Stronger Than Cancer: One Woman’s Story

In this deeply emotional and inspiring episode, Kelly joins us to talk about navigating breast cancer, treatment, menopause, mental health struggles, and ultimately rebuilding her life through fitness, nutrition, and mindset shifts. 

Kelly shares the raw reality of diagnosis, recurrence, isolation during COVID, and how small steps toward movement and health helped her reclaim hope and strength again in midlife.

This episode is a powerful reminder that fitness after 50 isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about resilience, identity, healing, and learning to prioritize both mental and physical health.

My Guest:

Kelley, a Flipping 50 member, currently has breast cancer and is slowly rebuilding her health and is stronger than ever! Of course with her doctor’s approval. 
This is her story.

How She Became Stronger Than Cancer One Small Step At A Time

Kelly’s story in her own words: 

My story begins in 2018 when I was 52 years old.  I was fit, had an active career, a stable marriage and was in a place of incredible physical and mental health balance.  My world was perfect.  And then it wasn’t.  Just like that it changed in a blink of an eye.

May 10, 2018 I got ready for bed and as I laid down, I felt a tightness on my left side.  My hand raised to my left breast and there was a large mass that was a little over 1 inch.  The next day I called my GP and had an appointment scheduled for 14 days.  On May 24, I went to see my doctor who completed an examination and sent me for an emergency mammogram.  Once I completed the mammogram, I was sent immediately for a biopsy.  On June 1, I received my diagnosis of stage 3 invasive breast cancer and was referred to a surgical oncologist.   July 11, I had a double mastectomy and was long term disability.  As soon as I physically recovered from that surgery I was scheduled for a complete hysterectomy.  Once healed from this surgery, I was enrolled in 6 months of intensive chemotherapy.  

Finally, September 2019, I thought I was able to resume work.  My expectations were misplaced and frankly misguided.  I was placed back on long term disability and lost my job and little did I know that I was losing my career at the same time.

Finding Hope Again To Become Stronger Than Cancer

In January of 2020, my husband and I bought a new home to be closer to the hospital and then in March of 2020 COVID-19 hit.  Complete isolation ensued.  We were in a new community, with new neighbours, and then the worst news … it had come back in my right lung.  I was placed on pill chemo, a new estrogen blocker and faced another surgery to remove the tumour from my lung.  I was physically and mentally crushed.   

I had the tumour removed and started a new drug regime.  At this point, I gave up.  I quit thinking about my health and fitness.  I was angry with my body for betraying me, after so many years of my being disciplined in managing my health and fitness.  I started eating anything I wanted.  I stopped socializing and stopped all forms of physical fitness.  So from 2021 until the spring of 2024 I just stopped everything that had brought me joy.  The result; my weight ballooned 35 pounds.  I found that everything hurt when I climbed or descended stairs.  My hips developed great stiffness and my overall mobility seriously diminished.

Then, a miracle happened.  

One day I was poking around on YouTube and found a reference to women and menopause.  This link then linked to an incredible inspiration – a Ted talk featuring none other than Debra Atkinson.  I listened; her message started to burn in my head.  I then looked up Flipping50.  I talked with my Oncologist – and in April 2024, she gave the all clear to resume some form of fitness. I joined Flipping50. This was the start of my rebirth.

How Women Can Feel Stronger Than Cancer During Difficulties 

I gorged on the content.  I listened to so many of the master classes and took multiple short courses.  I started, and I started slowly. I followed the suggestions and I started to do a few workouts a week.  This created some brightness in my world.

From 2024 to 2025, I worked out a few times a week and did one cardio session and walked on average 3 times per week.  My weight started to drop – it was a slow process. 

In the spring of 2025, I renewed my membership.  I continued on my path and then I learned about the importance of consistency and diet.  I listened to a nutrition course that was delivered by Debra and I learned the importance of starting your day with a quality protein and the importance of consuming 30g of protein per meal.  I introduced myself to protein smoothies in the morning before my workout.  The importance of workout timing also became known and how to avoid elevating cortisol etc.,  In 2025, I lost 32 pounds and have gained cardio endurance and am pain free.

This renewed energy allowed me to shift my focus to my mental well-being and social activities.  

Overall, while my breast cancer continues to be present in my life, I am choosing health and healing over all else.  Although it feels odd to say, but I am the “healthiest” I have ever been.  My energy levels are great, my husband and I have settled into our new home and our community and I have met and made friendships with some pretty cool women.   Ultimately, I am so grateful that I crossed paths with Debra Atkinson and Flipping 50.  

Me, I think I have not only flipped 50 (just turned 60), I have also flipped breast cancer. 
I now focus on fitness first and breast cancer second.

Stronger Than Cancer Through Strength Training Nutrition And Midlife Fitness

Finding Hope Through Flipping 50 & Taking the First Step

• Discovered Debra’s TED Talks
• Believed recovery was possible
• Reached out to her oncologist before restarting exercise
• Started slowly and rebuild safely
• The importance of patience during recovery

Nutrition, Protein & Fitness in Post-Menopause

• Learned protein timing and nutrition for postmenopausal women
• Shifted focus away from weight loss and toward feeling better
• Rebuilt mobility, strength, and consistency
• Current workout routine:
  • • Strength training twice weekly
    • HIIT workouts
    • Yoga and stretching
    • Reintegrating socially and emotionally
      

Body Composition, Aging & Confidence

• Chose not to undergo reconstruction
• Building confidence through strength training
• Monitoring mobility, muscle health, and overall function
• Improved strength training and cardio fitness
• More cardio isn’t always better
• Rest and recovery are important

Advice for Women Facing Difficult Seasons

• Take one small step toward health
• Do not give up on yourself
• Be gentle with yourself during difficult times
• Life may look different than expected
• Fitness is a priority over illness
• Avoid letting illness become your entire identity

Key Takeaways

• Fitness after breast cancer is about rebuilding both physical and mental strength.
• Small steps consistently taken can create profound change over time.
• Menopause, cancer recovery, and aging require different fitness and nutrition strategies.
• Protein intake, strength training, sleep, and recovery become increasingly important after 50.
• Isolation and emotional health significantly impact physical health outcomes.
• Chronic illness can easily become part of your identity if you let it.
• Recovery isn’t linear—patience and self-compassion matter.
• Journaling, meditation, mindfulness, and faith can support emotional healing.
• Strength training can rebuild confidence, mobility, and independence.
• Hope often begins with one decision to try again.