Shannon’s Stage 4 Breast Cancer Story
My Story – Told in Chapters
“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” — 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
My story is, above all, a testimony to the faithfulness of Jesus Christ — the One who carried me when I could not carry myself. His comfort in my deepest pain is the very reason I can now sit with another woman and tell her there is light ahead. You don’t need to read everything at once. This part of my site is here for the woman who’s looking for answers, or maybe just needs someone to understand what she’s facing. Each section below opens when you’re ready. Start wherever your heart leads you. Before I ever faced cancer, my life had already taught me about emotional and spiritual pain. I truly believe the trauma and fear I lived through played a role in why I got sick. That’s why the work I do now—helping women heal emotionally, spiritually, and physically—is so deeply personal. If you're curious about that part of my story, you’ll find it below.
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July 19, 2006
This was the moment my life changed forever. At the UW Medical Center in Seattle, WA, I received the devastating news: I was diagnosed with stage 3 hormone-positive HER2-negative invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer.
Three tumors were nestled within my left breast, and a fourth, the largest, resided in the lymph nodes under my left arm.
October 2006
I underwent a bilateral mastectomy, hoping it would be a step toward recovery. Instead, the aftermath was both shocking and deeply unsettling. The emotional toll felt like an amputation of a core part of my femininity. There had been no preparation for the profound sense of loss I would experience post-surgery.Breasts are such an integral part of femininity, and their absence brought an unexpected wave of emotional pain. Complications from the surgery led to a severe staph infection, which, while challenging, also provided me with the opportunity to explore alternative medicine for cancer treatment. I was never healthy enough to undergo chemotherapy or radiation, but after surgery, all seemed well.
May 2008
A year and a half after my stage 3 diagnosis, I received the all-clear sign based on my lab results! It was a moment of immense relief and joy. However, that relief was short-lived as persistent symptoms of coughing and rib pain began to surface.I learned that tumor markers can be unreliable and that a CBC panel may not always detect cancer recurrence. I had to rely on my symptoms and seek medical advice promptly. Thankfully, pathology and imaging results provided a clearer understanding of the cancer's progression in my body.
These experiences taught me the importance of being vigilant about new symptoms and the value of seeking timely medical advice for better treatment outcomes.
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June 2010: A Recurrence and A New Battle
In June 2010, my battle with cancer took a challenging turn with a stage 4 recurrence. I sought medical attention from Dr. Martin Palmer, a renowned hematologist/oncologist at UCLA. Despite regularly getting my CBC (Complete Blood Count panel), my tumor marker was not detected, which, as I learned, is not uncommon. My symptoms were the true indicators that the cancer was back with a vengeance, bringing painful chest pain, sternum swelling, and persistent coughing.
Dr. Palmer, in collaboration with a cardiothoracic surgeon, performed a mediastinoscopy to biopsy a sternum mass and my lungs. The PET CT scan revealed metastatic breast cancer that had spread to my sternum, ribs, lungs, lymph nodes, and clavicle.
Surgery and Treatment Challenges
To address the severe pain in my ovaries and uterus, I underwent exploratory surgery, resulting in an oophorectomy (removal of my ovaries) and a uterine ablation. Thankfully, all fibroids and tumors were benign.
Throughout my cancer journey, I never took the recommended hormone blockers. After being cancer-free for five years, I chose bioidentical hormone therapy with BioTe in 2016. The results were remarkable: balance, mental clarity, and no bone mass loss. I felt fantastic!
I underwent radiation on my sternum and clavicle but couldn't complete the recommended 40 Cyberknife sessions with Dr. Paul Miller. Due to complications like a staph infection and pneumonia, I only completed 22 treatments.
The Impact of Radiation and Infections
Radiation risks are substantial. It's crucial to be informed as it can cause lifelong thyroid damage, necessitating medication. This is a common long-term effect of radiation therapy, significantly impacting daily life.
For my staph infection, I was referred to Dr. Sujay Dutta, an infectious disease specialist from Thousand Oaks, CA. I was treated with IV antibiotics, including Vancomycin and Zosyn in the hospital, followed by Augmentin for home treatment.
A Grim Prognosis
On September 9, 2010, my UCLA oncologist gave me a grim prognosis. He said I had three to twelve months to live. My daughter Jessica recorded the appointment so I could review it later. Dr. Palmer assessed my disease based on a PET CT scan and explained that stage 4 cancer is considered incurable, suggesting the focus should be on keeping me comfortable. He kindly suggested that my daughter and I put my affairs in order.
Finding Hope and Healing in 2011
Little did he know, I would heal completely from alternative treatment in Mexico at CMN Hospital. Thank you, Dr. Payan, and thank you, God!
I have never gotten cancer again. This journey has taught me the power of hope, the importance of seeking out the right treatment, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
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June 2010: A Recurrence and A New Battle
In June 2010, my battle with cancer took a challenging turn with a stage 4 recurrence. I sought medical attention from Dr. Martin Palmer, a renowned hematologist/oncologist at UCLA. Despite regularly getting my CBC (Complete Blood Count panel), my tumor marker was not detected, which, as I learned, is not uncommon. My symptoms were the true indicators that the cancer was back with a vengeance, bringing painful chest pain, sternum swelling, and persistent coughing.
Dr. Palmer, in collaboration with a cardiothoracic surgeon, performed a mediastinoscopy to biopsy a sternum mass and my lungs. The PET CT scan revealed metastatic breast cancer that had spread to my sternum, ribs, lungs, lymph nodes, and clavicle.
Surgery and Treatment Challenges
To address the severe pain in my ovaries and uterus, I underwent exploratory surgery, resulting in an oophorectomy (removal of my ovaries) and a uterine ablation. Thankfully, all fibroids and tumors were benign.
Throughout my cancer journey, I never took the recommended hormone blockers. After being cancer-free for five years, I chose bioidentical hormone therapy with BioTe in 2016. The results were remarkable: balance, mental clarity, and no bone mass loss. I felt fantastic!
I underwent radiation on my sternum and clavicle but couldn't complete the recommended 40 Cyberknife sessions with Dr. Paul Miller. Due to complications like a staph infection and pneumonia, I only completed 22 treatments.
The Impact of Radiation and Infections
Radiation risks are substantial. It's crucial to be informed as it can cause lifelong thyroid damage, necessitating medication. This is a common long-term effect of radiation therapy, significantly impacting daily life.
For my staph infection, I was referred to Dr. Sujay Dutta, an infectious disease specialist from Thousand Oaks, CA. I was treated with IV antibiotics, including Vancomycin and Zosyn in the hospital, followed by Augmentin for home treatment.
A Grim Prognosis
On September 9, 2010, my UCLA oncologist gave me a grim prognosis. He said I had three to twelve months to live. My daughter Jessica recorded the appointment so I could review it later. Dr. Palmer assessed my disease based on a PET CT scan and explained that stage 4 cancer is considered incurable, suggesting the focus should be on keeping me comfortable. He kindly suggested that my daughter and I put my affairs in order.
Finding Hope and Healing in 2011
My hope was renewed after I found CMN Hospital in San Luis, Sonora, MX. I learned about Dr. Payan and his advanced alternative cancer treatment program. With the unwavering support of my best friend, Heather, and our incredible group of friends, we raised funds for my treatment. It took us five months, but we succeeded. On February 7, 2011, I was admitted to CMN Hospital as a cancer patient, under the expert care of Dr. Payan. Through his groundbreaking non-toxic Advanced Alternative Cancer Treatments, my life was saved!
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The treatments I received at CMN Hospital were very comprehensive, but they were necessary to save my life. At stage 4, after radiation that led to a staph infection, my immune system was too compromised for chemotherapy. With UCLA giving me only months to live, I put my trust in Dr. Payan and his approach because I was living on borrowed time. Since 2011, I have been healed, and my peace means everything to me. My experience with the alternative treatments listed below brought me complete healing. What worked for me might not work for everyone. If you're interested in these treatments, there's detailed information on CMN Hospital's website. Please take the time to research thoroughly before reaching out to them. Being well-informed will help you have a meaningful conversation with their administrator and make the best decisions for your health.
Dendritic Cell Therapy (DCT)
Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy (BMT)
Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber (HBOT)
Hyperthermia
Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UBI)
Ozone Blood Major Autohemotherapy (MAH)
Transdermal Ozone Sauna
Rectal Ozone Insufflation
Biomagnetism Therapy
IV High Dose Vitamin C
IV Vitamin B17 (Laetrile)
IV Vitamin & Mineral Therapy
IV H202 Hydrogen Peroxide
True Rife
Ionic Foot Baths
Blue Scorpion Venom Therapy
Daily Coffee Enema
Nutraceuticals
Enzymes
Essiac Tea
Master Cleanse tea
Turmeric
Bete-Glucan
Super Reds
Earth Greens
Carnivore
Today
I am cancer-free. CMN Hospital saved my life. In August 2011, all my symptoms were resolved. On October 15, 2011, a PET scan confirmed that I was 100% healed after Dr. Payan's alternative cancer treatment protocol at CMN Hospital. It was a long journey with many hard decisions to make. There is hope if a doctor says we have months left to live. As a Christian, I understand that medicine has its place, but above all, I see God as the number one reason for my daily life.
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My Personal Supplement and Nutrition Choices
(Mind, Body, Spirit)
Since 2011, I have been cancer-free after conquering stage 4 cancer.
Achieving harmony in mind, body, and spirit is essential. Exploring emotions, physical health, spirituality, and psychology can be challenging. Personally, I have encountered numerous hardships—from enduring the trauma of sexual assault and persistent stalking to facing domestic violence while battling stage 4 cancer. These experiences undoubtedly take a toll, but prioritizing self-care becomes crucial.
I deepened my connection with God, strengthened my faith, and quieted my inner critic. During this introspection, I came to recognize the significance of self-compassion, gratitude, nourishing my body, staying active, embracing uplifting melodies, and actively pursuing genuine happiness. These are pursuits we all deserve!
Supplements for My Body
Armour Thyroid: Every 4 months, I undergo regular testing of my thyroid and hormone levels as part of BioTe Hormone Therapy.
BioTe Hormone Therapy: After being cancer-free for five years, I began taking bioidentical hormones in 2016.
AlkaViva 9-Plate Vesta H2 Water Ionizer and Alkalizer
Cell Food Drops
Wobenzym "N" AM & PM
Essante Organics Earth Greens, Super Reds, Vanilla Ice Cream PH Vegan Shake
CandAssist: An imbalanced gut can contribute to various issues, including low mood, weight gain, nutrient absorption problems, unhealthy skin, low energy, and chronic inflammation. I trust a natural supplement with 7 chosen ingredients that help combat yeast overgrowth, restore gut flora balance, and promote overall health.
Liposomal Curcumin 2000 mg
Liposomal Vitamin C 3000 mg
Vitamin D3: If you haven't had a Vitamin D test, I highly recommend getting one to assess your levels. Understanding your D levels can provide valuable insights into your health and well-being.
K2
Methylated B Vitamins
Melatonin 3-6 mg (Anti-Cancer)
Flaxseed Oil
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) (Anti-Tumor)
My Diet
Mediterranean, Gluten-free, low sugar
Intermittent fasting, with the first meal around 12-2 pm and the last around 6:30-7:30 pm
Fish, chicken
Red meat occasionally
My Exercise
Swimming! :)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this website about herbs, botanicals, and other products is for general health purposes only. It should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for any health condition. Users should not rely on this website's information for their own health problems. Consult your physician or healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health. (I do not sell or receive commission on any products)
My Story Before Breast Cancer
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10
From one Christian sister to another, may you feel His arms around you as you read my story. I believe the pain we have walked through is never wasted — in God’s hands, our story can become the very encouragement someone else needs in their darkest moment.
I never imagined that one day, I would be sitting across from women, coaching them, listening to their stories, and seeing my own reflection in their pain. But here I am, helping them find a way through.
I have sat with women who have shared their darkest moments—whispered stories, tears in their eyes, and voices carrying years of pain. And through them, I began to see my own story differently. I started to understand that God was in the details the entire time. Even in the moments I thought He had abandoned me, even when I couldn’t hear Him, He was still there.
Journey of the Heart Coaching was born from those realizations—from the understanding that healing is not just possible, it’s waiting for us. The stories we carry are not the end of us; they are the beginning of something greater. Even when life feels shattered beyond repair, God is still working in the broken pieces.
But looking back, I can see it now—God was shaping me the entire time.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
In 1997, my life took a dramatic turn. I was a victim of a crime that left me with deep emotional and physical scars. Panic, anxiety, and fear became my everyday reality. My faith was still there, but fear consumed it, making it hard to hold onto hope.
When the perpetrator was released from prison, he made sure I knew he hadn’t forgotten me. This was a time when we still used payphones for emergencies—you couldn’t dial 911 from a cell phone or record what was happening. For two years, I was followed and threatened. He left notes on my car, always waiting for me after work. The torment of feeling watched made me feel like I was losing my mind. Despite my reports and restraining orders, he remained hidden. I isolated myself more and more for protection, but that only made me feel lonelier and more vulnerable.
He attacked me multiple times, leaving me with physical injuries. The fear for my life and my loved ones was overwhelming. I couldn’t see a way out. When you’re in that place—terrified and exhausted—it’s hard to imagine hope. But I had to make difficult choices that would eventually lead me to safety. I knew God was with me, guiding me, but I had no idea how much this experience would change my life.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” — Psalm 56:3
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” — Psalm 23:4
If You Are Experiencing Abuse
I share parts of my story knowing that someone reading may be living through their own season of fear. If you are in an unsafe relationship or being threatened, you do not have to face it alone. Help is available 24/7 — free and confidential.
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
Call 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text "START" to 88788
Visit thehotline.org
Why I’m including this:
- No one should suffer in silence — help and safety planning are available anytime.
- Support can be the first step toward reclaiming your life and your peace.
- Even if you’re not ready to leave, you can talk to someone who understands.
- You are worthy of safety, dignity, and a future free from fear.
Starting Over: A New Name, A New Life
Starting over was incredibly challenging—emotionally, psychologically, physically, and spiritually. I was part of a program called "Victims of Crime." They helped me obtain a new name, a new social security number, and relocation, but I had to start my life over without a single trace of my past. I moved 1,100 miles away to a small town in Port Orchard, WA. It was easier to hide, but I felt utterly alone in this unfamiliar place.
When I was given the opportunity to choose my new last name, I prayed over it. I chose Knight as a reminder to “put on the full armor of God” from Ephesians 6:10–18. In the years of fear and uncertainty that followed, my name became more than just a way to protect my identity—it was a daily reminder that I am never truly alone. Every time I saw or heard it, I remembered that God Himself was my shield, my defender, and the One who would help me stand when I felt I couldn’t.
I arrived in Port Orchard on the 4th of July—Independence Day. That timing was not lost on me. It felt like God’s way of marking my new life with a promise of freedom, not just from the one who hurt me, but from the fear that had wrapped itself around my heart. That day became my own personal Independence Day, a reminder that even in the hardest beginnings, God can lead us into a place of safety, hope, and new identity.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” — Ephesians 6:10–11
Faith Through Illness and Healing
Six years into my new life, in 2006, I faced a new battle—this time, to my health. I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer, and it felt like the ground was pulled out from under me. The shock left me feeling vulnerable and lost. The bilateral mastectomy was more than a physical change; it felt like losing a part of my womanhood and identity.
The greatest blessing in the midst of that pain was the sisterhood I eventually formed in Washington—a group of friends who became my family. By 2008, I was declared cancer-free, and my gratitude was beyond words.
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the LORD. — Jeremiah 30:17
Finding Strength and Purpose
In 2010, I faced a devastating recurrence of cancer—this time, stage IV. The doctors at UCLA told my family and me that there was no chance of remission. They gave me months to live.
That day, I went to the beach, poured my heart out to God, and begged Him for more time. I had no idea how, but I knew I wasn’t done yet.
Through the generosity of friends and fundraising, I found CMN Hospital in Mexico and pursued alternative cancer treatments. By October 2011, I was cancer-free. Dr. Payan and his team saved my life, and I have never stopped being grateful for that second chance.
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26
