Look Good, Feel Better!
At some point in my days as beauty and health editor at Town & Country Magazine, I
became involved with a cosmetic and fragrance industry initiative called “Look Good,
Feel Better.” It was a program based on the concept that female cancer patients and
recent survivors improved their recovery results by the enhanced self-image that came
from feeling better about their appearance. From spending time with these courageous
women, I realized that many of them developed coping mechanisms to help them face
their day-to-day challenges. Indeed, they were determined to conquer issues, cancer or
otherwise, that kept them from achieving the quality of life they most desired. It took
stamina and resilience to achieve their objectives. And I must admit that I was in awe of
those who did.
Christine Bronstein is an awe-inspiring example of all of those ideals. She is an author
and entrepreneur, the founder of A Band of Women, a social network and information
website for women. She’s also the editor of ABOW’s first book, Nothing but the Truth So
Help Me God: 51 Women Reveal the Power of Positive Female Connection.
But Christine is doing so much more. After being diagnosed with colorectal cancer
(CRC) herself, she decided to become a CRC ambassador, and is on a mission to
share her diagnosis and treatment journey as a call to action to young adults to
advocate for early screening from their doctors.
Here are some surprising (to me) facts: Colorectal cancer currently is the 2nd leading
cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the United States. While
rates of colorectal cancer in older adults have been decreasing over the last several
decades, rates are increasing in younger adults. 1 in 10 colorectal cancers are
diagnosed in patients under 50 years of age, and experts believe that 68% of deaths
from CRC could be prevented with screening.
Christine is now undergoing chemo and raising awareness with Fight CRC, an
organization dedicated to serving as relentless champions of hope for all affected by
this disease through informed patient support, early screening, impactful policy change,
and breakthrough research endeavors. By sharing her story, she is hoping to champion
women also suffering from colorectal cancers.
Here is a part of her inspirational story:
JWM: When did you first realize there was a problem? Had you ever had any cause to
worry before seeing blood in your stool? Any pain, any other symptoms?
CB: I saw blood in my stool just one time, and I wasn’t that worried because I had
hemorrhoids from pregnancies. Luckily, however, I was worried enough to order a fecal
immunochemical test, known as a FIT test, because I knew that the age for screening
had been lowered to 45. You know, for years I had increasing fatigue and night sweats
around my period, but everyone thought it was from perimenopause. These were
actually due to my cancer. My fatigue and night sweats went away after chemotherapy.
JWM: Your doctor had initially said it was probably nothing. Was it because of your
age? Were you in good health overall?
CB: Yes, my doctor sent me a note saying I did not have cancer. I understand that to
him, I presented as a very healthy person, and he did not know that early onset
colorectal cancer is rising at an astonishing rate. This apparently happens to a lot of
young colorectal cancer patients. My blood work was perfect, I exercised almost every
day, including hiking, learning to surf, and Bikram yoga. The only health concern I had
was, as I mentioned before, the fatigue and some night sweats. Unfortunately,
colorectal cancer symptoms like these are linked to many conditions, and commonly
misdiagnosed.
JWM: It’s interesting that the rise in colorectal cancer in young people is staggering.
Why is this, do you think?
CB: First off, I have learned that you’re four times more likely to get rectal cancer now
than those people born in the 1950s. Unfortunately, even many primary care doctors do
not know that this is happening. Moreover, no one knows exactly why this is happening.
I find it interesting that mass farming and chemicals spray on our crops started around
the 60s and 70s, right around the birth years for the start of the rise of early onset
colorectal cancer. And it’s actually happening in many countries, not just here. So it
really is the million dollar question about what is causing this.
JWM: When you finally discovered what it was through a colonoscopy, was it like your
doctor was giving the news that it was cancer to someone else in the room? That often
happens, the patient is in a fog and it doesn’t even register. What was your mindset at
that time?
CB: I was still quite loopy from the drugs when my doctor gave me the cancer news. My
husband had to wait outside the hospital due to Covid restrictions. It felt very surreal,
but very much like he was giving me the news. I was actually in the recovery room with
other people, but they all faded out of my perspective. The only other people I
remember were the nurses wiping my tears and my husband on the phone. I know we
flew home from Oahu to Maui that evening, but I really don’t recall much until the next
day.
JWM: How did you eventually deal with your diagnosis? Tell us a bit about your
treatment journey.
CB: All I wanted to do was bury my head into the pillows when we got back home to
Maui. Luckily, my husband and I pulled ourselves together and put out some feelers. It
was a terrible time for both of us. My G.I. doctor who did the colonoscopy incorrectly
recommended I go to a general surgeon and to get just a CT scan, which are not the
current standard of care for colorectal cancer. Thank God a friend of my husband’s
connected me with Dr. Fola May at UCLA. Dr. May told me exactly what to do and who
to contact for getting the correct care.
JWM: What did you do?
CB: First, I have to say that I am very lucky to have good insurance and the time and
resources to travel. I was able to go to both Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
Center at UCLA and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center for a second
opinion. The recommendation for me was to start with FOLFOX chemo, which is very
strong. I began chemo in March of this year. I did not understand the chemo assignment
at all. After the first round, I ended up ugly crying on the floor of an airplane; but I
managed to do round 2 and find some techniques to manage the side effects, including
hydration bags.
JWM: What helped you get through the treatments?
CB: Well, it took me a lot of digging to learn that icing during the treatment helps with
neuropathy and cold sensitivity. I didn’t figure that out till my fourth round, but that was a
lifesaver. I also did a lot of research on short-term fasting and cancer and found that
when I fasted before treatment, I got much less nausea and was better able to maintain
a healthy weight. I recently finished my 7th round of chemo.
JWM: Are you still undergoing your protocol?
CB: I am. Treatment for Stage 3 colorectal cancer takes about a year. The standard of
care regimen is chemo for 4-6 months, radiation for 5.5 weeks and 1 or 2 surgeries, but
the order and timing of those three are different for each patient. I just found out that the
tumor board recommendation for my case is to avoid radiation and just use
chemotherapy and surgery, so I will have surgery and then more follow-up
chemotherapy.
JWM: You know, Christine, I have heard from many survivors that during treatment,
when you are in the care of doctors and nurses, you feel protected. But once it’s over
you feel alone and vulnerable. Many ask: “What do I do now?” What do you do to keep
your morale up and also ensure you are doing the best things possible for your health
and well-being?
CB: I’m really grateful for my family and extensive network of friends who have been the
crux of my support. My husband is my rock and our deep bond gives me so much
strength and feeling of protection.
JWM: You mentioned you were very healthy before your diagnosis. Have you made any
lifestyle changes since?
CB: I have to tell you, Jane, that the one thing I have learned is that cancer patients
freaking hate it when people try to tell them it was caused by food or try to police them
about eating sugar or drinking wine. I fully believe every cancer patient knows what their
body needs or does not need. And yes, sometimes people need chocolate and wine. As
for me, I didn’t drink regularly or eat any processed foods or sugar for at least 10 years
before my diagnosis, so my initial reaction was anger and frustration that I got this kind
of cancer to begin with. I’m a little embarrassed to say that I actually took one of my kids
to McDonald’s after I found out because they had only eaten there maybe once or twice
in their lives and they are teenagers. In the beginning I felt like, all my healthy living and
this is what I get?
JWM: I can imagine!
CB: However, within a couple weeks, the anger shifted to fear and we went back to
eating very healthy. We grow some of our own vegetables and we use regenerative
farming techniques to make sure the soil has a good microbiome. We also try to buy
local from the farms we know.
JWM: Have you found that the people you have met along the way who have CRC also
take good care of themselves?
CB: Yes! They have all been regular exercisers, many are vegetarians, and otherwise
super healthy so it’s very confusing what is causing it. Once I wrapped my mind around
the fact that this cancer has a pretty high recurrence rate, I became quite committed to
trying all the things to make sure it doesn’t come back, including maintaining a healthy
diet and getting regular exercise. Furthermore, to keep the fear and anxiety at bay, I
meditate, use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques for managing anxious thoughts,
and spend as much time outdoors as possible.
JWM: In retrospect, is there anything at all that you can point to that may possibly be
the cause?
CB: I know that nitrates and nitrites have been tied to colorectal cancer. There was a
very recent French study that confirmed this hypothesis. However, I rarely ate meats
with nitrates, although we have completely cut these out of our family’s diet since my
diagnosis.
JWM: Tell us about your being an ambassador for the organization Fight CRC.
CB: I highly recommend supportive organizations like this for people going through
cancer treatment, so that they have resources for support after treatment as well. The
Fight CRC team rallied around me in such a supportive way, and they are quite a
powerful organization. I love that they are policy oriented, but also provide services for
patients and caregivers. I am very worried about the many people who cannot afford
screenings or are not getting the right treatments because of their insurance, and Fight
CRC addresses these difficult issues head on.
JWM: Christine, what do you hope to accomplish by sharing your personal story?
CB: I have to say that it’s pretty embarrassing and humbling to talk about your cancer
journey, and even more so when the cancer is in your butt. Because I didn’t have to
worry about getting fired or about job stability or losing my insurance, I was in a rare
position to share my story without any repercussions. Not many folks are in this
position, so I thought it was important for me to speak up even though I would have
much rather kept it private. At the end of the day, colorectal cancer is one of the most
preventable cancers because it starts as precancerous polyps that can be removed
during a colonoscopy.
JWM: What advice do you have for others who may also have CRC, or know someone
who has it?
CB: Get second opinions because every center does treatment differently. Know your
bio markers because that too can alter treatment, join some support groups and
research using icing and fasting for chemo.
JWM: I know you work with Dr. Fola May on Fight CRC. What are some of her life
saving tips?
CB: Dr. May saved my life. Had I gone with the recommendations of the
gastroenterologist who did my colonoscopy, my cancer would likely have metastasized.
Her life saving tips for me were to make sure to get both an MRI and a CT scan, go to
see an oncologist and a specialty surgeon and not just a general surgeon, as my
gastroenterologist doctor had recommended.
JWM: How does she feel about early screening?
CB: Dr. May is a big proponent of early screening, especially if you are in a high-risk
group. For example, colorectal cancer hits African Americans harder, and she is
intensely researching why this is happening and advocating for timely and effective
screening for high-risk groups.
JWM: What is the one piece of advice you want my audience to walk away with after
this interview?
CB: I have two suggestions that are similar: You should have your colonoscopy no later
than 45, no matter what. It is the only way to get the polyps out before they turn into
cancer. FIT tests are great if you are under 45 and have no symptoms, but not for
preventative care which can only be done with a colonoscopy. And, if you ever have
blood in your poop, or any of the other symptoms of colorectal cancer, run, don’t walk,
to get a colonoscopy! Do not let your doctor recommend anything besides that. Too
many young people, both men and women, don’t have their colorectal cancer
diagnosed until it has already metastasized because doctors don’t realize that these G.I.
symptoms can actually be cancer in young people.
JWM: Finally, Christine, how can we all be Better Than Before, emotionally, physically,
and spiritually, despite what obstacles we face in life?
CB: I am definitely Better Than Before my cancer. I have had a pretty charmed life and
honestly did not know I could face something like this and keep a positive attitude. A
cancer journey is filled with ups and downs, and so far I have been able to maintain my
joy and sense of humor. Because of this, I know that I’m stronger and Better Than
Before.
JWM: Christine, thank you so much for sharing your personal story. Your attitude,
resolve, and perseverance are truly awe-inspiring. I always believe that each one of us
has the wisdom, the power and the courage to see the light through any darkness in
order to change our lives for the better. Life isn’t always unicorns and glitter, as you
have found out in a terrible way. I will never forget the words of one survivor: “Just when
the caterpillar thinks its life is over, it turns into a butterfly!” You are what being Better
Than Before is all about. And when the day comes that you are cancer-free, we will all
be right there to celebrate with you. You’ve got this, Christine. And as the title of my new
book states: Long Live You!!
