Success Story: Jan’s Path from Cancer to Vibrant Health
Today, my doctor told me I was the poster child for what a healthy diet and lifestyle can do. He could clearly see the dramatic improvements in my overall health and wellbeing after just a year of gradual changes in my nutrition and daily habits.
My journey began last year with a breast cancer diagnosis. After surgery and radiation, I was prescribed a five-year hormone-blocker treatment plan. Unfortunately, I couldn’t tolerate the harsh side effects I was experiencing. After much thought and consultation with my oncologist, I made the difficult decision to stop the medication. This meant I would need to find other ways to prevent a cancer recurrence. Little did I know that this choice – to prioritize quality of life - would lead to life-changing improvements far beyond my original goal of cancer prevention.
Meeting Merritt was one of the most impactful and rewarding experiences of my life. With her coaching and guidance, I’ve made dietary and lifestyle changes that have transformed my health. In just one year, I feel more energetic and vibrant than I have in decades. I feel 20 years younger!
Image and story with permission from Jan Jimeson
Even if my cancer should return, my quality of life has improved so much that I now feel I am in a much healthier place to fight any future concerns. I have overcome so many things I thought I just had to live with. I’m stronger, more resilient, and thriving in a way I didn’t know was possible.
The Changes I Experienced
When I began working with Merritt, I shared a long list of issues:
Breast cancer survivor
Overweight
Pain in my knees and joints
Arthritis
Swelling in my ankles and legs
Osteopenia
Lifelong IBS
Lack of exercise due to pain
It was so helpful to have one-on-one sessions with Merritt to talk through my concerns, envision what I wanted for my life, talk about the steps I was taking, and adjust my goals as needed. Within two weeks of starting the plan that I created with Merritt, I noticed real improvements that continued throughout my journey:
Weight loss without dieting – simply by eating clean, whole foods that are right for me. My friends tell me I have a new “glow.”
IBS gone – after identifying and removing food sensitivities, my digestive health completely turned around. I didn’t think this was even possible. What a surprise benefit!
Reduced joint pain – by reducing inflammation through food and lifestyle changes, I’m walking, climbing stairs, and exercising again—no cortisone shots needed!
Improved bone health – my most recent bone density scan showed improvements, allowing me to stay off medications.
Better sleep, hydration, and energy – all helping me feel amazing!
It was exciting to see changes in my body and how I was feeling week-to-week.
My Doctors’ Reactions
Every one of my doctors has been thrilled with my results:
My family physician is pleased with my excellent lab work.
My gynecologist is happy with how I am managing my hormone levels.
My oncologist says I’m doing all the right things: losing weight, eating well, and exercising—key factors for cancer prevention.
A New Outlook on Life
Being diagnosed with breast cancer was a shock. I never imagined that recovery could bring such unexpected blessings – a healthy lifestyle, a more positive outlook on life, and a renewed energy that allows me to keep up with my grandkids. I’ve learned that healthy eating at any age can reshape your quality of life.
Like many women, I once thought weight gain and declining health were inevitable after menopause. I had resigned myself to just accepting that it was a “given” that I’d have these slow gradual changes at this stage in my life. I never thought I could really lose weight and keep it off after menopause, but I quickly realized this could not be further from the truth. Eating the right foods curbed my cravings, helped me feel full faster, and allowed me to maintain a healthy weight naturally.
It has been an amazing journey for me with so many unexpected rewards. I feel the best I have in years! When you change your lifestyle and see improvement, it changes your outlook, overall wellbeing, and quality of life. I only wish I had done this years ago.
I feel truly blessed and forever grateful to Merritt for showing me what’s possible with a healthier way of living.