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Meet Maya
Her relentless pursuit of answers and her unwavering commitment to holistic healing had led her to a place of transformation, hope, and triumph over adversity.
Her journey into the field of nutrition coaching began with her personal health crisis. In 2008, I received a life-changing diagnosis of breast cancer. This diagnosis shook the foundation of her life. It's started when she discovered a lump in her right breast, along with another one on her chest. Sadly, her fears were confirmed when she received the diagnosis of stage 3B breast cancer, with the cancer having spread to several of the lymph nodes. During this challenging time, another unexpected blow struck as she experienced thyroid nodules, and a biopsy showed the presence of cancerous cells. Shocking right? She couldn't believe it, two cancer diagnoses within two weeks plus diabetes.
Her journey took a divergent path when her endocrinologist prescribed the removal of her thyroid. Yet, in consultation with her oncologist, she forged a courageous decision. Recognizing that thyroid cancer progresses slowly, she decided to focus on treating the breast cancer first. She postponed the thyroid surgery and opted for another biopsy in a few months.
Little did she know that her determination to tackle one cancer at a time would guide her through the challenges she was about to encounter.
The follow up thyroid nodule biopsy, much to her relief, revealed no signs of cancer. This unexpected and positive outcome delivered a powerful lesson about the significance of not letting fear dictate her choices. Instead, it underscored the value of trusting her instincts and making thoughtful decisions. In doing so, she had preserved her thyroid glands and sidestepped unnecessary medical procedures.
In late 2008 and early 2009, she faced a journey through mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and breast implant surgery.
Chemotherapy brought its own set of challenges, plunging her into premature menopause with hot flashes, night sweats, sleep troubles, weight gain, mood swings, and joint pain. It also caused hair loss, blackened nails, and severe candida growth.
After treatment, she spent nearly six years on tamoxifen, a safeguard against cancer's return.
Somewhere deep within her conscience, she began to sense that continuing with tamoxifen might not be the right solution. However, her fear of cancer's return weighed heavily on her, making it difficult to consider discontinuing the medication.
Following treatment, Maya's life appeared to settle into a semblance of normalcy. I committed to a reasonably healthy lifestyle while managing her business, often working exhausting 12- to 14-hour days. Simultaneously, she embraced the roles of a mother and a wife. What she didn't realize at the time was the immense stress she was shouldering, pushing herself to the limit in her pursuit of balance and success.
In the beginning of 2015, Maya began experiencing discomfort and cramping in her lower abdomen. A few months later, she started bleeding, as if it were a regular menstrual cycle, something she hadn't encountered since 2009. Concerned, her gynecologist conducted a biopsy.
A few days later, she heard those devastating words once more: "Maya, I'm so sorry... your cancer has returned, with metastasis to the endometrium."
It felt as though her world had been turned upside down. She stood there, the weight of those words sinking in, carrying the heavy burden of her worst fears. She struggled to grasp the full gravity of the news, her mind racing and her heart aching with disbelief.
Suddenly, everything went blank, and she felt as though she was floating alone in a dark, empty space. The once-familiar reality had dissolved into uncertainty, and she found herself facing this new, unexpected battle.
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NOW WHAT?
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The next couple of weeks were agonizing for her. She endured additional tests, dreading the results. There were so many questions. She wondered why she had developed breast cancer without any family history. She pondered what might have triggered it to grow in her body. Was it her diet or lifestyle had played a role?
Her mind was filled with concerns about her future, her family, and whether more chemotherapy lay ahead. These questions seemed endless, highlighting the deep uncertainty that had taken over her life.
During a visit to her oncologist to discuss the treatment plan, a peculiar sensation overcame her. As her doctor explained the recommended approach, she found herself torn between the advice offered and an inner voice, an instinct, a strange feeling that did not align with the doctor's decision. It was as if her body was whispering, "No, No, No," over and over again.
In that moment, she felt adrift and uncertain about what to do. However, when she left the doctor's office, an incredible transformation had occurred within her. Instead of fear, she was filled with an overwhelming sense of confidence, determination, and unwavering belief. It was the spark that ignited her journey, despite the uncertainty that lay ahead.
The next few weeks were all about reading, researching, learning, and understanding. Yes, there were moments of doubt and questions like "What if I'm wrong? Where do I start? What should I do?" These questions kept popping into her head every second.
Then, one day during her search, she stumbled upon a video discussing cancer and natural healing. The person in the video recommended, "If you don't know where to start, begin by eliminating sugar, dairy, gluten, and animal products. At the same time, start incorporating green juicing and smoothies into your diet, and continue with your research."
The very next morning, her healing journey began, and that's how her entire life underwent a profound change. She remembers that day vividly: September 13, 2015.
Truly for me cancer was really a blessing in disguise.
My first cancer experience I followed standard procedure.
Second time cancer diagnosis, had opened a completely new door for me. It was then I knew, I needed to become an expert of my own body.
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I began to research
I started seeking for answers myself. I started learning.
I learned to let go my fear and gain a determination and power
I learned how to stay positive
I learned how to control my mind
I learned what matters in life most
I learned what real self love is
I learned how to be strong
I learned about my surroundings
I learned how to let go of things that does not impact my life in any way
I learned how to be healthy and thrive.
I consider myself truly blessed for the opportunity to have approached in this life changing the news with faith rather than fear.
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I'm extremely grateful for knowledge I gained and was able to change my life.
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My credentials :
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Graduated nursing school in my home town Baku, Azerbaijan in 1989. My family moved in United state in the beginning 1992. Here I worked in the medical industry as phlebotomist, medical assistant and office manager for 19 years.
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Functional Nutrition & Lifestyle Practitioner (FNLP)
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Certified Holistic Cancer Coach
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National Association of Nutrition Professionals (HANP)
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National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching ( NBHWC)
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Certificate from Functional Nutritional Lab - Full body system
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Chestnut school of herbal medicine.