Sister Saturdays – Mel Smith

Melanie Smith is a humble Mama from Ottawa. Like most Canadians, we know she doesnt need to shout her accomplishments, and on top of that, she is an incredible athlete, with interests in the healing arts, TCM being one of them!

Mel went through breast cancer while her son also needed extra care- and like all moms, the challenge was real, and thankfully she was able to find her own version of Sisterhood through other women in her community, who at a similar age as Mel were also trying to find the silver lining to something as painful and confusing as Breast Cancer.

Mel shares herself below here- and once again we get a peek into what a young woman’s life might feel like while managing the diagnosis, the treatments, and the aftermath of breast cancer.

We love you Mel!

Tell us where you are on your ‘path’…and would you consider it a ‘cancer journey’ or ‘healing path’? Why?

Cancer journey or healing path? I would say I am on a healing path. I am 4 years in from cancer diagnosis and treatment. I try to not stress and worry about recurrence but it’s easier said than done. Going through cancer treatment itself changes you. Physically and mentally. I am still dealing with the after effects. Choosing gratitude helps me move forward. I have one more year to go before chance of recurrence is significantly lower.

CBD or THC? neither? either or? Please explain.

CBD or THC…Both. I used both CBD and THC at different times during my treatment and after for both pain and anxiety. *Micro-dosing with psilocybin has also been really helpful for ptsd, depression and anxiety that followed my cancer treatment.

Is there anything in particular that you are doing differently to uphold your health and overall immunity right now?

I’ve been making batches of chaga tea with chaga I’ve harvested locally to help support my immune system.

Do you practice Yoga or Meditation? If so, how do they support your overall well-being?

My meditation is working in the garden. Hands in the dirt, planting, weeding and watering helps ground me and quiet my mind. Yoga helps my back pain from all the gardening lol! Tamoxifen has not been kind to my joints, I have to constantly be stretching or I feel like an old lady.

Integrated therapies? If so- Could you recommend any for someone newly diagnosed?

After chemo I received acupuncture twice a week, for a few months, to help build my energy, and my immunity back up. I think it really helped my body and my mind start to recover.

Do you feel supported through the emotional/psychological aspects of cancer? How do you find support?

At the beginning of my diagnosis, I was introduced to a group of women my age, who were also going through cancer treatment or had been through it. Each month we organize something different to do together. Whether it was meeting for ice cream, yoga workshop, or taking over the dance floor at a Breast Cancer fundraiser, these women became my sisters and they are my therapy. They have given me support that only those who have been through breast cancer treatment could. I value them immensely and I can’t wait to see them all in person again one day. They are the silver lining to this bullsh*t disease. There’s a lot of laughing with this tribe.

Any advice/ things you have learned about managing health insurance with cancer? (Or any concerns about health care you want to share?!)

You have to be your own advocate. While I’m fortunate to have Canadian health care, the system is far from perfect and it’s easy to fall through the cracks.

Today, what is the best way for you to feel GOOD?

What makes me feel GOOD? Allowing myself to enjoy the good things in life, moments with my family, my friends, the outdoors, lake swims, food, MUSIC. Sometimes it’s as simple as getting a good night’s sleep and remembering to drink lemon water lol.

Survivorship or Thrivership? Please define what they mean to you.

It doesn’t feel right to call myself a survivor or a thriver. Maybe because I’m not out of the woods yet, maybe because I don’t want cancer to define me. When I talk about my experiences, I just say I had cancer. I did survive the harsh treatment and will live a longer life because of it.

Is there any doctor/healer/practitioner in particular on your team you want to give a shout out to?!

I am so lucky to have friends who are both incredibly skilled and brilliant practitioners. Anu, my acupuncturist and Lisa my RMT. Thank you!!

Sister Saturdays – Mel Smith

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