post chemo body changes and thoughts on aging

Hi friends, I hope you are well. This is a topic that is pretty close to my heart and something I've been really struggling with lately. It's also a sensitive topic so trigger warning.
xo, Amanda
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[@francescardoza7187]

I went through three cancers my body lost breast and had cervical and vaginal i have been clean for 20 yrs now i lost my hair teeth and nails got ratty now i dont care if i have weight imake myself happy and love myself for coping and staying alive hope you find a happy middle

[@iamwinningrightnow]

Agreed. 2 things can be true at the same time. Here is a fact, for those who have never experienced cancer, they will never understand the journey, never. I realized, the people who have experienced this disease, their languages are the same or similar. I understand all that you've mentioned because I walked (and continue to walk) a similar journey. This is the reason it's good for us to have each other. We can look at each other and say, "I get you." Our medical teams do not do a good job explaining, what i think they consider to be, "the little stuff." The thing is, the little stuff matters. Looking at my lower abd and seeing a bulge that was never present prior to treatment is 😬😬😬. My weight is the same, but that area has changed. Since January, i've rode over 3,500 miles (always active). I am eating healthier foods. Thanks to an early menopause, my mid section has changed. It takes getting used to, and I am almost there. Take care of you, and keep gliding forward.

[@MichelleRader-t7r]

Thank you Amanda for sharing your journey,,it helps so much that you have gone through,and sharing things. I had 29 rounds of radiation,,then chemo for 6 months,and now immunotherapy for 2 yrs ahead ,it has certainley taken a toll on my body. It has left me with lymphadema bad in my right leg. I suffered a mini stroke so I am retraing my self day by day the unbalance I have from that, But on a positive note,,my hair is a shadow coming back in,some belly swelling going down. No one will ever know outside of this journey being stripped of everything not only as a human being but feeling like a women with eye lashes and eye brows and a pretty head of hair. Watching your videos how you are getting back to a near normal life excites me and gives me hope that in a years time things will be different❤

[@gregmacdonald3559]

Amanda I am also a survivor, my cancer is bladder cancer which metastasized to my lung. Lots of surgeries and chemo over 20 year period and a few less parts and non working parts. I wasn’t suppose to last more than 2 years , I just wasn’t ready to checkout. Listening to you and in my humble opinion you are doing so darn well, attitude and outlook is everything thing and you seem to have both in aces! Your video is very uplifting for others going through similar situations. God bless you ❤ Btw , puppies help heal in my opinion. 🥰 🇨🇦❤️🙏🏻

[@iSheree]

Wow I was diagnosed with metastatic cancer this year. What are your biggest tips on how to survive? Do you have a special diet or anything? ❤

[@Woodbury7921]

I’m 51 and Menopause has been HARD! My hair dramatically thinned, I gained A LOT of weight. I have to have extensions or I look 10 yrs older. My body is mushy. It’s really tough. I will not let anyone take a picture of me. I’m also athletic, but when you hit Menopause your energy levels plummet. It’s just hard.

[@helloamandawhitworth]

So true. There are resources out there for us though! I'll share as I find them.

[@Redjools78]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your diet. I get a lot of mixed messages from my hospital on what I should be eating, with different levels of how “plant based” my diet should be. This ranges from wholly plant based, no oils, no sugar and then on the other side, eat whatever you can stomach. My actual diet falls somewhere in between…I’ve greatly increased my vegetable intake, but still also consume some animal proteins, and have stopped using vegetable oils. I don’t love cooking, so I’m trying to just stay away from processed foods as much as I can and make healthy choices as often as I’m able. But with sugar…I love dessert and it makes me sad that having dessert now also comes with a dash of guilt. It’s a lot to deal with.

[@karenknight9565]

Hi Amanda! This vlog came out on a perfect day. Today I am 2 year’s remission from a rare & aggressive breast cancer. It typically recurs within the first 5 years. While I am so grateful I am also terrified. My family and friends say to enjoy being healthy and not worry about tomorrow. Like you I feel like a different person at times and I’ll never be the old me… physically or mentally. Those around me have moved on and unfortunately once in this cancer club no one understands but other members. Thank you for being so honest and open… makes me feel like I’m not alone or crazy! Much love to you. BTW.. you r beautiful!!!!❤

[@catherinerita8768]

Amanda, I just wanted to affirm everything I heard you say. Different people are different types of metabolizers - some more meat and others more plant metabolizers, and still others a combination of both. I have watched the changes in my body, feeling almost like I was looking at someone else's body and not my own. Normal aging brings some shocking changes to our skin and muscle tone, but then add illness, and the changes can be startling. I think we can be grateful for all our blessings, and still acknowledge some of the distressing physical changes that come no matter how hard we try to live a healthy lifestyle. Cancer and many other illnesses can come despite our best efforts, and that is depressing and anxiety-producing. Keep verbalizing your thoughts - it's good for your state of mind, and also helps those of us with similar experiences to gain insight into ourselves as well. In any case, I like listening to your thoughts and feelings. You have a great sense of self awareness. I wish you well.

[@ASH-T786]

Hi Amanda Totally agree with you It's been 6 months since I lost my hair due to chemo still days where I don't recognize myself in the mirror. There is days I don't even look in the mirror because I can't see myself anymore Just finished my chemo but been told have to have targeted therapy for a year 😢 more side effects

[@helloamandawhitworth]

Oh I get this so much. I will say this. I’m 7 months out now and I finally recognize myself in the mirror finally

[@gailoherron759]

I enjoy your choice of background music.

[@29sagittarius51]

You are beautiful, confident, strong and positive ❤

[@gerryryan1372]

You are going through so much. Chronic fatigue i loose day beautiful of it xx

[@jstavene]

Well Said!! in this myself on the end of treatment into surveillance but every test is a panic a worry, is it all back anew in new places? the gray hair in blotches bothers me ,, really made me feel old, with the aches and pains I wish you the best!

[@nomadnarcoleptic]

I totally understand with the diet differences. What works for one doesn’t work for another ❤

[@susanehlava3808]

Love how your kitty is mostly on the kitchen bench. I think you look lovely and I’m sure when your hair grows some more you will feel more confident. ❤

[@helloamandawhitworth]

Oh thank you! A lot of people hate how he is up on the counter. I have no choice but to feed him up there until I build something for him where my dog can not get his food!

[@jennyourbiah4865]

I totally understand what your saying I’m in the same position I hate it it’s hard .

[@louisethompson5212]

Hi Amanda, like you I was thrown into menopause after a hysterectomy and breast cancer treatment all within six months. Plus taking drugs to inhibit the production of hormones. I thought I was lucky that I wasn’t getting whiskers…lol. The body does change… more towards gaining weight with skin changes. I am finding that parts come back after time, like feeling good. I never really thought about what I lost and focused on changes happening. I grew my hair long even though I was fifty and I straightened my teeth. Those were two things that I had never had. Just let yourself heal…feeding your body is a good thing. Go forward with living as you are 😊. Know that you are talented and a beautiful person as you are…I hope you understand what I am trying to say 🌸🌸🌸

[@karenbutnotthatkaren5528]

You have written a very nice message. I agree wholeheartedly that one should do what feels right for themselves - no other is in a position to make those decisions. May your health continue to be good.

[@junelehmann7620]

Amanda…so enjoyed this video…I surely understand what you are going through. I had a double mastectomy and lost my hair…..sometimes I feel so destroyed. My chemo is over with, and now I’m on a target drug every three weeks until September. This is my third bout with cancer…and so concerned about another return. I am now 76….and so much of what you have said..I sit here and shake my head…yes! Hope we can stay in touch. We’ve got this!🩷

[@sylviagatterburg5318]

you are so giftet with your beautiful home you ve done so well, and yes menopause is a battlefield

[@silvietee7447]

I love your kitchen and your cat! You are a terrific person, glad to see you're taking care of yourself. Don't ever give up the 'Sweets'.

[@helloamandawhitworth]

Thank you so much!

[@angusmcclelland4846]

Wishing you a long pain free and enjoyable life. Amen sister ❤

[@helloamandawhitworth]

Thank you so much!

[@Emma-Rose]

Aww thank you for sharing your experiences, your deepest thoughts too. Remember you are beautiful, inside and out and you are inspiring others with your strength, determination and struggles. ❤

[@helloamandawhitworth]

Thank you so much!!

[@pjk1714]

Great to see you! Hope you can enjoy your weekend 🍂

[@heidi1651]

Having gone through cancer treatment and surgical menopause young I totally hear you re body changes. I get that the main focus is of course getting rid of our cancer yet I feel no one prepared me for the transformations in health after that would occur especially w sudden menopause. I did want to tell you that taking flax and omega 3 is really helping my joint pain which you might also find helpful. I was taking omega 3 already but I doubled the dose and it’s helping a lot! 💜 also there’s a book coming out in Dec by Dr. Gregger called “how not to age” which has some helpful guidance.

[@susanh3342]

I know you're going through a lot, but I have to tell you your hair looks beautiful. I know you miss your long hair. ❤

[@junelehmann7620]

You are so right….everyone moves on…but our world has stopped a bit!!

[@pam164]

You're hair is growing great. I can imagine you don't feel the same about your body, but think its getting you through all of this.

[@helloamandawhitworth]

So true!

[@keepitclassy7895]

I am so sorry you are going through this..God Bless

[@alwaysmarcy9428]

Someone who has been sick almost every year and hospitalized with asthmatic bronchitis, I am now 70 years old I take airborne every single day, and haven't even had a cold and over 3 years. Just a suggestion airborne and vitamin d. Stay strong, stay well ❤

[@pam164]

Ageing is the pitts, i look at myself and some days i don't recognise who i see, menopause is hard, luckily i can take Hrt so it helps.

[@helloamandawhitworth]

I get this. Trying to embrace it more and more but it is also hard.

[@mmercedraz2436]

Love from Spain...💃

[@helloamandawhitworth]

Love back to you!

[@jennyourbiah4865]

If you get a chance check out the sculpted vegan , she has just done some videos on menopause and how it affects your body and what to do to change it it’s awesome I’m not vegan but it’s really made sense and I putting it in practice but keeping meat based .

[@carroinferno62]

Good afternoon, you are a beautiful woman, I don't understand your language, I speak Portuguese but I hope you are well, sorry if you don't understand!

[@DJPoundPuppy]

I'm stunned to listen to the vegan part. I never expected to hear that being vegan didn't help. Many call it a cure! I'm kind of disappointed but want to learn more. Thanks!

[@helloamandawhitworth]

I just think everyone’s bodies are so different

[@Melly4real]

Hi Amanda great video 😊 what's the oregano oil for??

[@theresa94010]

I wondered about that also. For cooking or salad?

[@FloridaForForever]

Just found you...great channel...praying for ya!

[@helloamandawhitworth]

Thank you so much!

[@RikkeAndersen-lk4zt]

Maybe look into Ayurveda? Ayurveda is all about eating for your body type, the imbalances, the climate, environment, stress level and what part of life you are in. I healed from a severe auto immune disease where I was bedridden for 10 month through Ayurveda…and I was doing all the right things I thought the 15 years before I got sick I was intermittent fasting, all organic, juicing, no dairy, no sugar, no pork, no additives and no wheat. Was doing ashtanga yoga every day and did cold plunges year round in the ocean but apparently that was stressing my very sensitive nervous system. I now have had no symptoms for 8 years and have gone through menopause quite graciously but both my life style and my diet has changed dramatically. I now exercise way less mostly walking and stretching and much gentler yoga I drink warm milk and eat no raw foods. Once I went through my Ayurvedic treatments I learned so much about how my body responds to things and how I was forcing a lot on it even though after my cold plunges I felt cold for hours I was so certain that it was healthy. Often after my yoga routine I felt weak. After raw food I felt cold. And ppl with sensitive nervous systems they get more sensitive with age and they have very delicate and variable digestion. Anyways even taking a test online might help you to find out your dosha type and you can read about your needs and my body type need some meats, warm milk and ghee as I age. Anyways it’s really mind blowing how my Ayurvedic doctor explained it all to me. She felt my pulse and looked at my tung and my skin and was immediately like don’t worry you can heal from this even though western doctors told me there was no cure to skin disease and my deep infected wounds. She could tell me small other symptoms that I had had she even was able to tell I had had blood transfusion and things I had like eczema and difficult cramps during my childhood/teens. She understood why I was imbalanced and she brought be back to balance. I did too many extreme things also like coffee enemas that I believed to get healthy but they had dried out my intestines. I think it would open up a whole new world / perspective for you. And things you might not understand why you aren’t responding to even though it’s healthy might suddenly become very clear. They might even be able to pinpoint how any imbalance is I influencing your cancer and healing journey. But you will know if it’s for you. I found Ayurveda by coincidence after searching 10 months full time for a cure because my neighbor brought me back some oil from India that hugely improved my symptoms. So I decided to look for an Indian doctor and within 2 weeks I was symptom free, then it was about strengthening the body so I could tolerate panchakarma (deep detox procedure) and then one month after detox I was put on a fasting mimicking diet to take the disease out with the roots. And I have been symptom free ever since. And I can now feel my healthy range and once I start to feel off I pull the plug to recenter and focus on myself and my well-being. Then usually within a weekend I’m back to my now very calm state where I feel my body so clearly 🙏🙏…first symptoms that I have pushed to much or deviated from life style is I wake up at night or start to have hot flashes. Anyways just wanted to share with you. Good luck Amanda I think you look really great but I also know it’s all about how we feel in our bodies ourselves ☺️hugs Rikke

[@elizabethconroy7665]

Hi,Amanda It will take time to adjust the New You Hit menopause at 30 ,and if it weren’t for HRT,I’d be a complete mess I am not sure if a small dose would be approved You could inquire with your Doctor

[@helloamandawhitworth]

I was on HRT until I started chemo but because there is a chance that it contributed to my cancer growth I can no longer be on it.

[@annettecantu3826]

I wish there was no music so distracting from the content

[@helloamandawhitworth]

I like adding music!

[@drewgood311]

Seek help Amanda, God’s not done with you.

[@nancyflaherty7038]

You’re an absolute beauty, Amanda!

[@helloamandawhitworth]

Thank you 🙏

[@caitlinscancerchronicles]

I’m a stage 4 cancer patient and understand completely what it’s like adjusting to a body image that has been forced upon you! Ultra short hair is not a style I ever would have chosen. Every time I have had chemo the steroids have made me put on weight. I’m a size I am not comfortable being. I think I am not too hard on myself, but it’s still another imposition of cancer. You look like you are living your best life despite the circumstances! Keep it up with love from another cancer patient in her 40’s!

[@nicoleziegler6112]

As a menopausal woman , who went into menopause in my early 40's because of Hashimoto's (under active thyroid) which I've had since my 20's, I can tell you that a high protein diet is most effective in menopause! I have fortunately maintained the same ideal weight my whole life despite an under active thyroid! I'm sure genetics does play a role as well. But there is hope! And fyi....I eat semi dark chocolate ever day!😉

[@catmama54]

I keep you in my prayers everyday. Seeing your cat always makes me happy. I live with many autoimmune diseases and know fatigue all to well You give me encouragement

[@belenmazzeo8799]

Amanda, put all your worries, hopes and dreams on God's hand, He is with you at all times and will never leave you nor forsake you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made in God's image. I hope you find the salvation and peace our Lord Jesus has given us through his sacrifice on the cross. I hope you get to know him, cause in him is the only way we can find full happiness and purpose

[@user-wb2yv7ll9d]

❤