1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:06,120 You know, I think that nobody thinks that it will touch them. I certainly never thought so. 2 00:00:06,440 --> 00:00:12,520 So don't be fooled by the fact that there is no history in your family. In my family 3 00:00:12,520 --> 00:00:15,140 there was never breast cancer history, let's say. 4 00:00:15,820 --> 00:00:20,200 You still need to do your regular check-ups and the screenings as 5 00:00:21,000 --> 00:00:25,080 recommended by the country that you are living in and just take it seriously. 6 00:00:25,080 --> 00:00:31,360 And I think it should be taken as women, as a form of empowerment, you know, instead of being scared about it to say, 7 00:00:31,360 --> 00:00:38,520 okay, you know, I'm taking charge. I'm doing this proactively. And we do know, you know, that there is no better way than, you know, 8 00:00:38,520 --> 00:00:59,560 early detection. That's really your best card to play. So take it seriously. 9 00:00:59,560 --> 00:01:07,080 Hey, hey, and welcome to the Forties Formula, your go-to place for insightful discussions on navigating the forties and thriving in this transformative decade. 10 00:01:07,080 --> 00:01:15,080 We're your hosts, Jasmine and Amanda, two women that are passionate about exploring the challenges and adventures that come with turning 40 and what lies ahead. 11 00:01:23,680 --> 00:01:31,680 Our guest today is Isabel Galeano, a remarkable coach specializing in supporting cancer patients, both during and after treatment. 12 00:01:31,680 --> 00:01:39,680 With over 10 years of experience in guiding individuals through the emotional and physical challenges of a cancer diagnosis, 13 00:01:39,680 --> 00:01:45,680 Isabel's expertise lies in nutrition, stress management, emotional wellbeing and sleep coaching. 14 00:01:45,680 --> 00:01:52,680 As a two-time cancer survivor herself, Isabel's journey fuels her passion to help others navigate their healing process. 15 00:01:52,680 --> 00:01:58,680 She is a certified health coach and a functional medicine practitioner, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. 16 00:01:58,680 --> 00:02:06,680 Hi, Isabel. Thank you for joining us on the show today. We're really excited to have you here and to listen to your story. 17 00:02:06,680 --> 00:02:20,680 If you could, could you take us back to that time when you were 32 years old and you first found out that this wasn't just, you know, a little bump in the road? 18 00:02:20,680 --> 00:02:32,680 Well, actually, it was probably the happiest time in my life. I just came back from my honeymoon and it was a beautiful wedding and I was really, really at a very happy place. 19 00:02:32,680 --> 00:02:36,680 I was very happy at my work and everything was going perfectly well. 20 00:02:36,680 --> 00:02:43,680 And it was really putting on cream on my body that I felt a very clear lump in my breast. 21 00:02:43,680 --> 00:02:51,680 And I immediately took it seriously. And I think that's probably one of the best things I did in my life. 22 00:02:51,680 --> 00:03:03,680 I immediately the next day went to see a doctor and that's how the whole process started with a biopsy that was done and that confirmed that it was indeed breast cancer. 23 00:03:03,680 --> 00:03:14,680 And yes, I mean, it's something that you never expect that nobody can prepare you for, but that you have to start dealing with very, very quickly. 24 00:03:14,680 --> 00:03:23,680 I read in an interview that in your early 20s, you were looking after your mother who was also suffering from cancer. 25 00:03:23,680 --> 00:03:30,680 How did your diagnosis and your experience from before make you feel during that time when you found out? 26 00:03:30,680 --> 00:03:38,680 Well, actually, it was interesting because my diagnosis came five years after my mother's passing. 27 00:03:38,680 --> 00:03:43,680 And somehow it was the same doctor, although it was two different cancers. 28 00:03:43,680 --> 00:03:48,680 And she was very shocked when she saw me and she was like, oh, my God, no, this cannot happen to you. 29 00:03:48,680 --> 00:03:58,680 And I have to say that, interestingly enough, I had immediately kind of that survival instinct came in and I immediately said to her, 30 00:03:58,680 --> 00:04:03,680 do not confuse me with my mother. It's not because she didn't make it that I won't make it. 31 00:04:03,680 --> 00:04:07,680 This is a new story, another chapter. I'm going to make this. 32 00:04:07,680 --> 00:04:19,680 So it somehow gave me strength because I learned during the process and I just knew that I had to be brave and do my best. 33 00:04:19,680 --> 00:04:24,680 And I was very positive that I could make this actually. 34 00:04:24,680 --> 00:04:34,680 And that's that's impressive, you know, like taking on something which can be such a scary experience, but actually seeing the positive in it. 35 00:04:34,680 --> 00:04:43,680 Yeah, I don't know that I could have been the same at such a young age, especially because having watched your mother pass away from cancer and then to get that diagnosis yourself. 36 00:04:43,680 --> 00:04:46,680 How did you make the mental switch to be positive? 37 00:04:46,680 --> 00:04:53,680 I mean, what what was it that allowed you to do that? Because you had seen a not successful cancer ending with your mom. 38 00:04:53,680 --> 00:04:58,680 It was honestly not something that I had to work on. It just came like it just came. 39 00:04:58,680 --> 00:05:11,680 And that was great because that was really kind of something that helped me throughout the process that I just refused to look at a complicated ended. 40 00:05:11,680 --> 00:05:18,680 I was kind of convinced since the very beginning that I would make it. And it really helped me throughout it. 41 00:05:18,680 --> 00:05:27,680 But I didn't apply specific strategies, which now I know and I teach kind of my clients. 42 00:05:27,680 --> 00:05:40,680 For me, it really came as, yes, I would say as a very natural, deep survival instinct and deep willing to live and to to overcome this. 43 00:05:40,680 --> 00:05:47,680 Amanda, you're going to love this. I just found out that the meat club have added a whole new range of protein snacks and supplements to their website. 44 00:05:47,680 --> 00:05:52,680 Wait, what? I thought they just did the meat and the fish and that brand new range of fresh fruit and veggies. 45 00:05:52,680 --> 00:06:00,680 They do. But now they've got things like grass fed jerky protein bars and even bone broth. It's all packed with nutrients that are perfect for a quick and healthy snack. 46 00:06:00,680 --> 00:06:05,680 OK, that is exactly what I need for the days when I'm running between clients and recordings and kids. 47 00:06:05,680 --> 00:06:14,680 Exactly. Do you know what I love the most is the chief collagen protein. I just stick it in my coffee to help with not only my skin, but healing my gut with all that glycine. 48 00:06:14,680 --> 00:06:22,680 OK, so I just need to jump over to www.themeatclub.com.sg and check out their full range of protein snacks and supplements. 49 00:06:22,680 --> 00:06:31,680 Yep. And you can save yourself 12 percent off your first purchase using code TFF12. And don't forget to follow them on Instagram at The Meat Club SG. 50 00:06:31,680 --> 00:06:40,680 And they also offer a subscription service with the perks that are amazing. You can get up to 15 percent off your basket and even free mints for life on orders over 100 dollars. 51 00:06:40,680 --> 00:06:49,680 Plus, they offer over 160 dollars worth of exclusive perks and give you the flexibility to edit your cart or change your delivery day anytime. 52 00:06:49,680 --> 00:06:59,680 Now back to the chat. So then five years later, you were diagnosed again. How did that impact you at that time in your life? 53 00:06:59,680 --> 00:07:09,680 So I was first diagnosed at the age of 32 and I went through the whole thing. So I had surgery, I had chemotherapy, I had radiotherapy, I had hormone therapy. 54 00:07:09,680 --> 00:07:22,680 So it was a very long and very difficult process. And I really did everything by the book. So I did all my treatments. I bravely went through everything. 55 00:07:22,680 --> 00:07:32,680 And then less than two years actually after my first diagnosis, I went to a normal screening and very confident. 56 00:07:32,680 --> 00:07:39,680 And unfortunately, they realized that there was something coming back in the scar of my first surgery. 57 00:07:39,680 --> 00:07:46,680 And that's where again going through different steps, they announced to me that my cancer was back. 58 00:07:46,680 --> 00:07:53,680 And I have to say that emotionally that one was much harder because for me it was okay. 59 00:07:53,680 --> 00:08:00,680 The first time around you kind of had all these strengths and you did everything and you went through it and you fought it. 60 00:08:00,680 --> 00:08:08,680 And I honestly really thought that I was done with it. I really thought I'm done with it. I will never ever have to do anything with cancer again. 61 00:08:08,680 --> 00:08:14,680 So I never in a million years expected it. I see a lot of my clients who are very scared about a recurrence. 62 00:08:14,680 --> 00:08:19,680 I was not. I was really not. So it really was a shock. 63 00:08:19,680 --> 00:08:27,680 And I would say that this time the fear was much more intense. The first time I kind of dealt with it very well. 64 00:08:27,680 --> 00:08:38,680 This time I felt for the first time this fear of death, like, oh, maybe I'm not going to make it because, you know, how can I be here again? 65 00:08:38,680 --> 00:08:49,680 But then again, you know, I think that I have this innate ability to quickly move from problem to solution solving. 66 00:08:49,680 --> 00:08:58,680 So I really kind of, you know, put the problem on the side and focus on solutions. Okay, what can I do right now? 67 00:08:58,680 --> 00:09:03,680 And I get very quickly into action mode. So, okay, what can I do? What is the next step? 68 00:09:03,680 --> 00:09:14,680 Give me a plan. And again, that helped me quite a bit. But this time I had to work much more on my emotional well-being than the first time around. 69 00:09:14,680 --> 00:09:19,680 Amanda, I'm going to be honest with you. Sometimes my kids just don't poop. 70 00:09:19,680 --> 00:09:26,680 For real, I actually hear you. With two little ones and a baby, the poop situation around our house is very, very real. 71 00:09:26,680 --> 00:09:31,680 But since we started taking probiotic plus base from Akizie Wellness, it's actually gotten a lot better. 72 00:09:31,680 --> 00:09:39,680 Probiotic plus base is such an easy way to get 10 probiotic species and a good hit of prebiotic fiber into your entire family's diet. 73 00:09:39,680 --> 00:09:44,680 And you can sprinkle it on yogurt, mix it into cereals and even combine it into infant milk products. 74 00:09:44,680 --> 00:09:49,680 Yeah, when my son transitioned on a formula and had some weird tummy troubles, it was a lifesaver. 75 00:09:49,680 --> 00:09:53,680 And to be honest, for me, I don't mind taking a spoonful of it right into my mouth when I'm pressed for time. 76 00:09:53,680 --> 00:09:56,680 We all love a quick fix that actually works, right? 77 00:09:56,680 --> 00:10:04,680 That's why we're offering our lucky Singapore listeners 15% off and free shipping all Akizie products with code 40s on akiziewelness.com. 78 00:10:04,680 --> 00:10:12,680 That's akiziewelness, A-K-E-S-I, wellness.com to get a great deal on an easy gut health solution for the whole family. 79 00:10:12,680 --> 00:10:15,680 And now back to the show. 80 00:10:15,680 --> 00:10:18,680 And I think that probably makes you a better coach because of it, right? 81 00:10:18,680 --> 00:10:23,680 Because now you know both perspectives. You know the like, let's take care of this, let's take charge, move forward. 82 00:10:23,680 --> 00:10:27,680 And then you also can relate to the I'm terrified. This is really happening to me. 83 00:10:27,680 --> 00:10:36,680 Right. I think that probably, you know, for the silver lining of the double cancer diagnosis is at least you can see several perspectives in the clients that you work with. 84 00:10:36,680 --> 00:10:46,680 Definitely. And I think that's the best thing you can do as a coach, you know, to be able to put yourself in their shoes, to be able to coach them in a very nonjudgmental way 85 00:10:46,680 --> 00:10:50,680 and to kind of be able to relate to what they are experiencing. 86 00:10:50,680 --> 00:10:56,680 And yeah, it did make me, you know, see the whole spectrum. 87 00:10:56,680 --> 00:11:07,680 And I always say that, you know, one of the reasons I decided to become a coach is that I said, I just need to make something positive and constructive out of this. 88 00:11:07,680 --> 00:11:17,680 I saw it from so many different angles as a caregiver, which comes with its challenges as a first time, a cancer diagnosis and then as a recurrence. 89 00:11:17,680 --> 00:11:27,680 And I learned so much throughout this process that I wanted to share that with others. 90 00:11:27,680 --> 00:11:33,680 So it's been 15 years now and you've been in remission, which is incredible. So congratulations. 91 00:11:33,680 --> 00:11:34,680 Thank you. 92 00:11:34,680 --> 00:11:43,680 What sort of lifestyle changes have you implemented over this period to sort of help support you along the way? 93 00:11:43,680 --> 00:11:52,680 So I think that it's really like I think the important thing to understand is this is not a sprint, it's really a marathon. 94 00:11:52,680 --> 00:12:01,680 So it's really about implementing like sustainable habits throughout your life and see it as a long term project. 95 00:12:01,680 --> 00:12:08,680 And many things, I think it's I believe that we all have to start with the foundations. 96 00:12:08,680 --> 00:12:13,680 You know, sometimes we get lost in the complexity of nutrition or specific lifestyle habits. 97 00:12:13,680 --> 00:12:23,680 But I always coach my clients to start with the foundation, which is starting with good sleep, you know, making sure that you understand what is good sleep, how you get good sleep, 98 00:12:23,680 --> 00:12:37,680 you know, eating a proper, clean, nutrient dense diet, moving your body, not only doing exercise on a regular basis, but making sure that you are not too much sedentary and, you know, all these different aspects. 99 00:12:37,680 --> 00:12:43,680 But then also the emotional aspect, which I completely kind of neglected the first time around. 100 00:12:43,680 --> 00:12:51,680 I really understood that is something that I had to take seriously and that you can't heal your body without healing your mind too. 101 00:12:51,680 --> 00:13:00,680 And that you need to put it the time and the attention and the effort to also be in tune, you know, not only the body, but also your mind and your emotions. 102 00:13:00,680 --> 00:13:13,680 So I've started to do yoga, I became a yoga teacher, I've been certified in meditation, in breathing techniques, and I use all these techniques for myself, but of course also in my coaching. 103 00:13:13,680 --> 00:13:18,680 And I love that you mentioned exercise and nutrition as tools that you did use. 104 00:13:18,680 --> 00:13:21,680 I think there is kind of and again, I've never been through a cancer journey. 105 00:13:21,680 --> 00:13:23,680 So this is on the outside looking in. 106 00:13:23,680 --> 00:13:34,680 But I think there's the assumption that once you get this diagnosis, it's like you build this shell around you, right? And it's like, I can't focus on exercise and nutrition because I can only focus on this cancer. 107 00:13:34,680 --> 00:13:37,680 I can only focus on, you know, the clinical treatments that I need. 108 00:13:37,680 --> 00:13:40,680 But then in doing so, you kind of shoot yourself in the foot, right? 109 00:13:40,680 --> 00:13:50,680 Because then you take away the opportunity to use nutrition and exercise as a supplementary or adjunct therapy, which it really can be. 110 00:13:50,680 --> 00:13:56,680 I don't know about you, Jasmine, but one of the main questions I get from nutrition clients is where to grab a healthy meal when they're out and about. 111 00:13:56,680 --> 00:14:02,680 Oh, all the time. And they're often happy to hear me recommend Guzmín y Gómez, where clean is the new healthy. 112 00:14:02,680 --> 00:14:11,680 GYG serves up honest clean eats. No preservatives, no artificial flavors, no added colors, and no unacceptable additives. Basically, no nasties. 113 00:14:11,680 --> 00:14:15,680 And that's part of the reason why I feel good bringing my family to GYG for a quick meal too. 114 00:14:15,680 --> 00:14:20,680 My boys love it. Plus, I know they're getting fresh, 100 percent clean food. 115 00:14:20,680 --> 00:14:24,680 And it's seriously good stuff. The salsas and marinades are actually sourced from Mexico. 116 00:14:24,680 --> 00:14:30,680 So every bite has authentic Mexican flavors. And as a native Californian, I can verify that is legit. 117 00:14:30,680 --> 00:14:36,680 Oh, you've got me hungry for my fave protein packed burrito bowl. I love that I can double up on the protein to make it even more nutritious. 118 00:14:36,680 --> 00:14:40,680 I'm a burrito bowl gal too. Extra spicy with double maramundi for me. 119 00:14:40,680 --> 00:14:47,680 And super easy to get since there are 18 locations all over the island with online and social media delivery options too. 120 00:14:47,680 --> 00:14:50,680 We know where we're headed after the podcast. Now back to the chat. 121 00:14:51,680 --> 00:14:56,680 It can. However, I do think also that there is a time for everything. 122 00:14:56,680 --> 00:15:02,680 And at the beginning, you are just too overwhelmed. You know, it's just too much. It's just too much to handle. 123 00:15:02,680 --> 00:15:13,680 You have to understand that not only are you in a state of shock, but you are also confronted with an overwhelming amount of information that you need to process to understand. 124 00:15:13,680 --> 00:15:23,680 And very quickly, you need to take drastic decisions on, you know, your treatment plans, on where and with whom you're going to be treated. 125 00:15:23,680 --> 00:15:29,680 So this is kind of the first thing you need to solve, which already takes a lot of energy. 126 00:15:29,680 --> 00:15:36,680 And so I understand I can relate to that, that the first thing you think is not about lifestyle. 127 00:15:36,680 --> 00:15:41,680 So it's first about, OK, what is the immediate urgency? And then everybody is different. 128 00:15:41,680 --> 00:15:47,680 You know, some people have already some kind of knowledge about the importance of lifestyle and nutrition. 129 00:15:47,680 --> 00:15:58,680 They would go quicker in that next phase. Let's say let's getting out of the shock phase and let's getting more into what can I proactively do. 130 00:15:58,680 --> 00:16:02,680 And then definitely it does make a big difference. 131 00:16:02,680 --> 00:16:08,680 And if there is something that I have learned throughout my journey, but also the hundreds of clients I have coached now, 132 00:16:08,680 --> 00:16:14,680 is that, you know, the way you breathe, the way you eat, the way you move, the way you interact, the way you sleep, 133 00:16:14,680 --> 00:16:23,680 they all have a significant impact on your health, on the way you feel, on your well-being and on your ability to recover. 134 00:16:23,680 --> 00:16:32,680 And I think that's the key there, isn't it? It's the recovery and how it's not just for people who are at a point where, you know, 135 00:16:32,680 --> 00:16:38,680 they've got a diagnosis of cancer. It's just in general as well. It can make such a big, big difference. 136 00:16:38,680 --> 00:16:48,680 And obviously, when you are overly stressed, overly emotional, it's going to almost stop your body from progressing forward. 137 00:16:48,680 --> 00:16:55,680 So, you know, these are big challenges that you kind of need to overcome. So what would you say are the biggest sort of physical 138 00:16:55,680 --> 00:17:00,680 and emotional challenges that your clients or even yourself experienced during this time? 139 00:17:00,680 --> 00:17:06,680 I think that, first of all, it's just brutal because everything happens so quickly. 140 00:17:06,680 --> 00:17:11,680 So you don't kind of have time to get ready, to get prepared, to do a lot of research. 141 00:17:11,680 --> 00:17:20,680 So you really have this feeling of being rushed. And then it has such a deep impact on every aspect of your life, you know. 142 00:17:20,680 --> 00:17:26,680 That's the thing that often is underestimated. So you immediately think of, OK, can I go back to work? 143 00:17:26,680 --> 00:17:32,680 Do I have to tell my boss that I need a break? Will I be able to drive my kids to school? 144 00:17:32,680 --> 00:17:39,680 You know, how is it going to impact every aspect of my life? Because it does. Also, finances often are impacted. 145 00:17:39,680 --> 00:17:47,680 But then, you know, it's this combination of the physical and emotional toll it takes on you that is really hard 146 00:17:47,680 --> 00:17:54,680 because you suddenly become a person that you don't know. You have to deal with things that you are not familiar with, 147 00:17:54,680 --> 00:18:00,680 that you don't really know how to deal with. And then you feel differently, you know, depending on treatments, of course, 148 00:18:00,680 --> 00:18:06,680 you feel fatigue, you feel overwhelmed. There might be physical aspects that changes, 149 00:18:06,680 --> 00:18:12,680 particularly, of course, if you go to chemotherapy or have aggressive surgeries. 150 00:18:12,680 --> 00:18:18,680 And then the emotional aspects, you know, of not recognizing yourself literally in the mirror. 151 00:18:18,680 --> 00:18:26,680 So you don't recognize yourself the way you feel. You don't do the same activities you used to do. 152 00:18:26,680 --> 00:18:33,680 And then in addition to that, you don't recognize the way you look and, you know, the way you look in a mirror. 153 00:18:33,680 --> 00:18:40,680 So it's a lot to deal with. And it's tough. It is tough. 154 00:18:40,680 --> 00:18:45,680 You obviously have experienced the care group give a role as well. 155 00:18:45,680 --> 00:18:52,680 How does... Do you help sort of members of the family with the emotional support? 156 00:18:52,680 --> 00:18:59,680 Yes, definitely. And actually, quite often, it is a family member that would kind of reach out to me. 157 00:18:59,680 --> 00:19:09,680 It can be the kids, you know, who want their parents to work with me or they want support on how to kind of prepare food for their parents, 158 00:19:09,680 --> 00:19:15,680 how to get them to move better, how to get them to sleep better. And then often it's the wives. 159 00:19:15,680 --> 00:19:25,680 So when I coach, I mainly coach breast cancer. That's really kind of my main focus of attention. 160 00:19:25,680 --> 00:19:33,680 But of course, I coach any type of cancer and also men. So often it's the wife that comes and see me to, you know, 161 00:19:33,680 --> 00:19:39,680 to learn some tools on how to kind of guide and help their husbands throughout the period. 162 00:19:39,680 --> 00:19:48,680 Looking back at your own health journey, is there anything that sort of stands out as pivotal, you know, with your recovery? 163 00:19:48,680 --> 00:19:56,680 I would say it was really the second diagnosis. You know, when I had that really clear message, OK, 164 00:19:56,680 --> 00:20:03,680 you need to go deeper and take this really very seriously. This is for the long run. 165 00:20:03,680 --> 00:20:13,680 And I also wanted to really understand what I could do to support my health. What was actually in my hands? 166 00:20:13,680 --> 00:20:19,680 What could I do proactively instead of focusing on everything that is uncertain, 167 00:20:19,680 --> 00:20:24,680 which is another challenge throughout this period is the uncertainty of the whole situation. 168 00:20:24,680 --> 00:20:29,680 And I really wanted to understand, OK, what can I do on a daily basis to support my recovery 169 00:20:29,680 --> 00:20:34,680 and to hopefully also reduce the risk of my cancer coming back a third time? 170 00:20:34,680 --> 00:20:43,680 So it was that realization I need to put in more work, which was then very quickly, you know, 171 00:20:43,680 --> 00:20:47,680 I realized that I was also very passionate about all these topics. So that helped, of course, 172 00:20:47,680 --> 00:20:55,680 because I was really interested in reading and studying. And then the next step was when I felt this purpose of 173 00:20:55,680 --> 00:21:01,680 now that I learned all of this, I want to really do it professionally. 174 00:21:01,680 --> 00:21:07,680 And you mentioned yoga and breathing and meditation as three kind of specifics that you were drawn toward. 175 00:21:07,680 --> 00:21:12,680 What in nutrition did you change? What about your eating habits did you do differently? 176 00:21:12,680 --> 00:21:21,680 So in terms of eating habits, for me, it was kind of also understanding how to simplify, you know, 177 00:21:21,680 --> 00:21:29,680 and to make it happen, because often you get lost in all this terminology and you kind of feel that you need 178 00:21:29,680 --> 00:21:34,680 to name the diet that you are doing. But it's really about going back to basics. 179 00:21:34,680 --> 00:21:43,680 And for me, it was looking at my plate and saying, OK, is this going to support my recovery or is this going to, 180 00:21:43,680 --> 00:21:48,680 you know, potentially make my health worse? So these very simple questions. 181 00:21:48,680 --> 00:21:54,680 And then I would say also really starting to be much more in tune with my own body. 182 00:21:54,680 --> 00:22:03,680 And that's something that I always suggest everybody to do, to really kind of listen and feel your body with what you eat. 183 00:22:03,680 --> 00:22:07,680 So how does that make me feel? Does that make me feel tired? Does that make me feel bloated? 184 00:22:07,680 --> 00:22:14,680 Does that make me feel better at night or not? So you really need to become your own kind of detective 185 00:22:14,680 --> 00:22:26,680 in understanding how food makes you feel. But it was really about making sure I had all this natural whole foods 186 00:22:26,680 --> 00:22:34,680 and reducing as much as possible everything that is just super processed, super, you know, not natural. 187 00:22:34,680 --> 00:22:41,680 That was the first step. And then from there, of course, I kind of graduated and became, you know, 188 00:22:41,680 --> 00:22:47,680 more aware of what I was eating and really kind of could fine tune over the year what works best for me. 189 00:22:47,680 --> 00:22:55,680 What was it about sort of lifestyle changes, nutritional sort of meditation, all of the stuff that you were implementing 190 00:22:55,680 --> 00:23:02,680 that made you use that as a tool with your recovery as opposed to just saying, right, I'm going to get the chemo done. 191 00:23:02,680 --> 00:23:08,680 I'm going to have radiotherapy and I'm going to focus just on the medical intervention. 192 00:23:08,680 --> 00:23:13,680 What made you realize that actually there was more to it to help you get through? 193 00:23:13,680 --> 00:23:17,680 Well, I would say that because the first time I only focused on medical treatments. 194 00:23:17,680 --> 00:23:26,680 So I said this was clearly not enough. So I better kind of adapt my strategy and need to be much more open minded. 195 00:23:26,680 --> 00:23:32,680 I was a very, very pragmatic person, still am in some extent. And for me it was there is, you know, 196 00:23:32,680 --> 00:23:40,680 a malfunction in the system needs to be fixed. Let's cut it off. Let's burn it. Let's get rid of it and go back to my normal life. 197 00:23:40,680 --> 00:23:49,680 And I wished it would be that easy. But I realized that, yes, I needed to really look at my body as a whole 198 00:23:49,680 --> 00:23:57,680 and also be brave enough to look into what aspects in my life, in my lifestyle might have contributed to me, 199 00:23:57,680 --> 00:24:05,680 to my immune system not being strong enough to fight this cancer off. And that's how the whole journey began. 200 00:24:05,680 --> 00:24:13,680 What have been the biggest changes you've made since, you know, before the diagnosis to where you are now? 201 00:24:13,680 --> 00:24:20,680 I would say probably my main focus at the beginning was to really get proper and good sleep, 202 00:24:20,680 --> 00:24:25,680 which was something that I completely kind of underestimated how important it was. 203 00:24:25,680 --> 00:24:29,680 When you are young, you always think, oh, I just drink one more coffee. I sleep when I'm dead. 204 00:24:29,680 --> 00:24:34,680 Exactly. I'm going to sleep over the weekend. And you just feel so powerful. 205 00:24:34,680 --> 00:24:42,680 And you realize that it's actually really something that mounts up and that negative effect it has on your health accumulates. 206 00:24:42,680 --> 00:24:47,680 So I really understood that I needed to put sleep as my first priority. 207 00:24:47,680 --> 00:24:54,680 And then for me, particularly, I also realized that I was taking things too seriously, 208 00:24:54,680 --> 00:25:00,680 often in my life, everything was like so serious and I would put myself under so much pressure for everything. 209 00:25:00,680 --> 00:25:05,680 You know, I wanted to be a super achiever in my work and in my private life. 210 00:25:05,680 --> 00:25:13,680 And this pressure, this feeling constantly under pressure, self-imposed, was for sure not something that helped me. 211 00:25:13,680 --> 00:25:20,680 And that I needed to find ways to just, you know, be more relaxed and also to enjoy life more, 212 00:25:20,680 --> 00:25:30,680 to just pause and enjoy and find more things in my life that brought me joy, that makes me laugh. 213 00:25:30,680 --> 00:25:38,680 And I'm still working on that because my natural kind of mechanism is go, go, go, go, go. 214 00:25:38,680 --> 00:25:44,680 And I always kind of pause myself again and ask myself, is this serving me? 215 00:25:44,680 --> 00:25:53,680 You know, it's better to kind of take it easy right now and to remember to take care of your emotional well-being too. 216 00:25:53,680 --> 00:26:00,680 I think that's the biggest switch because the first time around, I kind of was not ready to go there. 217 00:26:00,680 --> 00:26:03,680 Can I ask, I'm just trying to clarify the timeline. 218 00:26:03,680 --> 00:26:06,680 So off air, we were talking about your two boys, 12 and 10. 219 00:26:06,680 --> 00:26:12,680 I assume they came around after your second diagnosis and so into your second remission. 220 00:26:12,680 --> 00:26:17,680 Can you tell us about how fertility played into some of the concerns that you had when you got those diagnosis? 221 00:26:17,680 --> 00:26:25,680 Well, unfortunately, you know, your fertility is definitely impacted by treatments, particularly through chemotherapy. 222 00:26:25,680 --> 00:26:31,680 And unfortunately, also many women are not aware of it. 223 00:26:31,680 --> 00:26:39,680 I see all the time clients who tell me now I just realized that, you know, I'm not fertile anymore. 224 00:26:39,680 --> 00:26:41,680 Nobody told me that at the beginning. 225 00:26:41,680 --> 00:26:44,680 So for me, it was a bit of a similar situation. 226 00:26:44,680 --> 00:26:52,680 I was never really told that it would impact my ability to maybe have children only at the end of it. 227 00:26:52,680 --> 00:26:58,680 You know, when my period was not coming back, I asked question and they said, oh, you never know. 228 00:26:58,680 --> 00:27:01,680 You know, sometimes it comes back. Sometimes it doesn't come back. 229 00:27:01,680 --> 00:27:07,680 It can take for some women it takes, you know, one to two years for other women. 230 00:27:07,680 --> 00:27:10,680 It can take many, many more years. And sometimes it just never comes back. 231 00:27:10,680 --> 00:27:15,680 So kind of you just need to cross your fingers. Right. 232 00:27:15,680 --> 00:27:26,680 And so I I was at some point told by a gynecologist that I was definitely never ever in a million times going to have children. 233 00:27:26,680 --> 00:27:32,680 So that was a very tough decision, a tough thing to hear. 234 00:27:32,680 --> 00:27:34,680 I was not ready for that at all. 235 00:27:34,680 --> 00:27:45,680 But again, somehow, you know, I find this inner strength and inner optimism that I said to myself, that's just one opinion. 236 00:27:45,680 --> 00:27:53,680 I'm going to still believe and treat my body as if I will be pregnant someday. 237 00:27:53,680 --> 00:28:03,680 And sure enough, my my my period came back and I was able to to be pregnant not only once, but twice. 238 00:28:03,680 --> 00:28:12,680 But I am very, very much aware that, you know, I was very, very lucky, let's say, that it happened to me. 239 00:28:12,680 --> 00:28:20,680 I do coach, unfortunately, a lot of women who have not been that lucky and were not able to to to have kids after. 240 00:28:20,680 --> 00:28:27,680 So I really count my blessing and I'm grateful every single day that I despite my two cancer diagnosis, 241 00:28:27,680 --> 00:28:32,680 that I was able to be pregnant twice of two very healthy boys. 242 00:28:32,680 --> 00:28:36,680 And did you send both of their baby pictures to that gynecologist? 243 00:28:36,680 --> 00:28:41,680 I thought about it, especially once that I met him in the supermarket. 244 00:28:41,680 --> 00:28:47,680 But I said, OK, let's keep your dignity and you're so much better. 245 00:28:47,680 --> 00:28:51,680 Just get over it. 246 00:28:51,680 --> 00:28:57,680 What sort of message would you like to share to our listeners about sort of awareness and early detection? 247 00:28:57,680 --> 00:29:01,680 You know, I think that nobody thinks that it will touch them. 248 00:29:01,680 --> 00:29:04,680 I certainly never thought so. 249 00:29:04,680 --> 00:29:09,680 So don't be fooled by the fact that there is no history in your family. 250 00:29:09,680 --> 00:29:13,680 In my family, there was never breast cancer history, let's say. 251 00:29:13,680 --> 00:29:23,680 You still need to do your regular checkups and the screenings as recommended by the country that you are living in and just take it seriously. 252 00:29:23,680 --> 00:29:30,680 And I think it should be taken as women as a form of empowerment, you know, instead of being scared about it to say, OK, you know, I'm taking charge. 253 00:29:30,680 --> 00:29:32,680 I'm doing this proactively. 254 00:29:32,680 --> 00:29:37,680 And we do know that there is no better way than early detection. 255 00:29:37,680 --> 00:29:39,680 That's really your best cards to play. 256 00:29:39,680 --> 00:29:41,680 So take it seriously. 257 00:29:41,680 --> 00:29:42,680 And that's great. 258 00:29:42,680 --> 00:29:55,680 And I think, you know, I think more people need to sort of know that it's very normal to check and feel and be aware of your body, you know, because a little lump, it could be nothing, but it could also be something. 259 00:29:55,680 --> 00:29:59,680 And you mentioned, you know, about where you are in the world in that country's regulations. 260 00:29:59,680 --> 00:30:07,680 I was reading yesterday that one in seven women in the UK are going to see a breast cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime. 261 00:30:07,680 --> 00:30:10,680 Can you talk us through where you were when you got your diagnosis? 262 00:30:10,680 --> 00:30:12,680 Yes. So I was in Luxembourg. 263 00:30:12,680 --> 00:30:21,680 So I was born and raised in Luxembourg and I was living there and nobody ever told me to touch or feel my breasts. 264 00:30:21,680 --> 00:30:29,680 So I felt it because by surprise and because I was just putting a cream on my body. 265 00:30:29,680 --> 00:30:40,680 But it's something that I really try to share and shed awareness around that we should all be looking at our breasts, touching our breasts, feeling them. 266 00:30:40,680 --> 00:30:50,680 Because the more you are familiar with the way your breasts look, the way they feel, the more you will notice any change. 267 00:30:50,680 --> 00:30:53,680 And also, you know, it doesn't mean that it's something bad. 268 00:30:53,680 --> 00:30:58,680 A lot of women have changes throughout their menstrual and throughout their life. 269 00:30:58,680 --> 00:31:07,680 And even if you feel a lump, most likely it is not cancerous, but you should still take it seriously and check it out. 270 00:31:07,680 --> 00:31:18,680 And so I always really recommend to have at least once a month, you know, a date in your calendar where you just do your self-breast examination. 271 00:31:18,680 --> 00:31:22,680 It can be under the shower, it can be in front of your mirror, but just get it done. 272 00:31:22,680 --> 00:31:29,680 Just feel the breast, you know, from the collarbone to out the breast and then under the armpit just to make sure. 273 00:31:29,680 --> 00:31:36,680 And if there is anything unusual, this can be a feeling of a lump, it can be redness, it can be any secretion coming from your nipple. 274 00:31:36,680 --> 00:31:41,680 Any difference in shape, you should just go and see your doctor. 275 00:31:41,680 --> 00:31:52,680 I had, this was a little bit after the twins were born, I felt something. It was kind of underneath my armpit, just sort of closer to my breast. 276 00:31:52,680 --> 00:31:59,680 And it was weird, like I didn't, I felt something, but I didn't emotionally or mentally feel anything, you know. 277 00:31:59,680 --> 00:32:02,680 It was just like, OK, there's something there, let's go and get it checked out. 278 00:32:02,680 --> 00:32:07,680 It turned out it was just, you know, like a hard milk clump or whatever it was. 279 00:32:07,680 --> 00:32:11,680 But, you know, the fact of the matter was it wasn't something I ignored. 280 00:32:11,680 --> 00:32:22,680 And I think the reason behind this is actually I've got a friend who got diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago and also my cousin's wife. 281 00:32:22,680 --> 00:32:32,680 So, you know, it's like you might be young and like yourself, you know, you might not think that it's going to be something, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. 282 00:32:32,680 --> 00:32:41,680 And I think that this is a very important point when you are breastfeeding or even when you are pregnant, you still need to, you know, to take this thing seriously. 283 00:32:41,680 --> 00:32:46,680 Unfortunately, it does happen, you know, right now I'm coaching two very young mothers. 284 00:32:46,680 --> 00:32:57,680 One is pregnant, the other one just gave birth and they both thought it has just to do with the milk production in their breast, this feeling of lump. 285 00:32:57,680 --> 00:33:02,680 But it turned out to be quite an aggressive actually breast cancer for both of them. 286 00:33:02,680 --> 00:33:10,680 So it's always better to get it checked and to insist even if people around you say, oh, no, it's nothing. 287 00:33:10,680 --> 00:33:12,680 You make sure it gets checked. 288 00:33:12,680 --> 00:33:13,680 I'm hearing that girl. 289 00:33:13,680 --> 00:33:20,680 I have been pregnant or breastfeeding for the past five years and obviously turned 40 as we were talking about off air during those five years. 290 00:33:20,680 --> 00:33:23,680 And I turned to my husband, I said, do I need to get my mammogram now? 291 00:33:23,680 --> 00:33:25,680 And he was like, yes, you still do. 292 00:33:25,680 --> 00:33:27,680 Like, you know, for some reason, you're right. 293 00:33:27,680 --> 00:33:31,680 There's this idea that like maybe I have an exemption from all the pregnant breastfeeding stuff. 294 00:33:31,680 --> 00:33:33,680 He's like, nope, you're 40. Go do your thing. 295 00:33:33,680 --> 00:33:34,680 So you're absolutely right. 296 00:33:34,680 --> 00:33:35,680 We are not exempt. 297 00:33:35,680 --> 00:33:39,680 And also just put it into your agenda because you will forget. 298 00:33:39,680 --> 00:33:40,680 And it would happen to me too. 299 00:33:40,680 --> 00:33:41,680 You are correct. 300 00:33:41,680 --> 00:33:54,680 You know, I mean, even though I'm in this journey like forever, if I don't have it in my calendar, you know, annual checkup, this thing to do, this blood test, I will forget because life happens. 301 00:33:54,680 --> 00:33:58,680 So the best thing you can do is really to put it down in your calendar. 302 00:33:58,680 --> 00:34:02,680 I always post on the first of the month in my in my Instagram. 303 00:34:02,680 --> 00:34:03,680 Feel your breasts. 304 00:34:03,680 --> 00:34:05,680 Just a reminder for everybody. 305 00:34:05,680 --> 00:34:10,680 And then I have myself in my agenda when I need to go for my checkups. 306 00:34:10,680 --> 00:34:14,680 Right, ladies, make sure you've all touched your breasts and felt around. 307 00:34:14,680 --> 00:34:15,680 Do it right now. 308 00:34:15,680 --> 00:34:17,680 Yes, right now, literally today. 309 00:34:17,680 --> 00:34:34,680 Ismael, before we go, is there any sort of advice you'd like to offer somebody who is maybe going through a cancer diagnosis or even a partner or a loved one about, you know, how you can support them through this journey? 310 00:34:34,680 --> 00:34:40,680 Yeah, I think that, first of all, it's important to understand that it's a very individual journey for everybody. 311 00:34:40,680 --> 00:34:48,680 So, you know, you don't need to compare yourself to others, but what feels right to you is important to kind of follow. 312 00:34:48,680 --> 00:34:51,680 And then also, don't be afraid to ask for help. 313 00:34:51,680 --> 00:35:03,680 You know, yes, it's important to be brave, but I think it's very brave to ask for help and to recognize, you know, what are some aspects in my life that I just can't handle right now and that I need some support. 314 00:35:03,680 --> 00:35:13,680 This can be, you know, getting the kids to school, doing the groceries, helping with the insurance papers, whatever it is. 315 00:35:13,680 --> 00:35:19,680 Don't be shy to ask for help. It's not a sign of being fragile, of helpless. 316 00:35:19,680 --> 00:35:27,680 And then the second advice would be really to immediately start protecting your energy. 317 00:35:27,680 --> 00:35:31,680 So a lot of energy will be required throughout the process. 318 00:35:31,680 --> 00:35:41,680 You know, it is a tough process. It demands a lot of strength, a lot of energy, a lot of kind of, you know, self-doubts and certainty. 319 00:35:41,680 --> 00:35:46,680 So you need from day one of diagnosis, really protect your energy. 320 00:35:46,680 --> 00:35:56,680 Make sure you set healthy boundaries with your family, with your friends at work so that you really can focus on healing. 321 00:35:56,680 --> 00:36:05,680 And I guess, you know, the asking for help is also another way of protecting your energy, because if you don't ask for help, you're going to overstretch yourself mentally, physically. 322 00:36:05,680 --> 00:36:09,680 So and this, you know, protecting your energy, I think that's just. 323 00:36:09,680 --> 00:36:16,680 It's finite, right? Like you said, in little tasks that don't seem so such a big deal, taking the kids to school, going through the insurance papers. 324 00:36:16,680 --> 00:36:22,680 But if those chip away at this finite energy that you have over time, it's going to cause you a lot more distress. 325 00:36:22,680 --> 00:36:26,680 It's great, really great advice. Exactly. And also, again, it is a marathon. 326 00:36:26,680 --> 00:36:35,680 You know, it is really a long journey. And something that I also always say is that, you know, cancer diagnosis doesn't stop when treatment ends. 327 00:36:35,680 --> 00:36:39,680 It's still many years of recovery, of going to the checkups. 328 00:36:39,680 --> 00:36:45,680 So it's really, you know, a period where you need to learn to focus on your health. 329 00:36:45,680 --> 00:36:53,680 You need to learn to prioritize yourself without feeling guilty. And it's the best thing you can do for your loved ones. 330 00:36:53,680 --> 00:37:04,680 And I guess, you know, if you fall back into bad habits, then there's always that risk that, you know, you're not looking after yourself and you're not helping sort of with the long term marathon. 331 00:37:04,680 --> 00:37:13,680 Yes, but there is also always a certain aspect of denial, you know, because kind of going back to what you did previously 332 00:37:13,680 --> 00:37:19,680 or not asking for help, it's a way of telling yourself everything is fine. This is not happening to me. 333 00:37:19,680 --> 00:37:24,680 It is actually not really happening and I deal with it and everything is fine. 334 00:37:24,680 --> 00:37:35,680 So it's also sometimes kind of a mechanism that is used. But it's important also that people around you, you know, tell you, you know, it's OK to slow down. 335 00:37:35,680 --> 00:37:43,680 It's OK for us for help. It's OK not to feel this need of doing everything you did before. 336 00:37:43,680 --> 00:37:52,680 And with the support of people around you that give you that positive and constructive energy, it will make it much easier. 337 00:37:52,680 --> 00:37:57,680 Thank you so much for sharing your story with us and for your time here today at the Forties Formula. 338 00:37:57,680 --> 00:38:06,680 Thank you very much for allowing me to share awareness and share awareness about breast cancer and hopefully many women are going to check their breasts now. 339 00:38:06,680 --> 00:38:08,680 Thank you. 340 00:38:09,680 --> 00:38:19,680 This is Paul, our editor. He's a 25 year old unmarried Singaporean guy listening to the ramblings of 12 older women on everything from menopause to weightlifting to sex. 341 00:38:19,680 --> 00:38:23,680 So, Paul, what's your thoughts on today's conversation? 342 00:38:23,680 --> 00:38:32,680 Hey guys, what's up? Paul here. So for this episode, I kind of don't have much because I'm a guy, you know, but from the perspective of like knowing new stuff, 343 00:38:32,680 --> 00:38:41,680 it's good general information that is kind of useful, you know, especially so for us guys in the context with, you know, our partners, assuming if they're female, of course. 344 00:38:41,680 --> 00:38:48,680 It's always good to know the early signs of breast cancer and of course, just take note of abnormal lumps to get them checked ASAP. 345 00:38:48,680 --> 00:38:53,680 So, you know, keep checking and I'll see you guys around. Bye bye. 346 00:38:53,680 --> 00:38:57,680 Guys, you know how much we love coffee? And if you want to show us some love, you know, you can get us one. 347 00:38:57,680 --> 00:39:04,680 Just visit buymeacoffee.com slash the forties formula. Cheers. 348 00:39:04,680 --> 00:39:12,680 Before we go, please remember to hit subscribe and take a moment to support the forties formula by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. 349 00:39:12,680 --> 00:39:17,680 Your reviews will help us to reach more people and allow us to continue to bring valuable content. 350 00:39:17,680 --> 00:39:20,680 It should only take a moment and it's a free way for you to support the show. 351 00:39:20,680 --> 00:39:26,680 You can also stay updated with the forties formula by following us on Instagram at the forties formula. 352 00:39:26,680 --> 00:39:31,680 All one word. We share behind the scenes insights, episode updates and much more. 353 00:39:31,680 --> 00:39:35,680 So please be sure to hit that follow button. We appreciate your time and support. 354 00:39:35,680 --> 00:39:47,680 Thank you for being part of this community and we'll be back next week for more empowering conversations with inspiring guests. Bye. 355 00:40:05,680 --> 00:40:28,680 Been in Singapore 18 years. Wow, really? Yes. 356 00:40:28,680 --> 00:40:33,680 Wow. You're the lifer. Yeah, I think we are here to stay. 357 00:40:33,680 --> 00:40:36,680 Yeah. I mean, there's a lot of reasons not to go. 358 00:40:36,680 --> 00:40:39,680 Tell you what, right. And especially when it comes to health care as well. Yes. 359 00:40:39,680 --> 00:40:44,680 There's a lot of reasons to stay and just convenience of living and working here. 360 00:40:44,680 --> 00:40:48,680 So convenient. Yeah. Do you get back to Luxembourg though? 361 00:40:48,680 --> 00:40:56,680 I do, but not every year. I try to make people come to me. Yeah. 362 00:40:56,680 --> 00:41:03,680 But yeah, exactly. My strategy with three. I have three small kids. So yeah, it's like you come here. Yeah, exactly.