Healthy Living Naturopath

17/06/2026

💗 My Radiation Therapy Journey – Part 2

Once my planning scan began, we practiced the breathing technique again.

I was then fitted with a pair of special glasses connected to a monitoring system.

Through the glasses, I could see a line moving up and down as I breathed.

My job was to take a deep breath and hold it long enough to move the line into a target box on the screen.

When I achieved the correct breath, hold 20 seconds and the scan could be completed.

This technique helps ensure the radiation is delivered accurately while reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

Once the scans were finished:
✨ The marker lines were removed
✨ The guide wire was taken away
✨ Two tiny freckle-sized tattoos were placed

These tattoos are permanent but incredibly small and are used by the radiation therapists to position you accurately for every treatment.

To create them, a tiny drop of ink is placed on the skin followed by a quick pinprick. The process is very fast.

My final stop was with the radiation nurse. She asked lots of questions and reviewed my understanding of treatment, appointment schedules, parking information, skin care recommendations, side effects to watch for and offered additional services including physio, OT and social workers.

She also checked my obs and answered any remaining questions.

And that was it. The whole appointment was much less intimidating than I had imagined.

The team explained everything clearly, checked on me throughout the process, and made sure I understood what would happen next.

If you’re about to attend your radiation planning appointment, I hope this gives you a little more confidence about what to expect.

Knowledge doesn’t remove all the nerves, but it can make the journey feel a little less overwhelming. 💗

17/06/2026

💗 My Radiation Therapy Journey – Part 1

One of the biggest fears before radiation is not knowing what to expect.

I attended my radiation planning appointment and thought I’d share my experience to help anyone about to start their own journey.

When I arrived, I completed a questionnaire before meeting with the radiation team.

The radiologist then explained the treatment process, answered my questions, and introduced me to the breathing technique that would be used during treatment.

For breast cancer, this breathing technique helps move the heart further away from the treatment area, helping to protect it during radiation.

My treatment appointments were then booked, my planning scan appointment and my first radiation treatment

Next, I was taken through to the CT simulation room. Strip off to the waist. So many people have seen my b***s now I shouldn’t be worried.

I lay on a special treatment bed with my arms positioned above my head, holding onto a support bar.

The team carefully adjusted my position, ensuring I was comfortable and aligned correctly. They smoothed and adjusted the support cushion beneath me to create the exact position that would be used throughout treatment.

The doctor then examined my surgical area, checked my mobility, and used a marker pen to outline the treatment area.

To help the scan accurately identify the treatment region, a thin wire was placed around the marked area before I was moved through the CT scanner.

The scanner itself was much larger and more open than a traditional CT scanner, and I didn’t feel claustrophobic at all.

They also take lots of photos of your position and a head shot so everyone makes sure they are doing the right treatment to the right person. Give yourself at least 3 hours for this appointment.

15/06/2026

This little device has become one of my biggest allies during cancer treatment.

A port (or Port-a-Cath) is a small device placed under the skin, usually in the upper chest. It connects to a thin tube (catheter) that sits in a large vein near the heart.

When treatment is needed, a special needle is inserted through the skin into the port, allowing medications, chemotherapy, fluids, or blood tests to be given without repeatedly using the veins in your arms.

Why are ports used?

💗 Protects the veins from damage caused by chemotherapy

💗 Makes treatment days easier with fewer needle sticks

💗 Allows blood tests, fluids, and medications to be given through one access point

💗 Can stay in place throughout treatment

Initially, the area can feel tender after insertion and may take a few weeks to settle.

Once healed, many people hardly notice it’s there between treatments.

I do forget until someone points it out or I bump it. I am still careful when massaging as it becomes sensitive if I am to rough.

On treatment days, a special needle is inserted into the port and covered with a dressing while treatment is running.

I had my port inserted after my first chemotherapy treatment. While the procedure and recovery weren’t my favourite part of the journey, it quickly became something I am grateful for.

It protects my veins and made treatment days much smoother.

If you’re about to have a port inserted, it’s completely normal to feel nervous. Knowing what to expect can make the experience a little less overwhelming.

Sometimes the things we fear most become the things that help us the most.

Has a port been part of your cancer journey? I’d love to hear about your experience below. 💗

14/06/2026

💗 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐒 𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐒𝐄𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄

Cancer changes more than your body.

It changes your relationship with time.
It changes your priorities.
It changes the way you think about tomorrow.

Suddenly, a small ache can trigger a wave of fear.
A routine scan can feel overwhelming.
The future can seem uncertain.

But something else happens too.

You begin to notice the things that truly matter.

🌸 A coffee with a friend
🌸 A quiet morning
🌸 A hug from someone you love
🌸 A good result
🌸 A day when your energy returns
🌸 The simple gift of being here

As someone walking this journey, I understand that cancer is not just a physical diagnosis. It affects your emotions, your confidence, your relationships, and the way you move through the world.

There are days when hope feels loud and strong.

And there are days when hope is a whisper.

Both are okay.

If you are currently navigating treatment, recovery, or life after cancer, please know you are not alone. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up. There is no right or wrong way to do this.

One day at a time.
One appointment at a time.
One breath at a time.

And through it all, remember this:

💗 You are stronger than you realise
💗 You are allowed to rest
💗 You are allowed to ask for help
💗 You are allowed to find joy again

Cancer may change how you see life, but it can never take away your courage.

With love,

Tracey

13/06/2026

Healing is more than surgery. Support makes the difference.

These photos show a 2-week difference following my lumpectomy.

While every healing journey is unique, they highlight something I am passionate about both personally and professionally — the importance of supporting the lymphatic system after surgery.

A lumpectomy doesn’t just affect the breast tissue. Surgery can disrupt lymphatic vessels, create swelling, bruising, tightness and scar tissue, all of which can impact comfort and recovery.

Gentle lymphatic support may help:
🌿 Reduce swelling and congestion
🌿 Encourage healthy lymphatic flow
🌿 Support scar tissue healing
🌿 Improve comfort and mobility
🌿 Assist the body’s natural recovery processes

As both a breast cancer patient and a practitioner, I have experienced firsthand how important it is to support the body through every stage of healing.

Recovery is not just about removing what shouldn’t be there.

It’s about restoring flow, function and confidence in your body again.

If you’ve had a lumpectomy, breast surgery, reconstruction, lymph node removal or are experiencing breast heaviness, swelling or tightness, know that support is available.

💚 Your body has been through a lot. It deserves gentle, compassionate care.

📍 Love Healthy Livin’ Clinic, Alderley
📞 0437 960 160
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.lovehealthylivin.com.au

11/06/2026

💅 Protecting Your Nails During Chemotherapy 💅

One of the lesser-known side effects of some chemotherapy treatments is damage to the nails and nail beds.

Certain chemotherapy drugs can make the nail bed more sensitive to light, particularly UV exposure. This can contribute to nail changes such as discoloration, lifting, brittleness, pain, or even nail loss.

There are a few strategies that may help reduce this risk:

🖤 Wear Dark Nail Polish
Black, navy blue, dark purple, burgundy, or any other solid dark colour can help block light from reaching the nail bed.

The important thing is that the polish is completely opaque (not transparent or sheer) and provides full colour coverage.

❄️ Use Cooling (Ice) Gloves
Many oncology centres recommend cooling gloves during treatment. The cold causes the small blood vessels in the hands to constrict, temporarily reducing blood flow to the fingers and nail beds. This may help reduce the amount of chemotherapy reaching these tissues.

🧤 Protect Your Hands Outdoors
I also wore cotton gloves when driving or spending time outdoors to reduce UV exposure to my hands and nails during treatment.

💅 Build-A-Gel Protection
One thing that has helped me personally has been having Build-A-Gel applied to my nails. The additional layer provides strength and protection to the natural nail and has helped minimise splitting and breakage while my body is under stress from treatment.

🌿 Remember, everyone’s treatment journey is different, and it’s always important to discuss any concerns or preventative strategies with your oncology team.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference.

Taking care of your nails may seem minor, but when so much feels outside your control, protecting the parts of your body you can support becomes another act of self-care and kindness.

Wishing everyone navigating treatment strength, comfort and healing 🤍

11/06/2026

08/06/2026

World Cancer Survivor Day 🤍

Today is World Cancer Survivor Day

And while I’m still in the middle of my own treatment journey and not yet at the point of being declared cancer-free, today feels important.

Because survival isn’t just something that begins when treatment ends.

Sometimes survival looks like:
• Showing up for another appointment
• Making it through another treatment
• Drinking the water when you don’t feel like it
• Taking the walk when your feet feel heavy
• Finding a reason to smile on the difficult days
• Believing in tomorrow when today feels hard

Over the past months I have gained a whole new appreciation for the incredible resilience of the human body.

As a naturopath, I have always believed in the body’s ability to heal.

As a patient, I have learned that healing isn’t always linear.

It can be messy.
It can be uncomfortable.
It can challenge every part of you.

But it can also reveal strengths you never knew existed.

I’ve learned that healing is not just about medicine.

It’s also about:
🌿 Nourishment
🌿 Movement
🌿 Rest
🌿 Lymphatic support
🌿 Connection
🌿 Purpose
🌿 Hope

Today I celebrate every person who has faced a cancer diagnosis.

Those who are newly diagnosed.
Those in treatment.
Those living with cancer.
Those in remission.
Those who have been cancer-free for years.

And I honour the families, friends and caregivers walking beside them.

If you are on this path, please know:

You are stronger than you think.
You are not walking alone.
And your body is doing remarkable work every single day.

As for me?

I’m still on the journey.

Still learning.
Still healing.
Still trusting my body.
Still choosing joy.

And still believing in the extraordinary capacity of the human body to recover when given the right support.

Fully! Fiercely! And with joy. 🤍

07/06/2026

Need to restock? Wanting to try these great creams and spray? Pop in to Love Healthy Livin' Clinic and grab your today.

Your skin is often one of the first places to show when it needs a little extra care. 💚

For many women living with lipoedema, it’s not just about how their legs look. It’s about how they feel. The heaviness, tenderness, and discomfort can affect confidence and the relationship they have with their body.

That’s why small changes can feel so meaningful. Softer skin. Better hydration. Legs that feel more comfortable to live in day to day.

It’s not about chasing perfect legs. It’s about caring for the body you have and giving it the support it deserves.

If you're ready to support your skin and lymphatic health, visit the below to explore the full range of Chelsey Jean products.

https://chelseyjean.com.au/products/dual-action-lymphatic-gloves

31/05/2026

💪 THURSDAY = UPPER BODY STRENGTH 💪

Strong doesn’t have to mean extreme.
Building upper body strength helps support posture, mobility, balance, circulation, and everyday function — from lifting groceries to supporting healthy ageing. 🌿

Today’s 5-4-3-2-1 workout focuses on:
✨ Arms
✨ Chest
✨ Shoulders
✨ Core stability

Push-ups, tricep dips, shoulder taps, and arm movements all help activate muscles while also encouraging healthy blood and lymphatic flow.

And let’s be honest… those arm circles start feeling serious after about 12 seconds 😅💚

Remember:
✔ Start where you are
✔ Modify when needed
✔ Rest when needed
✔ Progress takes consistency, not perfection

Movement is one of the greatest gifts we can give the body — especially when we combine it with good nutrition, hydration, sleep, and nervous system support.

You’re stronger than you think.

📞 0437 960 160
The Healthy Living Naturopath