Sister Saturdays are back and better than ever, and this week we have the incredible Natalie Percival. We’re honored to have shared some time with this inspiring woman on our recent Ladies Week trip to Baldface Lodge. Like so many, Natalie’s story will tug at your heartstrings, and we were thrilled to celebrate the completion of her breast cancer treatments with her! She describes her breast cancer journey as a time in her life that has shaped her in many ways, but will never define her as a woman. She also happens to rip on her snowboard and has a fantastic sense of humor.

B4BC: What has been your cancer journey or healing path?

Natalie Percival: I felt a lump in my breast when I was pregnant with my first child. I had an ultrasound that did not show anything conclusive and I remember getting feedback that it was likely just “pregnancy boobs” and to follow-up after the birth. My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer when my daughter was only a few months old. Life was hectic with a newborn and my mom’s condition was very worrying so I wasn’t paying much attention to that follow-up.

As the breastfeeding was starting to naturally wane, around 15 months I decided to go in and have it looked at again and was ultimately diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. I was devastated. My mothers illness had become terminal and I had a hard time separating our journeys. The thoughts and processes around the end of life were happening to my mother, and I as a new mother could not comprehend my daughter living without me. I sought the guidance of a naturopathic oncologist and credited my journey into health to those visits.

Although I followed the allopathic recommendations (lumpectomy and radiation) I became very invested in improving my health, and curating a lifestyle that promoted vitality, longevity and prevention against recurrence. This included a daily regimen of vitamins, testing my blood for tumor markers, hyperthermia treatments, meat and dairy free diet, no alcohol, and no processed food or sugar. The benefit to my physical health was undeniable and profound. Instead of chemotherapy I was prescribed 5 (possibly 10) years on aromatase inhibitors to eliminate estrogen production in my body.

I almost made it two years before my mental health had deteriorated to a point of full blown depression and it took me half an hour before I could walk in the mornings from the joint stiffness. When it was suggested to add an antidepressant into the mix I knew I was on the wrong healing path. My naturopath said the number one thing I could do to improve mood was GET MOVING! I started a cardiovascular fitness program and vowed to myself that if I was going to quit the hormone suppressants I HAD to stay committed. I feel so proud I’ve kept that promise to myself (going on two years I am out getting cardiovascular exercise 5 times a week). While I struggle with maintaining the initial prefect clean eating diet I first adopted, my overall lifestyle is far more conducive to health then it has ever been in my life. My five years from surgery is this August.

B4BC: Have your beliefs shifted from cancer? If so, how?

NP: I am conscious of my health and have replaced recklessness with awareness. I didn’t think anything could happen to me (or my family for that matter) and facing my mortality head-on caused a major shift in perspective. ALL THE CLICHES CAME TRUE! Life IS lived in the moment, the future IS uncertain and I CHOOSE vitality.

B4BC: CBD or THC?

NP: Both!

B4BC: Yoga or meditation?

NP: Both! I had a casual yoga practice but really deepened my understanding of its science through yoga teacher training. It’s now part of my daily routine and my mind-body connection is an ever evolving relationship that I find great joy in nurturing.

B4BC: Integrated therapies?  

NP: As above

B4BC: Biggest challenge when you were diagnosed? 

NP: Being present for the joys of parenthood. I do feel robbed of that experience but also so grateful that I got more time.

B4BC: Do you feel supported in your world with all the emotional/psychological aspects that cancer brings? 

NP: My biggest take-away is that I was the ONLY person who could do anything for my situation. I feel powerful knowing that I’m in charge and having no expectation of how the world “should” be to help me along has been a great burden to let go of.

B4BC: What was your ultimate gift during any one moment of this process?

NP: Being blessed with a family friend who is involved in world-renowned research for cardiovascular fitness as an adjunctive cancer therapy. Getting that program gave me the final piece of inspiration to follow my body’s healing intuition.

B4BC: What does your cancer ‘team’ look like? 

NP: An oncologist who reviews my bi-annual MRI’s/mammo’s and the family friend who guides my fitness program.

B4BC: What makes you feel GOOD?

NP: Seeing my daughter thrive, being in nature and being surrounded by friends and family.

B4BC: Survivorship or thrivership?

NP: THRIVE. I’m riding a huge wave of upward momentum and I would not have embarked on a journey of health without this major pattern disrupter.

B4BC: Anyone special you want to share a message with? 

NP: Thank you to all the people at B4BC for dedicating the very precious time we have to enhance the experience of survivors and foster awareness for everyone. 

Interview conducted by B4BC Wellness Director + Marketing Manager Megan Pishke