I Thought I Had 12 Months Left to Live – My Journey to a New Life

At the high point of my career, life threw me an unexpected curveball that nearly derailed everything. I was riding high on a career transition from banking to tech. My life seemed to be on an upward trajectory until a devastating diagnosis brought everything to a screeching halt.

The Shock of Diagnosis

"You have a rare and aggressive sarcoma. You may have 12 months left to live."

Those words hit me like a bus. It seemed impossible that it was happening to me. I was balancing an engaging career with family life and an active lifestyle. How could this be happening? I looked at my husband, my best friend and soulmate. The thought of him seeing another spring alone made the lump in my throat swell until I could barely breathe.

As the reality sank in, I realised that life as I knew it was about to change dramatically. We had just moved to our summer house during the COVID pandemic, planning to buy a new home in Copenhagen and I just signed a contract for a new and very demanding job. The timing couldn't have been worse.

The Battle Begins

The Danish healthcare system kicked into high gear. I was quickly scheduled for a radical hysterectomy with the country's leading specialist in this rare type of cancer. The surgery was successful, but I still wasn't out of deep water. I had to live with uncertainty, which was a constant and heavy burden, affecting my daily thoughts and emotions as I navigated the unknown and awaited a definitive diagnosis.

Later, I got the news – the tumor was benign. It felt like a stone fell off my heart, but it was still bleeding for those who had to live with the harsh reality of cancer. Going through this experience of facing death profoundly changed my understanding of living with deep uncertainty, where even simple questions like holiday plans remind you that you might not be there to share those moments. It opened a different level of empathy towards those battling serious illnesses, a feeling I had never experienced before.

Despite my high spirits, the ordeal left me overweight for the first time in my life and completely exhausted. Soon after, I faced another challenge – early onset of surgical menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, and stubborn weight gain became my constant companions. I felt like a stranger in my own body, embarrassed and frustrated during work meetings when a sudden hot flash would leave me flustered and forgetful. Something had to change – I refused to let this be my new normal.

Turning to Data and Science

Determined to reclaim my health, I dove into research. A pivotal moment came when I listened to Dr. Andrew Huberman's interview with Dr. Sara Gottfried. For the first time, someone explained the "normality" of my feelings during hormonal changes and debunked exaggerations about the risks of hormone therapy. I realised there were significant health benefits and risk-preventing aspects to using HRT post-menopause. These insights were a game-changer.

Realising this journey wasn't "just ageing" but about thriving in my "second act," a data-driven approach took shape:

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) history and studies became nightly reading, forming personal conclusions about risks and benefits. Herbal options for managing menopausal symptoms also came under scrutiny.

For personal data, blood samples were sent to Europe's best DNA testing lab. A semi-professional body scanner landed at my bathroom floor, enabling regular check-ups. Sleep tracking upgraded from a multi-sport performance watch to a more accurate ring. Workouts transformed into data points, meticulously logging everything from heart rate variability (HRV) to recovery time.

This wealth of information shaped a personalised plan:

• A modified MIND diet with intermittent fasting

• Targeted supplements based on genetic quirks, blood work results and diet, including menopause and weight management solutions, but also NMN to stimulate NAD+ production

• A revamped exercise routine focusing on cardio, strength, and flexibility

• Reduced alcohol consumption and adjusted sleeping routines

The Transformation

The journey was tough. Progress crawled, with frustrating plateaus and moments where change felt impossible. Fatigue and lack of motivation were constant companions. The turning point came when I introduced my carefully crafted supplement plan. This boost, combined with diligent data tracking, finally set things in motion.

Gradually, the fog lifted. At 49 and post-menopause, I've reached my healthiest weight in two decades. I can now effortlessly hike challenging trails and fit into clothes from 10 years ago. Most importantly, I feel like myself again – only better. With improved sleep and renewed energy, I've rediscovered my zest for life.

Paying It Forward

My journey has ignited a passion for sharing what I've learned. As a data nerd and tech professional, I believe we can leverage our personal health data for more meaningful insights, benefiting both individuals and society's healthcare approach.

Moreover, there's an opportunity to better support those navigating hormonal changes, particularly in the workplace where they represent an experienced and valuable workforce.

Remember, it's never too late to take control of your health. Start small - try tracking one aspect of your health for a week, be it sleep, diet, or daily steps. These consistent changes can lead to remarkable transformations. Your future self will thank you for taking that first step today.