Meet Beth
My health journey began in March 2000, when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. For about 2 years, I had been dealing with debilitating headaches, which were remedied by medication. Due to their continuance, a MRI was scheduled that revealed a 1” tumor pressing against my brain stem, and wrapped around my acoustic and facial nerve. The doctors didn’t believe it was cancerous, however that could only be confirmed after removal. The news was challenging as I had just lost a friend and my grandfather to cancer. I really thought some of the physical issues I was having, and ignoring, were created by the stress and grief that I was working through from their loss. My medical team advised that removal of this tumor was going to be tricky, made no promises they could save my hearing, or what facial paralysis could result, among other possible issues with brain surgery.
My surgery to remove that tumor lasted 10 ½ hours. I cannot imagine what my family endured waiting for the doctor to come through the door. All the scenarios that must have run through their head, which ran through mine before going under. Once I was out of the ICU and could comprehend a bit more the full impact of the surgery, the challenges began. My loss of hearing meant I had no equilibrium, no balance, and would not be able to walk on my own. (Now I know why there are handrails around hospital floors). My other issue, which really didn’t hit me until I got home, was the amount of facial paralysis I had and they were not sure what might come back. I struggled for several years looking at myself in the mirror, and the loss of hearing had its challenges as well.
“Battling cancer can be very isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Cancer isn’t something you just get over, it is something you get through. But you don’t have to do it alone. Let me be your guide and help you get through the darkness and lead you into the light.”
7 years later… I was diagnosed with CANCER.
The Journey Begins
In June 2007, during a self-breast exam I felt a lump. At first, I didn’t think much about it, however a few days later in the shower it seemed to be larger. A mammogram and biopsy were scheduled, which revealed I had stage 3 triple negative breast cancer.
Next steps meant meeting with a Breast Specialist, Oncologist and Breast Surgeon to discuss treatment. I would connect with the Radiation Oncologist after chemotherapy and my bilateral mastectomy.
There were several tests, scans and blood work scheduled, which were all needed prior to August 1st, my first chemotherapy infusion.
My life stopped, plans changed, and everything came to a screeching halt as I prepared for the biggest battle of my life.
During my cancer journey, I found myself in very dark times with no one to talk to, or confide in. The idea of a cancer coach didn’t exist and I found myself only wanting to talk to others who had gone through what I was going through but I didn’t know anyone who was my age and battling cancer.
Life After Cancer
Following my cancer journey, I felt a pull to help others who had been diagnosed. I didn’t want anyone to feel like they were alone as I felt. People would often share my name with friends, neighbors, relatives and I would talk to their loved ones in hopes of shedding some kind of light into the very dark and scary world of cancer.
Although battling cancer was one of the darkest points of my life, I am also grateful for my experience. Cancer gave me a sense of purpose that I had been searching for my whole life. Realizing how much I struggled during my journey made me recognize the need for cancer coaches. Now as a certified coach, from Health Coach Institute, my goal is to be the guide, support, and accountability partner needed to help you thrive beyond diagnosis.
Battling cancer can be very isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Cancer isn’t something you just get over, it is something you get through. But you don’t have to do it alone. Let me be your guide and help you get through the darkness and lead you into the light. Are you struggling to navigate it all? To schedule your FREE discovery call, click the “Connect with me” button below or email me at cancercoachbeth@gmail.com!
“Cancer changes you. I changed, my life changed, and honestly in a lot of ways for the better. I am proud of who I have transformed into.”
—Beth Eisnnicher