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Hello, I’m Cheryl Lecroy and I am a whole-foods plant-based enthusiast, growing much of the fresh vegetables and mushrooms I consume right in my backyard. I was diagnosed with cancer at a time when I thought I was finally healthy I fell in love with gardening later in life. Having grown up on a farm under my grandmother's green thumb, one would think that I learned under her tutelage. Alas, I never paid the proper attention to the harvest, the canning, and certainly not to the healthy aspects of a fresh diet. I was overweight for much of my youth and basically half of my life. I spent 10 years transitioning from 280 pounds to an appropriate body mass and size. From a somewhat slow moving me to an athletic me.  It took a little longer for my mind's eye and my language to catch up to my new "image". I was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 at a time when I thought I was finally healthy. I had just run a marathon, and I was thin and ‘fit’. After all, I had been following the FDA Food Pyramid to reach my proper body weight. After being diagnosed, I delved into cancer-specific nutrition research and learned that the traditional FDA food pyramid may not have been the best diet option from a cancer prevention standpoint. I quickly became overwhelmed with conflicting information,  and I didn't know whether to become vegan, vegetarian, or carnivore.  Each cancer-specific diet recommendation had the science to back up the claim,  but each sent me in a different direction. Learning what's the right nutrition for cancer survivors Over the last 12 years, I have attended conferences on Nutrition in Medicine with ICNM , The Physicians Committee on Responsible Medicine , The National Health Association , The Institute for Integrative Nutrition , Smith Center for Healing and the Arts , Stanford University online , The Cancer Healing Kitchen and The University of Copenhagen online . My cancer journey, an insatiable desire for evidence-based research in nutrition and a lifetime of complex weight control gives me a great passion and real-life experience to help other survivors find their nutritional direction.   I now practice a largely vegan, plant-based diet, getting healthy nutrients from natural, clean ingredients. My organic heirloom garden is filled with rainbow-colored produce packed with super nutrients. The research is compelling and there are many "superfoods" that I eat each day; Asian mushrooms are high on my daily intake list.    This quest led me to wonderful opportunities 10 years with Wind River Wellness Retreats where I have coached and empowered survivors on their health journeys, both with nutrition and general well-being. Terra’s Table Mushrooms where I have grown and produced a 100% natural mushroom powder as a culinary spice since 2015. And for the last 6 years, The Produce RX Farm delivery program with the local free clinic, where doctors prescribe plants and vegetables to their patients. Proving that proper nutrition matters. I know 100% that the food we eat, the sleep we get , the stress we release , and the joy we feel all play an important part of our health and recovery from a cancer diagnosis.  I am thrilled to be a health, nutrition and wellness coach with The After Cancer where I get the privilege to share my journey, knowledge and experience in coaching other cancer survivors through a healthy survivorship. I am 12.5 years cancer free! About Cheryl Lecroy Cheryl Lecroy  is a breast cancer survivor and has been supporting cancer patients for over 10 years. Her mission is to offer tools to reignite inner joy, purpose, and help reconnect survivors to their true essence; the after cancer paradigm.

What is fear of recurrence and why do I have this?    Fear of recurrence is a natural part of the normal process after a cancer diagnosis. Typically, more prevalent in survivors who are diagnosed with non-metastatic disease or with those who are deemed NED (No Evidence of Disease) through treatment. This fear often shows up after treatment is completed and a desire for a life that resembles normalcy returns.   The term “ New Normal ” is often used when describing this stage or sometimes “Back to Normal” is used.   How does it show up for cancer survivors? What are the triggers? Does it ever go away?    The truth is that anxiety about the unknown is normal. Fear of recurrence can show up sporadically and unexpectedly. Research shows that up to 89 % of survivors experience some level of a Fear of Recurrence. It can disrupt psychological well-being and manifest anxiety, depression , post-traumatic stress disorder , and feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability.   Some of the symptoms may include poor sleep , restlessness, scattered thoughts, diminished self-esteem or being short-tempered, among other ways. It is important to recognize this as a condition that is REAL but also have reassurance that there are effective ways to cope with the fear of recurrence.   Recognizing some of the triggers that bring on the fear of recurrence is also very helpful so that steps can be taken to understand and alleviate the fear.   Common triggers include:   Scanxiety – the anxiety that comes with upcoming scans. Planning for the future – Ready to resume some form of normalcy such as planning a vacation but unsure that you will be physically able. Unexplained pain – Every ache and pain could be the return of cancer, even if it may be irrational.   This fear can be much stronger at the end of treatment and will often lessen or even diminish over time. Research shows that many breast cancer survivors experience the fear of recurrence for 9 years. So be patient with yourself. How can I manage fear of recurrence?   The GREAT news is that are effective ways to manage the fear of recurrence.   Acknowledge your feelings and most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Join a positive support group. Surrounding yourself with survivors who understand what you are experiencing is powerful. Use positive self-affirmations and kind, loving words when referring to yourself. Spend more time doing the things you LOVE to do. Positive distraction with at least one pleasurable activity per day can have a huge impact on mindset and mood. Remind yourself daily that going backwards is not an option. Instead of trying to get “back to normal” try instead of embracing the NOW of Normal, at this very moment with the question. What can I be NOW? Add a self-care routine to encourage positive lifestyle choices that can reduce your risk or recurrence. Proper nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction techniques are just a few of the things you CAN implement to regain some control of your situation. Recognize that you are not a statistic, and that recurrence rates on a cancer diagnosis do not consider all the positive reinforcement and changes you are making in YOUR situation. A wonderful unique individual!!! Book an appointment with one of our care team professionals at The After Cancer. We are here for you with evidence-based practices to support you to a healthier and more resilient survivorship.   About Cheryl Lecroy Cheryl Lecroy  is a breast cancer survivor and has been supporting cancer patients for over 10 years. Her mission is to offer tools to reignite inner joy, purpose, and help reconnect survivors to their true essence; the after cancer paradigm.

These infused waters will help you stay hydrated through the summer months. AND they are beautiful and refreshing!  Try these refreshing combinations: Lemon, lime and mint. (my all-time favorite) (1gallon water, 2 sprigs mint (15+ leaves) ½ lemon, ½ lime. Strawberry and kiwi. Strawberries can be whole or halved, green removed. Kiwi should be firm and peeled. Cucumber and mint. Cucumber can be strong, 9 – 12 slices is plenty Cucumber, lime and lemon. Lemon, lime and orange. Lemon. Orange and lemon. Peaches. This is beautiful! Add as many peaches as desired. Rosemary. Rosemary and cucumber Spa waters are not only beautiful and refreshing,they are also good for energy and hydration. Put as much fruit in the water as you like (depending on desired taste) and let the water sit for at least 30 minutes before drinking. Directions: Fill a clear glass pitcher with cool water, and add a few ice cubes if desired. Wash and prepare all fruit and herbs. Pat dry. Slice chosen fruit(s) into uniformly sized slices- this varies depending on the size of the pitcher. For a pretty presentation, add herbs by the stem. Make sure fruit is not too large or thick – large chunky fruit can overpower the flavor and make water seem pulpy and more like juice. Spa water should only have the hint of the taste of fruit and herbs. Put the slices into the pitcher(s), shake a little, and wait a few minutes for the taste to set in. Lemon, lime, orange, mint can steep longer (2 – 3 hours) without the fruit/herbs becoming soft. For waters with cucumber, peach, strawberries, or kiwi serve within ½ an hour of preparing so the fruit maintains the structure. Use only fresh firm fruit. Avoid over ripe or bruised fruit. Sample water before serving to make sure there is just a hint of flavor and little to no pulp. About Cheryl Lecroy Cheryl Lecroy is a breast cancer survivor and has been supporting cancer patients for over 10 years. Her mission is to offer tools to reignite inner joy, purpose, and help reconnect survivors to their true essence; the after cancer paradigm.

The role of tamoxifen in breast cancer treatment Tamoxifen has been used to treat breast cancer for over 30 years. It is a “SERM” (selective estrogen receptor modulator), that works by attaching to the estrogen receptors in breast cells so that estrogen cannot bind to them. Tamoxifen slows the growth and reproduction of estrogen-sensitive cancer cells. At the same time, it instantly and abruptly puts females into menopause which can be startling to say the least. There can be an associated weight gain in some women on Tamoxifen but is it the drug, the instant menopause caused by the drug, fluid retention caused by the drug, decreased mobility during treatment, or a combination of any or all of the above that can cause the weight gain? Weight gain and tamoxifen: unraveling the factors For the sake of this blog, the answer really does not matter. What does matter is that this weight gain is troublesome and real if it happens to you. When you get a cancer diagnosis so many things are out of your control. So, let’s talk about something that is in your control- How You Fuel Your Body. I like to tell people to begin to think of eating as an opportunity to nourish your body and not just feed it. Every meal you eat is a chance to lean into this opportunity by eating nourishing food and in my opinion the best way to take control back and begin to tackle that pesky weight gain. Taking Control of Your Health Through Nutrition So what does properly fueling your body really look like? It is simple really but definitely not how we typically eat in our country. The products that are marketed to us are convenience foods, ultra processed foods, and manmade foods. Rarely do you see any advertisement for natural real foods but that is exactly what we should be eating. These real foods are important not only to fuel our body properly for our best health and healing, but they also will fill us up with natural fiber and therefore we are less likely to over consume empty calories. A “calorie is not a calorie” for many reasons but in this case because it matters if you feel full after eating those calories or not. Food rich in natural fiber will tell your body that it is full and it will keep you full longer than empty calories. Okinawa, Japan is one of the Blue Zones where a large percentage of their population live very healthy lives well into their nineties. In addition to eating mostly plants, they also have a wonderful tradition of only eating until they are 80% full. What an easy way to take control of your health, and Michael Pollan says it best when he says, “ Eat Food, Not Too Much, Mostly Plants.” I agree with his simple statement and propose that this is a good place to start if you are struggling with weight gain from Tamoxifen or the resulting menopause that it has abruptly put you in. If your diet looks very different from this, start slow and take a few steps in this direction and start listening to your body. It will tell you how it feels and you will see the difference. Stay in touch. About Cheryl Hoover Cheryl Hoover  is a breast cancer survivor and a nutrition coach at The After Cancer. Her mission is to encourage patients to embrace the opportunity they have to nourish their body for their best health and healing.

Hello everyone, I am Cheryl Hoover and I am the pharmacist who wants to keep you out of the pharmacy and help you find your vitamins, minerals and fiber in your kitchen with real foods, herbs and spices. My own cancer journey led me to research what to eat I am passionate about this because of my own cancer journey which led me to research how we should best nourish our bodies for healing and strength. It became clear that we should all be eating more plants, but where would we get our protein? To answer this and so many other questions that I had, I decided to get certified in plant based nutrition. Once I became educated on the healing power of plants, I started cooking for other cancer patients so that they would be well nourished during and after treatment. I did this for years, but then decided to focus my attention on actually teaching patients and their caregivers the importance of nutrient dense cancer fighting foods and so, Pharmacy In Your Kitchen was born. Embracing the healing power of foods The kitchen is a place that is so underrated as a space for healing, but I learned in pharmacy school that the first medicines were actually plants and many of todays manufactured medications are created to mimic what foods, herbs and spices do to help us heal and be healthy. Here in this space I encourage people to embrace the healing power of their very own kitchen. I believe and teach that even small changes in your current eating regimen can have a tremendous influence on your health. Wherever you are starting from, I can help you move further down the path of nourishing your body instead of just feeding it. I like to say that eating is an “opportunity” to nourish you body, an opportunity that we have forgotten we have. If you are reading this blog you or a loved one has had a cancer diagnosis, I am very sorry for that. However, you now have ”found your reason” to make some changes for you and your loved ones best overall health, and finding your reason is a huge motivating factor in making successful changes. Do you need to be a skilled chef or even like to cook to be able to benefit from some changes in your eating regimen? Absolutely not. I can work with you wherever you are regarding skill or interest in the kitchen. However, if you do have an interest in cooking with more plants, I have an Instagram specifically for that called @pharmacy.in.your.kitchen and I’d love to have you follow along and get inspired to embrace the healing power of your kitchen. Encouraging you to eat your vitamins In a very ironic way I feel like I have been preparing to help people like you all of my life. Initially, I wanted to go to culinary school but my father wanted me to instead get a business degree, so I studied restaurant management for a few years. That wasn’t a good fit for me, so I decided to instead lean into my math and science skills and go to pharmacy school. I worked in retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy and pharmaceutical sales over the years as a pharmacist and then, after my own cancer diagnosis turned my focus to nutrition for cancer prevention and healing. Now, I am Pharmacy in Your Kitchen, the pharmacist that encourages you to actually eat your vitamins. In addition to being Pharmacy In Your Kitchen, some other interesting things about me are; I am a happily married empty nester, mother of two amazing young women, cancer survivor, electric bass player and singer, and coauthor of Healthy Living for a Sharper Mind . I’d love to help you find the healing power in your kitchen with a private session if you are interested in uncovering this wonderful opportunity we very often overlook. About Cheryl Hoover Cheryl Hoover  is a breast cancer survivor and a nutrition coach at The After Cancer. Her mission is to encourage patients to embrace the opportunity they have to nourish their body for their best health and healing.

During January / Veganuary, we partnered with Cheryl Hoover from our Care Team to share vegan recipes every week. This recipe is so easy I almost called it Dump and Devour Chili, and if you have the chance to make it the day before tastes even better! Just pile everything into the pot and an hour later you have a delicious vegan meal that all your guests will love. Serves 8 1 can black beans, minced and drained 1 can great northern beans, rinsed and drained 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained 8 oz asian mushrooms, chopped 2 small sweet potatoes, shredded 1 large tomato, diced 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed 1/2 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely chopped 1 carrot, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 yellow onion, diced 1 orange bell pepper, diced 2 ribs of celery, diced 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander 1 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp ground black pepper 1 Tbsp smoked paprika 1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano 1 Tbsp maple syrup 4 cups vegetable broth 12 oz plant based crumbles Toppings: Scallions Fresh parsley Avocado Cashew Cream (recipe below) In a Dutch oven, combine all of the ingredients except the toppings. Bring to a boil and then place in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour. Decrease heat to 150 degrees to keep warm until ready to serve.  CASHEW CREAM Makes 1 cup 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in cold water overnight or soaked in hot water for 15 minutes and drained. 1 tsp white wine vinegar 1 tbsp lemon juice 1/2 tsp salt 5 oz water Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend for 2 minutes. Keeps in the refrigerator for 1 week.  About Cheryl Hoover Cheryl Hoover  is a breast cancer survivor and a nutrition coach at The After Cancer. Her mission is to encourage patients to embrace the opportunity they have to nourish their body for their best health and healing.

During January / Veganuary, we partnered with Cheryl Hoover  from our Care Team to share vegan recipes every week. This soup originally didn't have kale or any grains in it, and you can certainly make it without if you prefer. I thought it needed a bit more color and heartiness so I added both. Adding kale to just about anything is one of the healthiest things you can do in your diet, so I sneak it in whenever I can. Soup is an easy way to add beans and lentils into your meals, and the combination in this recipe offers a double hit of B vitamins and minerals your body needs. As for adding the grains, I typically just add whatever rice or pasta I have leftover from the night before to bulk it up a bit. I prefer the ancient grains and darker rices as they are higher in fiber and nutrients than white grains. Serves 4 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 yellow onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 Tbsp taco seasoning (*see below if you want to make your own) 4 cups vegetable broth 1 cup dry brown lentils, rinsed and drained 1 15oz can diced tomatoes 3 cups shredded kale 1 15oz can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) 1 cup cooked ancient grain pasta (or rice) Optional garnishes: avocado, diced green onions, sliced fresh cilantro or Italian parsley, chopped shredded cheese of choice hot sauce *Homemade Taco Seasoning: 1 Tbsp chili powder 1 ½ tsp cumin 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp paprika ½ tsp salt In a soup pot warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until tender, then add in the garlic and taco seasoning and saute a minute longer. Add the broth, lentils, tomatoes, and kale and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in the beans, corn and grains and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until desired tenderness. To serve, ladle into bowls and add additional garnishes as desired. About Cheryl Hoover Cheryl Hoover  is a breast cancer survivor and a nutrition coach at The After Cancer. Her mission is to encourage patients to embrace the opportunity they have to nourish their body for their best health and healing.

If you have a few fresh herbs and some pantry staples you can make this delicious dish in no time and take it to a game day party, potluck, or use it as a side dish! You can even make it the day before to save time and allow the flavors of the dressing to marinate everything together beautifully. 16 appetizer servings 14 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained 14 oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained 14 oz can black eyed peas, rinsed and drained 14 oz can yellow corn, rinsed and drained 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced 2 large cloves garlic, minced 1 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil 1/3 cup olive oil 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 3/4 tsp dry mustard powder 1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes 1 cup cubed avocado In a large bowl mix together the first 8 ingredients. In a small bowl mix together the next 6 ingredients for the dressing. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine. Refrigerate for 24 hours. Before serving add the tomatoes and gently toss. When ready to serve top with avocado and enjoy. About Cheryl Hoover Cheryl Hoover  is a breast cancer survivor and a nutrition coach at The After Cancer. Her mission is to encourage patients to embrace the opportunity they have to nourish their body for their best health and healing.

This is such a great way to start your day when you want to eat to fight inflammation. This could easily just be a smoothie if you add a bit more plant milk and omit the toppings, but I love all the crunch and extra goodness from all the toppings and prefer to eat it with a spoon. Serves 1 1 cup plant milk 1 frozen banana 1 cup frozen mixed berries of choice 2 handfuls of spinach 1 Tbsp nut butter 1 Tbsp honey 1/2 avocado 1/2 tsp cinnamon nutmeg, just a dash cardamom, just a dash cayenne, just a dash Combine all of the above ingredients in a high-speed mixer and blend until smooth. Pour into a bowl and top with your choice of the following: fresh banana fresh berries unsweetened coconut flakes almond slices or other nuts pumpkin seeds sunflower seeds granola flax seeds chia seeds hemp hearts About Cheryl Hoover Cheryl Hoover  is a breast cancer survivor and a nutrition coach at The After Cancer. Her mission is to encourage patients to embrace the opportunity they have to nourish their body for their best health and healing.

This winter bowl is so easy to pull together, (with a little bit of meal prep ahead of time), and is packed with plant protein and nutrients. Seasonal, filling, and nutritious, just the way our plates/bowls should be. Enjoy!  Makes 3-4 grain bowls For the bowls: 2 cups cooked quinoa 2 cups cauliflower florets 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced 1/2 cup raw cashews 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained 1 bunch of kale, stemmed and chopped 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided 2 tsp salt, divided 1 tsp black pepper, divided 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp garlic powder 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast For the sauce: 3 roasted red peppers (can be jarred and drained or freshly made) 1/2 cup almonds 1 Tbsp drained capers 1 lemon, juiced 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley 1/2 cup water 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast Instructions: In a bowl mix the cauliflower, sweet potato, cashews and garbanzo beans with half of the oil, half the salt and pepper, and all of the oregano and garlic. Place on a prepared baking sheet and roast at 475 degrees for 25 minutes. Using that same bowl add the kale, the rest of the olive oil, salt and pepper and the first Tbsp of Nutritional yeast. Toss well to combine and place this on a second prepared baking sheet. When there is 10 minutes left on the roasting of the veggies, beans and nuts, place the second sheet in the oven for the remaining time. Add all of the sauce ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth. Place the quinoa, veggies and kale in a bowl and drizzle with the sauce and enjoy!  About Cheryl Hoover Cheryl Hoover  is a breast cancer survivor and a nutrition coach at The After Cancer. Her mission is to encourage patients to embrace the opportunity they have to nourish their body for their best health and healing.

During cancer treatment you may experience difficulty in maintaining your weight. Some people lose weight and some people gain weight, this post will address the weight gain associated with treatment. What is it? Slight increases in weight during cancer treatment are usually not a problem and can sometimes be as simple as fluid retention, which will reverse after treatment. However, too much weight gain during treatment is linked to a poorer chance of recovery and also increases the risk of other health problems. Why does it happen? Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, steroid treatment, and hormonal treatment can lead to weight gain in different ways. Chemotherapy: Can causes Fatigue, making it harder to exercise. Can cause Edema, where the body holds on to excess fluid. Can cause Nausea, which may be relieved by eating more food. Can lower Metabolism, causing your body to burn less calories. Can cause Menopause, also slowing down your metabolism. Steroid Therapy: Can cause an increase in your appetite. Can cause decrease in muscle mass. Can cause increase in fat tissue with long term use. Hormonal Therapy: Can cause decreased levels of your body's estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone resulting in increase in fat, decrease in muscle and making it harder to burn calories. How to manage it? The good news is that there are definitely steps you can take to decrease the amount of weight gained during treatment. First, try to nourish your body with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and avoid man made processed foods and sugar. The processed foods lack fiber and nutrients that your body needs and in fact cause you to overeat instead because you don’t feel full when you eat them. Essentially they are empty calories that you end up over consuming. Second, try to get regular exercise with an activity that you love to increase your metabolism and burn more calories. Try walking, biking, yoga or other strength building exercises. Just pick something you would look forward to even if you are tired and not feeling 100%. We are glad you read this blog post to the end. Let us know how we can best help on your cancer journey. We at The After Cancer are here for You! About Cheryl Hoover Cheryl Hoover is a breast cancer survivor and a nutrition coach at The After Cancer. Her mission is to encourage patients to embrace the opportunity they have to nourish their body for their best health and healing.

When a person first hears the word "cancer" it feels as if they have been thrown into a hurricane, things happen fast and they often feel a loss of control and fear. It is appropriate to have episodes of anxiety and depression feelings during diagnosis, treatment, and sometimes into the uncertainty of survivorship. We now have evidence-based guidelines for treating these symptoms with mindfulness-based interventions. These include yoga, music therapy, acupuncture, tai chi, qigong, and relaxation therapies. Patients and their families are grateful to have methods for treatment that do not involve medication and give them some control. Anxiety and depression in cancer patients Anxiety (worrying about what could happen or cancer coming back) or depression (feeling sad about a cancer diagnosis) are common emotions during and after cancer treatment. Guidelines have just been published that give recommendations based on evidence for ways to deal with these emotions without taking a prescription medication. Integrative oncology is a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes mind and body practices, natural products, and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments. Integrative oncology aims to optimize health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes across the cancer care continuum and to empower people to prevent cancer and become active participants before, during, and beyond cancer treatment (Society of Integrative Oncology). How to manage anxiety and depression The Association of Clinical Oncologist (ASCO) in collaboration with the Society of Integrative Oncology (SIO) have just published evidence-based recommendations to healthcare providers on integrative approaches to managing anxiety and depression symptoms in adults living with cancer. Specific recommendations include: Mindfulness based interventions help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients during active treatment and post-treatments. These interventions include - meditation , gentle movement, didactic teaching about stress, coping and the mind-body connection, and group support and discussion. Yoga , in particular therapeutic or restorative Hatha yoga classes, may be offered to people with cancer for both anxiety and depression symptom reduction across the treatment trajectory. Music therapy , relaxation therapies, and reflexology may be offered to reduce both anxiety and depression symptoms during cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Hypnosis and lavender essential oil inhalation may be recommended to help specifically with anxiety symptoms during diagnostic and treatment procedures. Tai chi or qigong programs may be considered to help alleviate symptoms of both depression and anxiety post-treatment. Reflexology may be recommended to reduce anxiety symptoms. Acupuncture may also be considered for women with breast cancer to reduce anxiety. About Dr. Chasse Bailey-Dorton Dr. Chasse Bailey-Dorton, MD  is a 21-year breast cancer survivor and the Medical Director of The After Cancer. Her mission is to provide reliable information for someone with a cancer diagnosis, being treated for cancer, recovering from treatment, seeking cancer recurrence risk reduction strategies, or at high risk for cancer.