A Chef's Fight Against Breast Cancer: Advocacy and Recovery

Chloë Crampton, a chef based in Los Angeles, faced a tough health battle when she discovered a lump in her breast in April 2021. At just 32 years old and with no family history of breast cancer, she was initially dismissed by her doctor. Despite being told she was too young for cancer, she persisted and eventually got a mammogram, which revealed stage 2a triple-negative breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer is known for being aggressive and harder to treat. Crampton's tumor was grade 3, the most aggressive type. She believes that if she hadn't pushed for further tests, her outcome could have been much worse. After her diagnosis, she underwent a lumpectomy and had two lymph nodes removed, followed by six rounds of chemotherapy and 20 rounds of radiation. The side effects of her treatment were severe. She struggled with inflammation, arthritis, tinnitus, neuropathy, and even a partially collapsed lung. Despite these challenges, she focused on healing her body through nutrition and alternative treatments like acupuncture and yoga. She also surrounded herself with a supportive care team. Today, Crampton is in remission and feels stronger than ever. She uses her platform to share healthy recipes and encourage others to prioritize their health. She believes in combining western medicine with eastern practices to promote overall well-being and prevent disease. Crampton's story highlights the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. She knew her body well enough to recognize when something was wrong, and she didn't give up until she got the answers she needed. Her journey serves as a reminder to listen to our bodies and be proactive about our health.