How Integrative Medicine and Self-Advocacy Transformed One Survivor’s Life

Jewel J. learned she had triple-negative breast cancer in December 2019 at age 57. After discovering a lump in her breast, a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Initially feeling rushed and underinformed by local physicians, Jewel acted on a life-changing tip from a fellow survivor and sought care at MD Anderson in Houston.

Her multidisciplinary treatment plan included 16 rounds of chemotherapy to shrink her tumor. Surgeons Dr. Puneet Singh and Dr. Mark Clemens then performed a lumpectomy and reconstructive surgery on the same day, followed by six weeks of radiation therapy. Although Jewel enrolled in a clinical trial that was examining a shortened radiation course, she was assigned to the control group and completed the standard six-week regimen. In August 2020, Jewel learned she was in remission.

Throughout her journey, Jewel embraced the services offered by MD Anderson’s Integrative Medicine Center. She credits her care team and specialists for helping manage side effects such as neutropenia, neuropathy, and weight loss. Massage therapy helped relieve her neuropathy, while nutrition guidance prevented further weight loss. Psychologist Dr. Aimee Christie introduced Jewel to the IM Healthy program, designed to encourage healthy behavior changes such as improved nutrition and increased physical activity. The program’s weekly group sessions helped Jewel stay accountable, manage emotions, and build a supportive community.

Today, Jewel advocates for a holistic approach to cancer care. She shares healthy recipes and lifestyle tips on social media, encourages her family to adopt healthier habits, and underlines the importance of asking questions to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered treatment. Her husband has joined her in eliminating red meat and cooking more nutritious meals, a testament to the lifestyle transformation spurred by her diagnosis. Now enrolled in IM Fit to sustain slow, steady weight loss, Jewel remains committed to a lifelong journey of wellness, grateful for the empowering care that enabled her to thrive beyond triple-negative breast cancer.ht to manage lung cancer as a chronic—if not curable—condition.