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Her PET scan was clear. How?

Her PET scan was clear. How?

Her story will give you hope. Our guide will give you power. A must-read for every member of the Cancer Crew.

Carli Williams
October 31, 2025

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It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.

Epictetus

Read the incredible story of Cancer Crew member Rebecca Ortiz, who, after her cancer returned, trusted her intuition, tried a new protocol, and is now celebrating an inactive PET scan.
Learn how to become your own best advocate with our helpful guide, packed with practical tips to help you take control of your cancer journey and ensure your voice is heard.

Hey Crew!

Today I want to talk to you about a conversation I had with Rebecca Ortiz. She's one of us, a member of the Cancer Crew, and she recently shared her story with me. It’s so important to hear from the people who are actually in it, right?

We can talk to doctors all day, but nothing compares to the experience of a patient who is walking this path. And Rebecca’s story… wow. It’s incredible.

December 2019: Back in 2019, Rebecca was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. Throughout 2020, she did the chemo and radiation, enduring the whole grueling process.
End of 2020: When doctors pushed Tamoxifen, her gut told her to stop. She refused the drug, choosing to trust her own body over their statistics.
May 2025: Nearly five years later, a burning pain led to the ER. The cancer was back, this time metastasized to her spine and pelvis.
June 2025: After another brutal surgery and radiation, she knew she couldn't do it again. She went "full court press" on a new protocol she had researched.
October 2025: Just three months later, a PET scan confirmed what she felt in her soul. Every single lesion in her bones was inactive and dead.

What those bullet points don't fully capture is the sheer courage it took for Rebecca to take that new path. Her family was nervous, but she was determined.

When she finally spoke to her oncologist, the doctor credited the Lupron and dismissed her protocol, saying, "There's no data on that." Rebecca just laughed. She didn't need their affirmation. She had the proof in her own body. She took a path of fearlessness and faith, and it gave her back her life.

Rebecca’s story is a powerful reminder that we are our own best advocates. Hearing from people like her is what the Cancer Crew is all about. It’s a place to find the stories, the data, and the community that can empower you on your own journey.

This is the kind of powerful information we share inside Cancer Crew+. A community of people taking their healing into their own hands and discovering what really works for their cancer and their bodies.

Here, you’ll meet a circle of healers who truly get it. People who understand the process, celebrate every win, and are committed to helping you reach clear scans and a stronger, healthier life.

If you’re ready to take charge of your healing and connect with others like Rebecca, come join us here.

Join by Nov. 10th with code “FOUNDINGMEMBER“ for lifetime access for $100 and hear more stories like this and find your community.

A Guide On Becoming Your Own Best Advocate

When you get a cancer diagnosis, it can feel like you’ve been dropped into a foreign country where you don’t speak the language. Suddenly, your life is a whirlwind of appointments and medical terms, and it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost all control.

But here’s the thing, you are the most important person on your medical team. Learning to advocate for yourself is one of the most powerful things you can do to take back the reins.

Self-advocacy isn’t about being difficult or confrontational. It’s about being an active, educated participant in your own care. Your doctors only trust the established thinking on cancer, but you are the world’s leading expert on your own body.

Just like Rebecca knew in her gut that a certain path wasn't for her, your intuition is a valuable tool. Honoring that means arming yourself with the skills to make sure your voice is heard.

Here are a few ways to get started:

Bring a Buddy. Let’s be real, sometimes it’s tough to process complex information when you’re stressed. Bring a trusted friend or family member to your appointments to be a second set of ears. They can take notes, help you ask questions, and remember what was said later.

Prep for Your Appointments. Don’t just show up and hope you remember everything. Before each visit, take a few minutes to write down your questions, concerns, and any new symptoms you’ve noticed. Put the most important questions at the top of the list so you can be sure to ask them first.

Keep Your Own Records. Start a binder or a digital folder with all your test results, treatment plans, and notes. You can also use an app to track your symptoms and side effects over time.

This not only keeps you organized but also gives you concrete data to share with your doctors, helping them see patterns they might otherwise miss.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask. If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it in a different way. There are no stupid questions when it comes to your health.

You have a right to understand what’s happening in your body and what your treatment options are. It’s also perfectly acceptable to ask for a second opinion if you have any doubts.

Taking an active role in your care can shift your entire mindset from feeling helpless to feeling hopeful and empowered. It’s a way of regaining some control in a situation that feels uncontrollable.

For more stories and support from a community that gets it, follow me and Cancer Crew on Instagram. We’re in this together.