Amanda butler is a beacon oF light and in honor of breast canCer awareness month, i couldn’t wait to shine a light on her and all that she is doing for not only women with cancer but people in general. I was casually scrolling tiktok one day while avoiding life’s challenges and came across this inspiring woman detailing how she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer despite not having a familial history. IN no time, i went dOwn a rabbit hole of amanda’s videos as she had been so raw and hOnest about her cancer journey in a way i had never Seen anyone else be. We aren’T that different in age and she’s a personal trainer so how is it possible that she has cancer?? I was perplexed and inspired and am so thankful that she has become not only a source of inspiration, but also a friend.

Breast cancer, cancer in general, has no face and doesn’t discriminate. Cancer doesn’t care what age you are, how healthy you are, and as more research comes to light, genetics don’t always play a role in one’s cancer diagnosis. Staying on top of your health is SO important to go to the doctor, do self exams, and listen to your body. I’m so happy that Amanda shares her story and journey as honestly as she does and couldn’t wait to bring her to The Wayve!

At A Glance:

What book are you currently reading?

I'm not the biggest reader so I tend to stick to self-help books. Currently reading Dot-Com Secrets by Russell Brunson - literally the best book to read if you're ever trying to start an online business. Wow!

What is your favorite go-to song at the moment?

Dermot - Fred Again

As a trainer, what is your favorite cheat meal (if any)?

OMG literally everything I love food hahaha so I don't really have cheat meals, I just let myself eat whatever I want in balance. I love dessert though so probably chocolate chip cookie dough on a waffle cone or cheesecake from the cheesecake factory. Something decadent and delicious!!

Arrow + Phoenix: I came across your TikTok page earlier this year and am so thankful I did as it has helped me navigate so many things. When you were first diagnosed, what made you want to go public and post your experience with breast cancer?

Amanda: My entire life I've always loved helping people. It's just who I am at my core and so when I was diagnosed I was like okay...if I'm gonna struggle through this, I want to document everything so that maybe just maybe I could help one person. There was nothing really on social media that outlined what acancer process looked like so I wanted to provide the information so people took the guessing out of it. We shouldn't have to go in blind to cancer considering how many people have been affected by it, but sadly, we still do. Doctor's only have limited time to provide us with enough details to make us feel prepared so often times it is all trial and error.

 A+P: As a professional trainer, what was the hardest part of your diagnosis and how has it been getting into the swing of things since you’ve stepped back into training at Barry’s?

AB: Oh man the diagnosis was extremely hard on me. Not only because I now had cancer at 32 but because this was going to affect my entire career that I had built and this was my ultimate fear. I lost a lot of my body and strength and therefore couldn't work much. But a lot has also shifted and changed with my perspective and has really helped me to get over the fear of not working enough. It's so nice being able to train people again because the way I coach is a little different. You can't take your health for granted and I really try to motivate people by telling bits of my story.

 A+P: You inspire SO many people by being so honest and candid but on your toughest days, who do you look to?

AB: Ugh thank you that means so much. I really struggle a lot but you know social media paints a very different picture. I'm so grateful to have some very strong and powerful women in my life who always know what to say when i'm down on myself or feeling lost. I connect a lot to my spirituality and my friends do as well so they help me re-center when I need it most. 

A+P: The majority of our audience is women in the same age range so what would you want to tell anyone reading about early detection and prevention?

AB: Please please please do your monthly self-checks. Breast Cancer does not run in my family but i've been doing self-checks my entire life and that is how I detected my Breast Cancer. I found a lump in my right breast and then when to get it checked out at a Breast Clinic. 

A+P: In the midst of everything you were going through, you decided to write a book! Please tell us about that?

AB: I did...I'm crazy hahaha I told you I can't sit still and am always thinking of ways to work! Again, going through chemotherapy no one gives you a playbook of what will happen, how you will feel, side effects, what to buy, etc etc. So I was like let me create this myself so a cancer patient will feel beyond prepared going into treatment and not like a lost bird like how I felt. Often times it is a lot of talking to current or previous cancer patient's on their experience and asking alot of questions. Doctor's should all hand out my book to patients prior to treatment to inform them on freezing their eggs and cold capping and food guidance. So yes, if you have a loved one or you yourself is about to begin chemo, you can get my eBook, "Remember When I Had Cancer? Your Complete Guidebook to Chemotherapy," through my socials or on Amazon Kindle! 

A+P: What’s the biggest piece of advice you have for anyone who has just been diagnosed and is going through a cancer journey, especially at a young age?

AB: I will tell you what a group of women told me once in a waiting room. No matter what happens, you have to be strong for yourself mentally and believe that everything will be okay. If you start to believe you are sick or you hold onto negativity around your diagnosis, your body will also believe this and you won't be healthy. Health starts with your mind so believe that this is just a blip in the radar and that your cancer will be gone asap. 

A+P: You’ve started a support group of incredible women. Can you tell us more about that?

AB: Yes!!! So sharing my story online has unfolded a lot of amazing things and one of those is Cancer Baddies, my online support group comprised of women from all around the world. We chat, ask questions, rant about our current situations and it's just a safe space for people to see and be seen. I also offer free virtual classes led by wellness leaders and I send out weekly newsletters. A lot of times cancer feels very lonely and that's the last thing you want when going through treatment. So if you are anyone else wants to join, there is a form in my social media links and we would love to have you!