Life After Breast Cancer
Sophie Deslauriers, Breast Cancer Survivor, Personal Mentor Helping Women Reclaim Their Power
Welcome to another episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, where I provide essential support for everyone facing cancer. In this episode, I conversed with Sophie Deslauriers, a seasoned mentor who has been transforming lives for 25 years. Sophie shares her remarkable experience overcoming stage one breast cancer and the profound changes she has made in her life since her diagnosis.
Early Life and Career - Before Cancer Diagnosis
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Sophie started her impressive journey in the corporate world, consulting and mentoring Fortune 500 companies across North America. Her work, focusing on sales teams and leadership training, was demanding and took a toll on her physical health.
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"Around age 39, I semi-retired from a demanding corporate consulting career. I started experiencing burnout and physical issues, including a back injury that left me momentarily disabled," Sophie recalls. Despite the success and glitz of her career, she felt an impending sense of burnout and a longing for a different life.
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The Diagnosis and Turning Point - Diagnosed with Stage One Cancer
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Sophie’s journey took a turning point when she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. It was the same year she went through a traumatic divorce. These transformative experiences prompted her to rethink her priorities and lifestyle.
"When I got the cancer diagnosis, it put a lot of things into perspective for me. I realized that I wanted to explore a different path, one that resonated more deeply with my desires and values."
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The Decision to Refuse Treatment
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Sophie made the brave decision to refuse conventional cancer treatments like radiation and Tamoxifen, aiming instead to heal herself through holistic methods and lifestyle changes.
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"I had an 82 percent chance that the cancer would not come back if I chose not to undergo treatment. So, I chose to bet on myself. I felt that doing significant emotional healing work would benefit me more," Sophie explains.
"In the biggest breakdown and the deepest hit of your heartbreak and pain, can come the deepest joy of your life."  – Sophie Deslauriers
Emotional and Mental Coping
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To cope emotionally and mentally with her diagnosis and recovery, Sophie turned to various holistic practices. This included Reiki, therapy, personal training, and a mindful routine of walking and meditating.
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"I did a lot of reading, and journaling, and spent significant time in nature. I isolated myself to focus on my healing."
Overcoming Childhood Traumas
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Sophie shares how her tumultuous childhood, marked by her parent's divorce and living with an abusive stepfather, influenced her tendency to people-please and set weak boundaries.
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"In my twenties, I thought I had dealt with my childhood wounds, but my cancer diagnosis unveiled deeper layers that needed healing."
Finding Joy and Purpose
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Cancer became a catalyst for Sophie, allowing her to re-align with her true self and find joy in simple moments. Today, she enjoys spending time with her son, walking in nature, and practicing gratitude daily.
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Helping Women Find Their Voice
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Today, Sophie dedicates her life to helping women free themselves from societal conditioning, find their voice, and transform their lives. Her ideal clients are women in their 40s and 50s who are ready to take control and make significant life changes.
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"We look at what’s not working in their lives, identify unhelpful behaviors, and then work on building new habits to align with their true selves."
Connect with Sophie
Sophie is a beacon of light for those on a similar journey. You can learn more about Sophie and her work by following her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesophiedeslauriers/
Conclusion
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Sophie's story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. She reminds us that even in our darkest moments, opportunities for profound transformation and joy exist. If you or someone you know is navigating cancer, remember Sophie’s words: "Keep making the best decision for you."
Together, let's keep navigating cancer with hope and strength. Take care!
Listen to the Full Episode
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You can listen to this powerful episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.
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Reflection: What areas of your life might be causing undue stress, and how can you begin to address them for better health and well-being?
Other Episodes You'll Enjoy:
Valuable Lessons on Navigating Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Personal Loss, https://smartlink.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/valuable-lessons-on-navigating-triple-negative-breast-cancer-and-personal-loss-with-michelle-hutchings-medina
Juni Bucher on How to Be Well and Thrive After Cancer, https://smartlink.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/juni-bucher-on-how-to-be-well-and-thrive-after-cancer
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Take a deep breath and find moments of calm with my FREE Guided Meditation: Calming Your Mind After a Cancer Diagnosis. Download it now and begin your journey to inner peace.
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