financial investment. However, when battling a chronic health condition, your team, your mindset and how you’re feeling during your journey can make a dramatic difference to your health and recovery.

Some of the modalities that I chose to support me throughout my journey included naturopathy, nutritional medicine, psychology, exercise physiology, reflexology, traditional Chinese medicine and even indigenous medicine from a travelling Ngangkari, who are first nation traditional healers.

Whilst my health trial was cancer, these lessons apply to anyone. Regardless of whether you are currently facing a health trial, have a chronic health condition or just want to optimise your health. You have a right to choose your health care team.

We engage the services of health professionals because they are experts in their field and can provide guidance on the best actions to take to support our health. The guidance is important but so is the delivery and the intangible factor of how they make you feel. Whilst on the pursuit of better health, you deserve to feel supported, empowered and cared for throughout the process.

The journey may be unknown, challenging, and a little bit scary. But please trust me when I say, your team can make a huge difference to not only your physical health but your mental health too. You are both the physical and mental, you are one whole person and therefore a holistic approach and an empowering team can be a total game changer for your health.