Sister Saturdays – Megan Stier
Give us what the day was like when you were diagnosed with breast cancer: It’s a day I’ll never forget, May 19th, 2015. I sat in my apartment on the lower East Side of Milwaukee with my mom and boyfriend. I was anticipating a call with my biopsy results, but as the hours ticked by and it became later and later in the day, I knew something wasn’t right. So, I called them. The nurse navigator answered my call, “Megan, I was just going to give you a call – give me one moment.” As she put me on hold, I looked to my mom and boyfriend and said “I don’t think this is going to be good news.” I put my phone on speaker, and as we all leaned in to listen to the nurse she said “Megan, I have your biopsy results – the pathology report shows that cancer cells were found in the tissue samples.” I couldn’t believe it – at just 26 years old, I was being told I have cancer.
Full Diagnosis: Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) HER2+ and ER+.
Treatment route? Bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy (Adriamycin + Cytoxan and Taxol), multiple reconstructive surgeries, radiation, Herceptin, and Tamoxifen.
Is having a team to manage cancer important to you? Who is on your team? Having a team to manage cancer is extremely important to me. But it’s much more than just my healthcare providers – it’s my family, friends, and all the people I’ve met along the way!
Was Integrative medicine in any way/modality a part of your journey? Integrative medicine was, and still is, a huge part of my journey. As I transitioned out of treatments, I struggled to find my new normal. When I learned to tune into myself, my thoughts, and my feelings, I started to understand myself and my needs on a much deeper level. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness have become an integral part of my life. The more I practice, the more I find peace with what I’ve endured, and find clarity in how my life is unfolding.
CBD or THC? THC.
Did you feel supported at your age with a community while processing diagnosis and treatment? Do you feel closer to family/ was there any healing of relationships that came with your cancer diagnosis at a young age? I’m extremely grateful for all the love and support I continue to receive, even 10 years after my diagnosis. From family, friends, and co-workers, to the people in my community, and my healthcare team – I’m forever indebted. Something very special that’s come into my life since being diagnosed with cancer has been meeting all my survivor sisters (you know who you are!). I’m fortunate to be part of such a special group – other young women who have also been impacted by breast cancer, and who are now some of my dearest friends.
Yoga or meditation? Both! I immersed myself in yoga and meditation shortly after I was diagnosed, and truly believe these practices are what saved me in many ways throughout my healing journey.
Survivor or Thriver? In 2024, I wrote an article for Elephants & Tea – an organization focused on supporting adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. The prompt was “Dear Cancer” and as I sat writing my letter to cancer, I quickly realized how much I was thriving. And so, I titled my article “You Became My Silver Lining.” Here is a quote from my article that I’d like to share:
“You’re the reason I’ve chosen to become a minimalist and live in a campervan full-time. For two years now, I’ve been traveling North America with no plans of stopping anytime soon. You’re the reason I’m now that ‘fuck yeah!’ friend. You know, the friend that is down for anything, because life’s too short to say no to an adventure.”
Give us your top sunrise and sunset spots to date: My top sunrise spot is Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. Fun fact, it’s the first place in the country where you can see the sunrise. My top sunset spot is Ojo de Liebre, located on the West coast in Baja Mexico.
Animals in your life? Winston, my four legged pup! He’s a six year old miniature goldendoodle who brings so much love and joy to my life, every single day.
What things did you add into your life during cancer that still stick today: Finding gratitude, both in challenging and positive times, searching for joy in even the smallest of things, keeping a positive outlook, taking life a little less seriously and just enjoying my time while I’m here.
Favorite adventure outdoors looks like: Lacing up my hiking boots and heading up a mountain!
Tell us your current job/workspace and is it your dream job? What is your dream job if you could step into that right now, today…? Having struggled with survivorship after cancer, it led to my passion of wanting to help others. In 2022, I became a certified Integrative Wellness Life Coach. In 2025, I became a certified Health & Wellness Coach, and am currently a candidate for the National Boards for Health & Wellness Coaching. I work with others who have been impacted by cancer – helping them navigate life and challenges that come during and after cancer.
Paint your life for us in 10 years: I’ve learned to take life as it comes – some of my most memorable and adventurous days are ones that were unplanned.
Anything in particular you would like to share? Since being diagnosed with cancer, traveling has become a big part of my life. So much so, that in 2022, my boyfriend Kevin, our dog Winson, and myself moved into our self-converted campervan. For almost three years, we traveled full-time around North America – it was a magical experience! Although we’re not traveling in our campervan anymore, traveling will always have a front row seat in my heart.
