My Story
I became a Massage Therapist to share my philosophy that with a positive attitude and a little physiological love, you'd be astounded at the things your body can do!
In 2006, at the age of 32, I was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor in my lung. I had surgery to remove it. They wound up removing 1 1/2 lobes of my lung along with it.
In 2012 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. During my experience with breast cancer, I was facing several heavy rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. I was terrified of the effects these treatments would have on my body. At the same time I was undergoing treatment, my mother was in the process of dying from a brain tumor- the stress of having to watch someone you love suffer, while also being worried about your own health was extremely overwhelming. I was relatively new to holistic bodywork, but I knew I needed to nurture my body and mind.
I began a regular regimen of massage and acupuncture, and the feeling of calm that it gave me during this difficult time, was truly inspiring to me. I also had very few adverse effects from the treatments, which even seemed to surprise my doctors. Despite all of the challenges, I felt grateful to be alive, and doing as well as I was.
Shortly after this experience, I decided to become a Massage Therapist. I wanted to help other people get to that place where you feel empowered that you have some control over your body and mind, even when it feels like everything is going off the rails!
In 2015, I gave birth to a beautiful baby (previously thought to have been impossible!)
In 2017 the breast cancer returned- and fractured my femur. The neuroendocrine cancer came back to my ovary. I had a hip replacement and a hysterectomy. More radiation. Long term chemotherapy. More medications.
Cancer spread to my lower spine. And my liver. Spot in my lung. Spots in a few lymph nodes. More radiation, biopsies, medications, side effects. Regular echocardiograms, pet scans, cat scans, mri's, blood tests, fractured bones and medical appointments. SO. MANY. Medical appointments.
BUT I'M STILL HERE! With the best job, the coolest kid and the cutest dog.
- Donna Rains, LMT
