Breast cancer survivor Emily Fisher shares her story with medical cannabis
As we mark October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Emily Fisher, breast cancer survivor and medical cannabis, patient, sits down with medical cannabis doctor and expert, Dr. June Chin, to share her personal story. Together, they discuss the importance of medical cannabis in patient care.
Emily Fisher’s Breast Cancer Journey
Dr. Chin: Emily, thank you for joining me today. Let’s start by discussing your breast cancer journey. What was your initial diagnosis, and how did you handle treatment?
Emily Fisher: I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 26, and the diagnosis felt like being hit by a ton of bricks. I had so many questions and very few answers in those early days. I threw myself into work and treatment—radiotherapy, hospital visits, and trying to keep going. For the first couple of years, I carried a deep sense of shame and guilt, wondering what I did wrong to deserve this. But now, I realize cancer touches so many lives, and that drives me to share my story, hoping it can help others.
The Role of Medical Cannabis in Emily’s Journey
Dr. Chin: You didn’t use medical cannabis during your treatment, but how did you discover it?
Emily Fisher: My cancer diagnosis sparked a deeper interest in my overall health, and eventually, I discovered medical cannabis. Back in 2016, I was skeptical about cannabis because there wasn’t a legal framework in the UK. But that skepticism faded after I met patients whose lives were transformed by it. My own experience with medical cannabis came years later when I was recovering from multiple surgeries. One time, I was in excruciating pain, and after using a tincture, my pain went from a 10 to zero. That experience was profound. However, my second encounter was overwhelming, leading to one of the worst nights of my life after taking too much of an edible.
Dr. Chin: Reflecting on your experience, what advice would you give patients considering medical cannabis?
Emily Fisher: Cannabis is like a pharmacy in a plant, but it’s not without its challenges. I always advise patients to consult knowledgeable healthcare providers because cannabis can interact with other medications. Additionally, be prepared to experiment with different products and dosages. At Leafwell, we advocate for informed and personalized care when using cannabis, as every patient’s journey is unique.
How Cannabis Can Help During Chemotherapy
Emily Fisher: How can medical cannabis help manage the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite?
Dr. Chin: Medical cannabis can be incredibly effective in reducing nausea and boosting appetite during chemotherapy and radiation. It works with the body’s natural systems, offering relief without the side effects of traditional anti-nausea medications. In some cases, we can eliminate the need for multiple prescriptions by using cannabis.
Emily Fisher: Is it safe to use medical cannabis during chemotherapy and radiation treatments? And who should avoid it?
Dr. Chin: The safety of cannabis during cancer treatment depends on various factors, like the type and stage of cancer, and the patient’s overall health. Cannabis can help increase appetite, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep, all of which are crucial during treatment. However, cannabis can interact with certain cancer treatments, so it’s important to work closely with both an oncologist and a cannabis expert to avoid complications.
Empowering Patients and Navigating Treatment
Emily Fisher: How can patients have informed discussions with their oncologists about incorporating cannabis into their treatment?
Dr. Chin: Patients should openly ask their oncologists about medical cannabis and bring up research. At Leafwell, we offer consultations with integrative oncologists who can work alongside local doctors to create personalized treatment plans. It’s a dynamic process—cannabis dosage and formulation should evolve as the patient’s body changes throughout treatment.
Emily Fisher: One of the most fulfilling aspects of our work at Leafwell is helping patients regain control of their health. For some, cannabis offers renewed hope after conventional medicine has reached its limits. At Leafwell, we’re committed to increasing access, advancing education, and pushing for more research so cannabis can become a mainstream part of medical treatment.
Dr. Chin: I couldn’t agree more. As we continue to learn more about the benefits of cannabis, it’s essential to work with healthcare providers to ensure it’s used safely and effectively. Together, we’re empowering patients to take control of their treatment.
