My Why

Hello there! I'm so glad you decided to stop and read this very personal blog post with such a confusing title. That's dedication!

I have some exciting news to share about a new journey and hobby I'm embarking on. I've decided to join the safer beauty mission of Beautycounter and let me tell you My Why.

My nursing background is primarily based in oncology and surgical oncology, so this has always been a passion that is near and dear to my heart. I also have a pretty extensive family history of cancer on both sides of my family. My dad's mom was the first person I ever knew with cancer; she battled breast cancer in the 90's and then had a recurrence many years later. In between both breast cancer battles, she was also diagnosed with cervical cancer. She also has a sister that battled breast cancer in Iran.

My mom's mom died from Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. My mom's dad was surgically treated for an early stage colon cancer.

So lots of fun with both of my parents' parents!

Then the big slap-in-the-face diagnosis is when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2017. I'll never forget the lump in my throat when she told me about the unexpected diagnosis on a routine mammogram. The hormone status of her breast cancer was not the most reassuring, however, she battled it like a beast and came out stronger than ever. My hero!

Then late last year (December 2018), my mom's sister was also diagnosed with breast cancer.

Wait, what?? How can this happen AGAIN????  I was stunned.

Just one month after my aunt's diagnosis, I had an ultrasound and mammogram due to something I felt during my own exam.  Praise the Lord it was NORMAL! I was actually a bit shocked, but I rejoiced.

You have to complete a family history questionnaire when you have your first visit at a breast center. So I completed my survey on an iPad and never thought about it again. You answer the family history questions and it  calculates a percentage. This percentage is your chance/risk of developing cancer over the course of your life.

I was just about to get dressed and leave when the ultrasound tech tells me "We need to discuss your cancer risk score. It was abnormal."

Gulp.

She explains that any risk score > 20% is considered high risk.  My score was 37.2%.

Naturally, I decided to debate that this number does not seem that high. I basically have a 62.8% chance of NOT developing cancer, right?? Isn't that how math works?? Someone?! Anyone?!!

Nope. I am considered VERY. HIGH. RISK. And I need to meet with a genetic counselor to discuss genetic testing.

So I'm sure you've either fallen asleep by now or grabbed a snack to munch on.

This experience opened my eyes. I began to ask myself "What can I do to prevent my untimely death?"

So here's what I know about life.

• Don't be obese. Lose the weight. (Ha! Like that's gonna happen over night.)
• Exercise (sure, let's go run 6 miles a day after I've been at work for over 10 hours. Good luck!)
• Eat better and cleaner. More whole foods, more fiber, more protein, less carbs/sugar, drink more water!! (I know the song and dance, but sometimes the chips just fall into my mouth, I swear!)
• Stop using so much darn plastic! Utilize reusable bags and bottles. Recycle! (That's easy!)
• Make better choices. Use better products. READ INGREDIENTS. Use an all natural deodorant. What's in my makeup? What's in my toothpaste? What's in that moisturizer I slather all over my body that I never think about? What is seeping in to my pores, potentially take precious time from my life????????????

As you can see, I had a lot to think about. Like most people, I want the easy way out. Sure, one day I'll exercise more and eat super healthy. I'm a work in progress, after all.

Then I remember this company my cousin, Amanda, works for. Doesn't she sell and promote products that are "safer" and pushes for ingredient knowledge? Aren't they demanding stricter regulations from the FDA?? What's this all about?

I tried many samples that she was kind enough to send me and I made a couple of purchases, but now I see this company in an entirely different light. Maybe this is the first step in changing my life and making better/cleaner choices?

I wasn't "ready" for this wake up call when she first contacted me, but I'm ready now.

So here I am. Exposed. Telling you all of my dirty secrets while I try to live my best life for as long as I can.

Whatever your reason is for being interested in Beautycounter, just be a better you. It takes time, so make better and cleaner choices each day. Why not start with things you use EVERYDAY?

-Alaina