What Happened After They Told Me I Was Dying
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A terminal cancer diagnosis changed everything. But through that journey, I discovered the power of core wellness—not trendy fixes, but consistent practices that nourish the whole body. This post shares how a root-focused, holistic approach helped me rebuild lasting health and vitality.
I went into surgery expecting something minor. I woke up to words no one’s ready for: “It’s cancer. Stage four.” I was 21, terrified, and suddenly staring down the possibility of death before I’d even figured out life.
The months that followed were a blur—chemo, recovery, more scans. I fought hard and got my remission. Then came marriage. Adoption. Life didn’t slow down—but neither did the health issues. Because beating cancer wasn’t the end of the battle.
I recorded this as a podcast too, if you’d rather listen:
I Tried It All—But None of It Helped Until This
overcoming health challenges, holistic wellness approach
Even after remission, my body didn’t bounce back the way I hoped. Pain, brain fog, allergies, chronic fatigue—it was all still there, dragging me down.
I kept thinking, maybe I just haven’t found the right fix yet. So I chased every promising solution that came my way—strict diets, trendy wellness plans, flashy supplements with big claims. But the harder I tried, the more discouraged I felt.

21 years old, hooked up to chemo. I didn’t know then that healing would take way more than medicine.
The Shift That Changed Everything
personalized health solutions, core health practices
A friend finally said what I needed to hear: “You’re doing too much. Stop chasing fixes. Start supporting your foundation.”
That’s when things started to change. I quit chasing symptoms and focused on what my body actually needed—real food, deep rest, and foundational support like protein, hydration, and a solid multivitamin. Just the raw materials my body had been missing.
Want a peek at what helped? Here’s my go-to checklist:
Supplement Checklist
Finding My Energy Again
lasting vitality, holistic wellness
Over time, things started to feel different. My skin got clearer. The inflammation and pain quieted down. I wasn’t crashing in the afternoons or running on fumes every night. My weight stabilized—no obsessive tracking required. I could feel my body working again, not fighting me.
But what mattered most was how it changed daily life. I could show up with more patience. Think more clearly. Hold space for my kids without breaking down by 10am. My body finally had fuel—and that changed everything.
When you’re parenting high-needs kids while barely holding yourself together, the burnout is constant. I know what it’s like to feel like there’s nothing left. That’s why this moment mattered so much.
“Healing didn’t happen when I tried harder—it happened when I supported what my body actually needed.”
Your health matters. It’s not a luxury. It’s what allows you to keep showing up for the people you love.
What I’d Tell Any Tired Mom Who’s Ready to Feel Better
wellness habits, simplifying health, community wellness support
Start small. That’s it. You don’t need perfect conditions. You don’t need to do it all. You just need a place to begin.
And if you’re wondering whether supplements are even worth it, I wrote something that might help: Do I Actually Need Supplements—Or Is Healthy Eating Enough?
If you ever want to talk more about where to start, feel free to reach out to me directly.
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Whether you’re a special needs mom or just someone who’s ready to take small, consistent steps toward better wellness, you’re welcome here.
Hi, I’m Bonnie. I’m a cancer survivor and special-needs mom who spent years juggling medical appointments, homeschooling, and trying to stay upright. Now I share practical, faith-rooted wellness tools for women worn thin by stress, caregiving, or hard seasons. Most days, I’m still figuring it out—with a mug of coffee in hand.
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