My Passion for Guiding Women With Cancer to Embracing the ‘New You’

If you had told me 22 years ago that my journey through cancer would lead me to a life of helping other women heal, I’m not sure I would have believed you. Yet here I am, living proof that out of our hardest seasons can come the most beautiful blossoms.

Cancer changed everything for me. It changed my body, my spirit, and the way I saw myself in the mirror. I remember the first time I ran my fingers over my healing scars, how foreign my own skin felt, how much I longed for the woman I used to be. But slowly, through patience and self-compassion, I began to see that those scars were not just signs of pain; they were proof of my survival, my strength and my resilience.

During my recovery, I found myself in pain from the scar tissue that was forming. That’s when I discovered the incredible power of massage therapy. For the first time, I learned what healing tissue feels like under gentle, caring hands. I realized how much our bodies hold on to tension, trauma, hope and even joy.

Massage became more than a treatment for me; it became a way to reconnect with myself. Every session was a reminder that my body, even with its scars and changes, was worthy of love and care.

My own healing journey inspired me to become a massage therapist, wellness coach, and sound healer. I wanted to help other women, like myself, who were searching for a way to feel at home in their bodies again.

Working with women after cancer has shown me just how brave and extraordinary we are. I’ve met women who felt lost in their new bodies, unsure if they’d ever recognize themselves again. Together, we explore what scar tissue feels like as it heals, both physically and emotionally. We celebrate every bit of progress, each moment of acceptance, every rediscovered curve, every smile in the mirror.

Through massage, I get to witness women blossoming into their “New You,” a version of themselves that is not defined by illness or scars, but by courage, wisdom, and a beauty that radiates from within.

Becoming a massage therapist was just the beginning. Sharing my story as a published author, guiding women as a wellness coach, and empowering others as a speaker trainer have all been integral to my personal growth and development. Each step has helped me embrace the “New Me” and opened doors I never imagined.

I’ve learned that healing is not a straight path. There are days when I still feel vulnerable or unsure, but there are also days overflowing with gratitude and joy. What matters most is allowing ourselves to grow, to change, and to love who we are becoming.

Selected in 2014 as “Women of Status” by the Oneida, NY Zonta Club for all she does to empower women and girls, life coach and inspirational speaker, Patti McGee is an author, a massage therapist and breast cancer survivor of 20 years. Her career encompasses many years of learning and teaching people about health, nutrition, spirituality and bringing the mind, body and spirit together. Patti has made it her mission to help women and youth to overcome health issues, move past trauma and connect with their mind, body and spirit.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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