Let's go
beyond surviving
a serious illness!
Cancer is a tough topic to discuss and an even tougher disease to go through, whether personally or with a loved one. It is my mission to help make this incredibly difficult situation a little easier for you.
Through my own experience with an advanced form of breast cancer, I learned how acceptance, honesty, openness, gratitude, and the integration of holistic therapies--alongside traditional oncology care--could help me thrive not just after treatment, but throughout the entire process.
It means the world to share my message and my journey with you. I look forward to connecting.
About Erika
In 2014, I found myself facing a life-changing diagnosis: HER2+ stage III locally advanced invasive ductal carcinoma, or as most people know it, breast cancer. At 43, I embarked on an 18-month journey filled with chemotherapy, a mastectomy, radiation, and reconstruction. But here’s the thing—I quickly realized that I had a choice in how I viewed this experience. I learned that embracing complementary therapies was essential not just for my physical health, but also for maintaining a positive mindset throughout the tough times.
Gratitude
Gratitude became my guiding light. With the help of psychotherapy, yoga, and some good books, I started to see cancer as something that was happening for me, rather than to me. I chose to cultivate a sense of gratitude for the lessons and growth that came with this journey.
I made a conscious choice to express gratitude for all the little things in life. You know, those everyday moments that, when added together, create extraordinary benefits for our mental, spiritual, and even physical well-being.
Holistic Healing
Now, let's talk about holistic healing. It's a bit disheartening that the American oncology community doesn't fully embrace this approach. That's why I'm so passionate about sharing my journey with complementary therapies. I want to reach out to physicians, nurses, and caregivers, encouraging them to recognize the value of these therapies and advocate for their inclusion in oncology care and recovery.
There is no way out, just through.
"Cancer and Things I'm Grateful For" takes a closer look the often-overlooked aspects of a cancer diagnosis. It emphasizes the importance of connecting the body, mind, and soul to find peace during such challenging times. While treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation are crucial, they often focus solely on the cancer, neglecting the side effects and the emotional and spiritual dimensions of healing. Through my journey, I share how self-advocacy and gratitude have transformed my experience with cancer, and I hope my story inspires others to discover the resilience that lies within us all.
“We are presented challenges in our lives, and until we learn the lessons they are trying to teach, they come back in different ways. I know now what I was to learn from cancer. The lessons are almost limitless. One of the most important lessons is that I remember to ask, 'Do you know where you're lucky?'"
-Erika K. Wolf