About Me

My Story 

I sat in his office for what seemed like hours (even though they were mere minutes).  The anticipation was growing and I was eager to hear the results.  You see, he had called the day before and asked me to meet him to discuss the results of my biopsy.

When the doctor walked in and sat down he said, Ms. Barton, I have good news and I have bad news.  I was afraid to find out either.  He continued, "Cancer cells were found on the cyst that we removed."  I sat stunned not sure what to say, not sure how to process this information.  He continued, "I recommend that we act quickly, go back in, remove your thyroid and start you on radiation therapy."  It was then that I asked, "So what's the good news?"  He responded, " It's stage 1 Thyroid Cancer and once we act quickly you should be fine." 

The C-word was bouncing around in my head like a game of pin-ball.  It was only recently that I had a dear friend pass away from cancer and I also had friends whose family member had suffered and passed away from the disease.

I left the doctor's office with a medical report I could not comprehend.  I felt lost, dazed and confused.  I flashed back to the past 5 years of my life.  I had been fighting to save a marriage that was broken beyond repair.  I was carrying around guilt and shame. Like a duck floating on the surface and paddling furiously underwater, I was keeping up appearances, all while mindful of the whispers.  I had lost my home, my hair and my health.  To top it all off, I was working in a job where I was constantly berated and bullied.  To say that I was stressed was an understatement.

Now, I'm not saying that these were the direct cause of my diagnosis, but I know they were contributing factors.   I had neglected my health and well-being for far too long.  I knew that for me, the road to recovery was not only in improving my nutrition but also managing stress and finally putting my self first.

I successfully underwent surgery, removed my thyroid and completed radiation therapy.  Today I am cancer free.  I reclaimed my health and happiness, by improving the quality of my food - both primary (healthy relationships, regular physical activity, spiritual awareness, radical self-care) and secondary (nutrition from what I ate).  

My story of personal and health transformation continues.  It is not one of perfection, but it is one of progress - cause God knows there have been some not so zen moments, where I want to tear out my hair and get on bad.  Now I am better able to cope when faced with stressful situations.  I know the signs and the actions to take.

My wish for you is greater health, much success and the least possible stress and so I created this website to not only inform you but to empower you to take the best care of yourself. 

Here's to your health and happiness,

Jaye