Hiya Gorgeous,
This is a deeply personal blog. In it, I’m sharing an important health update, as well as some hard-earned tips for how to navigate the fear of medical tests and scan anxiety. Though this post is specific to my cancer journey, these tools can be applied to lots of other scary shit pickles. 🙂
A few months ago, I realized that I was overdue for my 2-year CAT scan, blood tests and visit with my oncologist. My first thought was: “Damn it! I don’t have time for this. I’m just too busy.” But I quickly realized that “I’m too busy” is an affirmation. It sends a message to my body that I’m not a priority, my health isn’t important and neither is my life. That message certainly isn’t in alignment with my love for myself or my health goals—I needed to flip the script, posthaste!
So I quickly reached for better thoughts by telling myself that my health and safety are my top priorities, and that nothing would get in the way of me taking care of myself. Then I made self-care accountability a topic on a recent Wellness Wednesday live broadcast. I asked for you to hold me accountable for making and going to these extremely important appointments.
Pssst… I also encouraged you to schedule any health check-ups you’ve been blowing off. Have you done that yet, dear one?
Something I didn’t share during that Wellness Wednesday is that I was very anxious about that appointment. Maybe my heightened emotions were influenced by the fear I have around my dad’s journey with pancreatic cancer and how helpless I feel at times. Or maybe it was because I’ve been feeling some new pains in my rib cage, which had me wondering if my disease had finally spread to my bones. Or perhaps it was that strange lump in my arm that was secretly freaking me the F out.
Or maybe it was that I’d just agreed to some exciting opportunities this fall, and in the back of my mind I was afraid that my disease had finally woken up and become aggressive. That would mean pressing pause and putting my full focus on my health—again.
As you can tell, there’s been a lot of uncertainty swirling around in my mind. While I’m skilled at staying grounded and not catastrophizing, these symptoms and fears put my practice to the test!
That’s the thing about being a cancer patient. Every little ache, pain or sneeze can send you into a tailspin of sweaty worry. And when that happens, we need tools to help diffuse those emotions before they totally take over and spread like a nasty contagion.
So here’s what I did to calm myself down, return to my center and connect with my heart.
When I got to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for my appointment (yes, the self-care accountability did help!), I hunkered down in the public bathroom (a spiffy place, by the way!) and did two things.
First, I looked in the mirror, stared deeply into my own green eyes and with all the compassion I could muster, I said:
“I love you. I’m here for you. Whatever happens, we’ve got this. We’ll figure it out. I’ve got your back and I always will. I love you.”
Deep breath… And another… And yet another.
I kept breathing and repeating those words over and over again until I could feel the butterflies (no, more like gassy dragons!) in my stomach calm down. And they did.
Second, I started to make a mental list of all the things that are right with me. Sure, I have dozens of tumors in my lungs and liver, a weird pain in my ribs and a strange lump in my arm, but there are so many parts of me that are working exceptionally—including those that are struggling. This simple exercise brought me back to a place of gratitude for all that is working in my life. And when you’re in gratitude, it’s harder to be in anxiety.
The next time you feel out of control or like the floor is about to fall out from under you, try these tips. They may seem hokey or woo-woo, but believe me, these little exercises are powerful soul medicine.
Ok, and now for the news: All is well. Cue the band!
The lump in my arm is a harmless fatty tumor, there’s nothing going on with my rib cage (looks like I pulled a muscle while using my favorite workout app—no further metastasis, I’m just out of shape, lol), and the tumors in my liver and lungs are still stable. Deep sigh… I’ve been living with this strange stage IV sarcoma for more years than I thought I would, and all truly is well.
But there’s more! My oncologist felt confident enough to suggest that I could come back in 3-5 years (I’ve been going every 2 years or more since getting diagnosed). What?! That’s like a lifetime to me. I never thought he’d say something like that or that I could experience that much time (and freedom) between hospital visits. Tears…
In his words, “we’re just thrilled.” After comparing 16 years of scans, the consensus is that even though I still have cancer, I’m well enough and it’s indolent enough to give me more breathing room—and I’ll gratefully take it.
Plus, I also learned that there’s a clinical trial underway for my disease (epithelioid hemangioendothelioma). The first of its kind. So that’s some potential progress for my rare sarcoma and all the patients who live with it—some of whom have a more aggressive form.
I can’t tell you how happy I am to share this news with you all, especially those of you who have followed my journey since the beginning. Though I don’t write about cancer as much as I used to, it’s still always in the background of my mind and it always will be. It continues to teach me, and I continue to define myself by my values, desires, goals and love—not cancer.
Join me for Wellness Wednesday!
I go live every week on Instagram and Facebook to share simple ways you take impeccable care of yourself—body, mind and soul. I did an episode on this topic and shared more tips for dealing with health anxiety—check out the replay here!
And don’t forget to join me live every Wednesday. Sign up here to get reminders!
Thanks again for supporting me, friends. And don’t forget to make your well-being a priority. Book those doctor appointments and do whatever else you need to do. The world needs you (and so do I).
Peace & deep gratitude,

Dear Kris, congratulations!!!! I am so glad to read, that you have such a wonderful result! I always watch your messages and videos and your wellbeing has become important for me…. Big hug :-))) , Birgit
Congratulations!!!
And perfect timing for these tools—I have two follow up appointments this week after, for the first time in a year and a half post breast cancer—I had some higher numbers last month. Thank you for these—going to use them!
So glad these tips came at the right time, Hollis. I’ll be holding you in my heart and hoping you get good news. <3
Hi Kriss
Thank you for sharing.
God is good. Always enjoy hearing from you,
Keep up the good work.
Love you.
As a rare cancer patient, as well, I couldn’t be happier for you!! Congratulations and many well wishes!! Great news!!! I’m so thankful for your honest, genuine words. You get “it”, appointment and scan anxiety are for real, and they suck. Your tips and tricks are very helpful. Keep up the great work!!
Miss Kris this is such great news, I’m so very very happy for you! <3 <3 <3
Thank you so much for sharing this with us and leading us all in our own wellness journeys. Love love you XOXO
Blessings to you, Kris! Thanks for sharing and encouraging so many. Happy Day!
Congratulations Kris! Such wonderful news ❤️
Wishing health and happiness to you and your dad.. thrilled to hear you are continuing to do well, I wish the same for dad! Just adore you Kris!! Xo
Adore you right back, Stephanie. Thanks for the love!
Dear Kris,
I have followed your posts for most of my 17 year journey. Your humor and honesty when sharing have resonated and restored my own sense of gratitude in the face of grievous circumstances. I, too, received welcomed news this year and simply want you to know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers the whole time. Congratulations, and thank you for your courage and candor.
A kindred spirit,
Lynn
Great news Kris! I have green eyes too and some of the same anxiety around CT scans. Thanks for all the inspiration and wisdom on the journey. Sending smoothie love and green hugs, Ann G
So HAPPY for you! My hands are sweating just sitting here remembering my own physical checkup last week that I scheduled because I, too, had a weird pain in my ribcage and I felt a weird thing in my self breast exam and I wasn’t due for an onco recheck until August. I SOOO understand what you mean by your “every ache and pain” putting me on high alert statement! The weird thing in the self exam was my rib; and the weird pain in my ribcage was also a muscle thing (to quote my GP: Bone cancer pain doesn’t come and go…). At age 64, I had Triple Neg BC in Jan 17, genetic testing (-), surgery, chemo, surgery (for implant) followed. The day after diagnosis, I went vegan, stopped drinking alcohol, started daily sweaty exercise and daily meditation. I had high-risk behaviors (drinking, spotty exercise, unmanaged stress, daily meat eater) I changed immediately! You, Chris-Beat-Cancer, Dr. Greger, other extensive research–all convinced me to make sea changes in my life THAT DAY, my husband calls it “throwing the kitchen sink at it” so that I can moveon and try to forget about it. I still think about it, but not as much. I still stress about aches and pains and this and that, but for the most part, life goes on with a clear vision to the future. I see the onco every 6 months. I still juice (chris beat cancer) every day. I still love my bike, my floor exercises, my meditation. Cancer probably saved my life as far as healthy living goes…talk about a wake up call! Funny, I’d asked the Universe in a joking manner for a boob job (reduction) for 10 years. Well, ladies, I got my boob job. Be VERY careful what you ask for….I’ve learned to be very specific when talking to the Universe! Love you and your message! M in Colorado
Marcia, you beautiful soul! Thank you for sharing your story with me. Your positive attitude and loving nature are shining through!
Crazy sexy Kris…..over the moon for you and your family! Keep up the great work!!! The world is a better place with crazy sexy Kris in it!!!! Peace in…peace out. ❤️
So so happy for you Kris! I know those feelings when you have a funny feeling somewhere in your body and convince yourself it’s a new tumor! Yay for you I’m very grateful for your good news. Sandy C
PS I got my own good news yesterday: Pancreatic tumor markers are down! Yahoo – here’s to good health all around!!!
Wahoo! So wonderful, Sandy.
Blessed Be…..you are a beautiful exemplary model for us all. May the Goddess continue to shine on your journey of healing and give you grace as you are fully engaged and present in mind/body/spirit!
Wonderful news, Kris. Congrats. I’ve followed you for 7 years. While my journey has not been as ‘serious’ as yours (yet), I’ve learned a lot from you, and you have helped me in many ways. One example: for years, I had an abnormal EKG. Nothing showed up on stress-tests, so my MD said, ‘It’s just you.’ After learning to juice from you, and doing it for 8 months, my next EKG was perfectly normal. And, still is. I don’t know where I’d be today–7 years later–but I’m pretty sure I’m in a better place than I would have been. I’m grateful for you.
The power of plants, am I right, Jack? Mwah!
You have been inspiring me and giving courage since I had diagnosis!!! I have the same fear and anxiety when I have pains…and thank you for sharing your true feeling and emotions…
I’m SO glad to hear that your scan was OK and doctor is confident that he doesn’t need to see you for next 3 years!! Great news!!!
Kris, you are a hero to so many and I’m glad that God blessed you with good news. You are such a beautiful person inside and out!
Dear Kris, I am so grateful that you have told your story. I’m also a cancer patient at Dana Farber- 8 years out with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. So much of your experience with cancer relates to mine. Your descriptions of cancer anxiety are really similar. Every pain understandably is a concern in the mind and soul. I am thankful for the honesty yet lightness you present. Congrats on your scan. Isn’t it wonderful that research is starting more – it means a lot to have that in your back pocket. Love and kindness to you!
The wave of positivity you’re riding.. your happiness, your love of self, your love of others, your love of HELPING others get to a place of healing and emotional health, it ALL serves to enforce my ever-growing knowledge of just how powerful and important self-love and affirmations are to our overall health. KC, you continue to be the person I turn to when I need a jolt of emotional calm. Your strength and love of life is beautifully contagious. I, for one, feel such overwhelming relief when I hear good news about your health. I am a devout follower, and I hope, somehow, you can feel the positive energy and prayers I have for you.
I’m oh-so-grateful for you, Carolyn. <3
Thank you for sharing your wonderful news and story. You are so inspiring. Your work and contributions are such a gift to all of us.
💕💕💕
You are an inspiration. I’m beyond ecstatic about the state of your health! Years of conscientious research about nutrition, you practice what you preach. May G-d always bless you, and may your father have a full recovery. We say in Hebrew: רפואה שלימה
So glad to hear that your test results brought good news ! Worries and then the good news are some of lIfe’s roller coaster ride as you know. May GOD grant you more ups than downs in your ride through life. Life is just a journey, not a destination !
Thanks for sharing these wonderful news, Kris!
Congratulations, your work is so helpful and inspiring, thank you for that too.
Best wishes from Berlin, Constanze
I am so happy for you dear, sweet Kris!! You are so amazing and such an inspiration to so many people!! It brought tears to my eyes to read your latest blog, I was so happy for you! Keep going on in your amazing, super, awesome way! You not only took hold of your life and your illness, but you made yourself one of the most amazing role models for all of us who are sick and for all of us who are well. God bless you!! Much, much love to you!!
I’m celebrating YOU! By living the principles of selfceare as healthcare and your ability/willingness/passion to share yourself and your journey is more valuable than you will ever know in this lifetime! Defining yourself by ALL the glorious good is one of your many badass Super Powers! Love you!
Thank you, Suzanne. Love you!
Cheers Kris 🍻🥂🥑🥕🥒🍌🥬🥥🥦🥝
You are beyond beautiful…
keep being you 🙂
You are loved
The universe loves you
God loves you
We all love you… you are loved 😘
Thanks so much for being,
so beautiful, natural, and real.
Our Earth and our society needs more absolute babes like you!
We see you
We believe in you
We appreciate you
more than you will ever know ☀️🌎🌻❤️
In just about 15 minutes I will be heading to my onc for another six-month check-up. Your email fell upon me like a timely gift from heaven. My palms are slightly less sweaty now. Thank you, Kris.
I’m happy this came at the right time for you, Tricia. I’ll be holding you in my heart!
Congratulations Kris. Tears…. those ones are the best kind. like breathing deep again. so much love to you.
Dear Kris, so happy to see your photo roasting yourself and the awesome report you received from your doctor!
I can say that nothing you offer in support to yourself and your following is ever woo-woo! We do what we need to in order to heal ourselves and provide the best self care possible! Sometime I’ll tell you about MBOs – Most Benevolent Outcomes – that I’m learning to work with which entails releasing the outcome to our Angels who are always around us to offer help.
We’re so fortunate to have you and your work near us … in spirit and access digitally! I am so grateful for that!
Looking forward to what you’re up to and sending out to us in the future! Meanwhile let’s all celebrate You and the great news you’ve shared!
With lots of love and gratitude,
I Am Karen.
I call that worry the 10-minute recurrence. Once you’ve had cancer almost everything feels like it could be a sign of a recurrence. When I hear myself start to fret, my better, smarter self quickly puts on the brakes. I ask myself, “What do I know to be true?” Then I enumerate my blessings and a more logical, more sensible and simpler reason for my ache, pain, discomfort. My first stop is always the chiropractor and that usually alleviates whatever strange new pain I have. It’s temporary and superficial. I remind myself of this cycle with a few deep breaths and the worry passes.
The 10-minute recurrence… boy, is that accurate! Thanks for your tips, Leslie. You’ve already helped me and so many others by sharing!
I am so very happy for you. I fully (as someone who has been down the cancer road) understand the fears that surface with every little pain or bump. Even though we may have the best coping in the world–we don’t want to be sick and we want to live. All our feelings are valid and understandable. You are a rock star at soothing your self and helping others to do the same. Thank you for sharing and again I am so happy for you!! xo
P.S. Also a great reminder and inspiration–it’s time for my 6 month blood marker test. It’s on the books for next week.
Dear Kris, I am so happy for you! I really admire you for the way you have managed your disease and life…..I have been a fan since the beginning. Sending love and positive energy.
Thanks for being with me from the start, Carolyn. I appreciate you more than you know! 😘
I am SO immeasurably happy to read this great news!!!💙 I have followed you from the beginning. I can hardly believe 16 years has gone by?! You remain in my thoughts and prayers, deat Kris. 🙏🏻✝️💜 Sending you love and huge ((((HUGS)))) Thank you for being such a light in this world. 🌟
I so appreciate all your love and prayers, dear Sheri. Right back at you!
This is a beautiful post and wonderful news!! Lots of love and big hugs for all that you have done and continue to do as the health and wellness warrior that you are. I have you to thank for the many changes in lifestyle both my hubby and I have made since purchasing your book Crazy Sexy diet after hearing you speak at a fund raiser many years ago. We also joined the Crazy Sexy You program, such a game changer. I look forward to seeing what comes next 🙂
Best to you always,
Lori
I am so very happy for you Kris. I have been following you since I first watched crazy sexy cancer in 2009! I shared it with a friend who was diagnosed with mesothelioma for inspiration. Sadly he passed away in 2011. But we had many laughs over the wheat grass enemas! Sending you warm loving hugs and energy. 🙂
I am over the moon for you Kris…you made me cry! I am also thriving in Stage 4, I totally get the mind games our bodies play on us BIG time! I am going for a walk in the sunshine now expressing my love and gratitude for your news all the way to the woods, I will say hi to the trees and bumble bees for you X. Thank you for everything you do XXXXX
Wish I could join you for that walk, Clare. Sounds delicious. Love you!
Oh Kris, I am shedding tears of joy with you! You are such an inspiration to all of us out here in syberspace!
I love you and all you are and all you do to inspire me!
Wow! Your story just made me cry and brought tears to my eyes. How beautiful you are on so many levels.!
You are here to truly show the world that they can heal with love power and beauty. Thank you for your timely message on making a doctor’s appointment as I have been skirting around the issue a bit. I will call to day and make my appointments. Thank you! You seem like you came in to planet Earth not to deal with sickness and disease but truly to be an example of inspiration and healing on a soul level transcending fear and showing people they can be a Beacon of light in their body mind and soul, and shine & heal on whatever souls growth level they are experiencing! You know who you are!😍 bless you!!!
¡Te Admiro!
I admire you!
I’m so, so happy for you, wish you all the best, immerse yourself in this blissful news! Cheers!!! P.S. I’ll be sure to schedule my own – belated – doctors’ appointments this month. Hope all goes well. I’m so happy for you!!!!
I’m sooooo happy you got good no GREAT news at the doctors!!!!!!! You are an inspiration to us all!!!! And I love the tips you gave on how to center ourselves when we feel like the floor is about to fall away. I’ve never looked at myself in the mirror and said I Love you, I’ve got your back, we got this!!! I am definitely going to do that!!! The reminder to get long overdue tests done too………. I’ve been putting off a colonoscopy for about 7 years. Shame on me!!!
Congrats on your news Chris!!!! xoxoxo
Kris, I’m so happy all is well with your health.
But I don’t trust doctors. If I’m doing all the good stuff why should I go for a check up.
I wouldn’t undergo any kind of treatments if they prescribed them anyway.
Does this make sense?
xxx
Mirella
Thank you, dear Mirella! To answer your question: It’s really up to you. I’ll share my opinion and you can see if anything resonates. I do trust certain doctors and have built wonderful relationships with my care team. If something were to change with my health, I would absolutely consult with them and it’s highly likely that I would do treatment, if needed. For me, I don’t want to limit my chances of surviving and thriving. I want to stack the odds in my favor and have everything at my disposal, again – if needed. Not all healers are bad (white coats and all). Many are doing incredible work saving lives and I think they often get a crappy rap in the holistic community. I’d rather be a bridge between two worlds than vilify one or the other, like I see so many people do. I’m not saying that you are doing that at all. You’re not, you’re just sharing your personal opinion. Above all, I trust that your amazing intuition will always lead you were you need to go. You know your body. And you have a smart inner physician, too. xoxo!
Girl, you’ve got your best years ahead of you. I’m the same age as you and I know we’re going to celebrate our 50th, 60th, 70th and 80th birthdays together (even if it’s from afar). You’re the most amazing person. Thank you for being such a bright and brilliant light for all of us. Love you and cheers to the great news, this awesome year and many celebrations to come! Yippee!!
Wow, would I LOVE that, Cori! I’m holding this vision for us both. Thank you, honey! xo
Great news! You are such an incredible inspiration for so many who are living with challenges. Thank you for coming into this life experience and living your purpose.
Hiya Kris!
Thank you so much for this blog. I was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer last November. I’m now well into treatment and all that comes with it. That said, last night I had a breakdown last night because I was having trouble swallowing some the 25 pills I take a day (most of which are vitamins). I freaked out and even had a fight over everything with my wife because we are both so stressed out.
Thank you. Thank you for putting your finger on exactly what I was doing to myself and my wife. Thank you for having this outlet for what has seemed like an insurmountable challenge at times. But most importantly, thank you for pointing out that the compassion and prioritization regarding this disease has to come from me.
Best,
Chris
I was diagnosed with a soft ball size tumor on my ovary 17 years ago. Freak out time!! I had just watched my Dad’s ride with conventional treatment of pancreatic cancer and I felt so helpless with him. What a gift he gave me because it put wind under my wings to say, ‘There’s gotta be a better way’ when I started my own journey.
A radical shift in lifestyle, diet, mindset and and and…14 months later…cancer free. We are changing this beautiful world and I LOVE your enthusiasm, transparency and radical Hell Yeah attitude. Keep shining fantabulous unicorn!
So happy to hear the great news! 💗💗
And thank you for the tips!
Expressing heartfelt happiness for your excellent news! Thanks so very much for all that you are and do. Wishing you – oh, only 120 years or more – to continue your amazing work 😉
So so so happy to hear of your results Kris!! I have been praying for you ♥️ You are an inspiration to me!!
I am very happy to hear all went well!!!! Congratulations Kris! I know how disturbing doubts can be and I cannot but help celebrate the good news with you!!!
Kris, I am so, so happy for you! What a huge relief and you must be absolutely elated! Thank you for sharing this deeply personal news. Sending you so much love, and loads of good wishes from my heart to yours. And thanks for the self-care nudge 🙂