Why Did I Get Cancer? with Deborah Herlax Enos

I've never given much thought to artificial turf.

That is, until I read a recent article published by today's podcast guest, Abbie.

Artificial turf, created initially by Monsanto and called ChemGrass (by this point, you probably have guessed how I feel about this topic), was perhaps made with good intentions.

Kids can play sports throughout the winter.

It seems to be good for the environment and doesn't need watering or chemical spraying.

In today's episode, our guest explained that the artificial turf is made from old car tires, forever...

I've never given much thought to artificial turf.

That is, until I read a recent article published by today's podcast guest, Abbie.

Artificial turf, created initially by Monsanto and called ChemGrass (by this point, you probably have guessed how I feel about this topic), was perhaps made with good intentions.

Kids can play sports throughout the winter.

It seems to be good for the environment and doesn't need watering or chemical spraying.

In today's episode, our guest explained that the artificial turf is made from old car tires, forever...

Have you heard of Pinkwashing?

This is what happens when companies promote breast cancer awareness to boost sales while using harmful chemicals in their products.

Pinkwashing can also cause what I call the "health halo." You see the pink ribbon, so you think the product is safe. It's like going into Whole Foods and assuming that everything sold there is good for you. Sorry if I just blew your mind.

Here's why I think Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a Scam:

Have you ever met someone and the hairs on the back of your neck stood up?

Have you ever "felt" like something would happen, and then it did?

I was on a business trip a few years ago, and as I got into my rental car at night in a big city, I felt a voice say, "Lock the door now!"

For a split second, I tried to "reason" with the voice so I could put my handbag down and put on my seatbelt. Well, I quickly locked the door at about the...

One thing I never considered during my experience with cancer was the body's ability to heal itself.

Although I was a holistic nutritionist, my focus was primarily on food. When it came to healing, it was best left to medical professionals. After all, how could the body heal without drugs or medical intervention?

Honestly, if someone had told me to focus on healing my body by getting more sleep, eating organic foods, spending time in nature, managing my stress, and maintaining a spiritual practice, I would have thought, "Sure, that might help me feel better,"...

I remember when Katie Couric shared her journey after losing her husband to colon cancer. To raise awareness, she had a colonoscopy on live TV, showing that the procedure isn’t as daunting as it seems. Her courage inspired me during my own colonoscopy.

Now, I'm excited to have Marisa Peters, a Broadway vocalist and rectal cancer survivor, as our guest. Together, we’ll discuss rectal and colon cancer, empowering listeners with knowledge and encouragement. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!"

At just 39, Marisa was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer, despite being a vibrant mom of...

I've been avoiding my "final" surveillance oncology appointment.

Why was I avoiding it?

I wish I had a good answer for you.

I was a little scared; I'd felt a weird lump in one of my breasts and experienced some pain in the other breast.

As I drove to my appointment with my husband, a Bible verse from James came to mind. Count it ALL joy when facing various trials.

Really? Would I have JOY while sitting in my oncologist's office?

I don't think so.

...

You know, if I had a dollar for every time someone told me to calm down, I'd have a cozy little retirement fund by now! 

In today's episode, Dr. Brian shared some insightful wisdom about how we all need ways to soothe our nervous systems. He mentioned that our nervous system has its own "muscle memory," and with a bit of practice, we can really enhance our ability to relax.

I went on to explain to Dr. Brian that I start my day, shoes off, coffee mug in hand, walking around my yard and praying. I...

When I watch too much news, it feels like I lose control over my emotions.

I often feel guilty if I don't fully understand all the disasters happening around the world.

In today's podcast, our guest, Dr. Brian, explains that staying too connected to the news, disasters, and toxic situations keeps us in a heightened emotional state. When we remain in this state for too long, we can lose touch with our better selves. This can lead to being short-tempered with our loved ones and being less present with the people right in front of...

After eyeing the Mrs. Rogershood parasite kit on my bathroom counter for a year, I finally took the plunge to try it out!

I've battled brain fog, afternoon fatigue, and pesky sugar cravings for much of my adult life, and I was eager for relief.

Fast forward three months after my cleanse: I'm thrilled to share that my brain fog has vanished! I now enjoy increased energy in the afternoons, and my sugar cravings have dropped by 50%—what a win!

I had many questions about my symptoms, and chatting with Kim Rogers from Mr...

So, our government has removed lead from children's clothing.

Even low levels of lead can harm brain development, especially in children, potentially causing irreversible damage. Higher levels can also affect the kidneys and nervous system in both children and adults.

Our government has NOT REMOVED LEAD from adult clothing.

In today's episode, we discover how the clothing industry is truly the Wild, Wild West, with almost no regulations to keep dangerous, toxic chemicals out of our clothes.

The Clean Clothing Chick (Hannah Dunning) explains how we can do a closet makeover...

I spent most of my 30s doing hot yoga in the cutest outfits I could afford.

In the last year, I realized that the cute, stretchy, and shiny clothes I wore were made from plastic.

Your skin is your largest organ, and it ABSORBS everything you put on it.

The more stretchy the fabric, the more plastic was used to make it.

Your body knows how to detox. The best way? SWEATING!.

But what happens if you are wearing "plastic" exercise clothing? Plastic is a toxin, and now I've...

My sleep habits started to change in my 40s. Then came my 50s, and my sleep got even worse.

What changed in my life? Hormones, stress levels, menopause, and, oh yes, cancer.:(

However, I recorded a podcast with Dr. Henry Ealy, and the direction of our conversation surprised me. He started discussing the importance of connecting with the Earth on a daily basis. I consider myself a crunchy gal, but even I found myself rolling my eyes at that!

I also know that being outside has never failed to lift my spirits and...

I learned that I want to take you with me to Montana!

I'm headed to Montana in October with some of my favorite health experts, and I'd love for you to join us!

What if you could escape to Montana this fall—and return home rested, reconnected, and revived?

October 9–12, 2025, you're invited to The Meadows on Rock Creek.

Join us at the Women's Wellness Retreat—a rejuvenating getaway for the soul and body, designed for an intimate group of women. This is not just another women's event; it's an experience that revita...

Sometimes, after a bad night of sleep, I look in the mirror and say, "Oh girl, you look so tired." Before I know it, I start to "act" tired. This means I slump my shoulders, shuffle my feet when I walk, and let the fatigue take over. Worst of all, I start believing the story that says, "Oh girl, you're so tired. How will you get through the day?"

Today's guest, Dane Johnson, founder of The Crohns/Colitis Lifestyle, struggled with his thoughts during his life-threatening experience with IBD.

He said he would look in...

In 2019, I became very ill. I experienced severe reflux, which made my voice raspy and left me with a constant sore throat. At times, I would wake up at night gasping for breath, and it would take several minutes to regain control of my breathing.

I went from doctor to doctor... what was happening to me?

Finally, someone diagnosed me with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

But hold on, doesn't that only happen to overweight older men?

Apparently not.

To improve, I had to learn to take care of my...

On July 4th, my precious friend, Dr. Gregg Jantz, died in a tragic accident.

I'm still in a state of shock as I write this email to you.

If there has been anyone in my life who has done more good for the world, I can't imagine who that would be.

Dr. J was a mental health WARRIOR and assisted thousands of people with eating disorders, addictions, and PTSD.

I'd love for you to listen to our final podcast recording.

Let me tell you how it came about.

I prefer Simplicity. However, when I come across a recipe or hear about a health tip that seems straightforward, I often wonder if it will actually work.

That's why today's podcast impacted me. Dr. Stephen Hussey, author of Understanding the Heart, focuses on providing simple tips to improve health.

He had a heart attack at the age of 34 while he was writing his book about heart health. As you can imagine, that certainly got his attention!

We talked about the ways he's changed his...

I had some HUGE takeaways in June. The good news? Both of these tips are easy to implement. The two areas where I gained the most insights were:

How do you support someone who is going through a difficult time?

Ask two simple questions:

Try to keep it simple and let them know that you can do specific...

I love talking! Ask any of my elementary school teachers, and they will all tell you, "Debbie spends too much time talking and not enough time studying."

That's why I was thrilled when the Functional Moms Podcast reached out to interview me on their show. 

I love an opportunity to talk about why I think I got cancer and what changes I've made in my daily life to lower my risk of all types of illness.

I will also tell you that change can be OVERWHELMING. That's why I started with small changes t...

But At Least You Got A Free Boob Job.

Are you surprised that people said this to me during my cancer journey?

I was so surprised and, quite honestly, saddened.

My first reaction was, 'We can't be friends anymore,' but what about the family members who said that to me?!

I had to learn to have GRACE for people. People say dumb things in an attempt to make you laugh or because of their anxiety.

Grace is challenging, but it also helps you manage your expectations of others...

Today's guest is discussing genetic testing, specifically because she has tested positive for a strong breast cancer gene. She believes this is the same gene that caused her mother to have breast cancer.

I've often wondered, if a close relative has had cancer, does that increase my chances of developing it as well?

What steps can be taken to prevent cancer if there is a significant family history of it?

How "close" does a relative need to be for their cancer diagnosis to raise their own risk?

Krista answered all these...

I can tell you that aging is hard.

I don't like feeling little aches and pains during my day! And my sleep can be so challenging.

This is why I'm highlighting my takeaways with my guest, Zora of Hack My Age.

Zora suggested using red light therapy to help reduce inflammation and accelerate healing. I'm a huge fan of using red light therapy. I've used it throughout my cancer journey. I find that it has helped me with wound healing and muscle recovery.

Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared light...

This was my big question for today's guest, Zora Benhamou, the Queen of Mid-Life Hacks.

What did I mean? Is it ever too late to eat healthy, start an exercise routine, or learn to meditate?

Zora's answer surprised me, she said It's Never Too Late!

However, there's no time like the present to get started. The longer you wait, the fewer results you may see.

She made some excellent suggestions on how to get started,

Exercise is a key component. But, how much is enough, and is walking the...

Let's start with, What the Heck is a Hack?

A hack is a small change or a shortcut designed to improve your life.

Today's guest, Zora Benhamou, is the Queen of Midlife Health Hacks.

She's also someone who, despite living a very active life, ended up with osteoarthritis. 

She tried to avoid surgery for as long as possible. How was she able to do that? She used a few health hacks to get as much "life" out of her hips as possible.

She tried PRP, physical therapy, and an a...

Why are childhood cancers on the rise?

Is there any news more heartbreaking than hearing about another child diagnosed with cancer?

Reflecting on my own childhood, I remember a friend from seventh grade who was diagnosed with cancer. Surprisingly, that was the only case I encountered from kindergarten all the way through my college graduation.

What has changed in our world that has exponentially increased the risk of cancer for our children and young people?

I spoke with Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Season Johnson. She is also a cancer mom who...

Oh Lord, help me to relax and push the pause button.

Today's guest, Dr. Natalie Greenberg from The Center for New Medicine, explained how important it is for my health to hit the pause button. She also mentioned that when life gets overwhelming, It's crucial to pause and take a deep breath before reacting to any situation.

Her words spoke to me.

I tend to be an "over-responder." I might get irritated with someone before I have all the information about a situation. I might wake up upset because of a restless night...

Make America Healthy Again? Have we ever been healthy?

I've been in the health field for thirty-five years.

In all that time, I had never heard a news media report on red dyes in food.

For the first time, I'm encouraged by the future of our American food system!

For me, this is not a political issue. I truly want to give people the same opportunities that I have. I know how to read labels and avoid cancer-causing ingredients in my food. Most people don't.

Americans are starting to...

Here are the top TWO things I now do after having breast cancer.
I'm vigilant about breathing clean air and drinking filtered water. 

Here are my two favorite brands.

Water Filtration: Boroux
Use the Code: “Deborah15”
Here is the Link: https://boroux.sjv.io/7aM1a3

Air Purifier: Air Doctor
Here is the Link: https://airdoctorpro.com/?oid=17&affid=6165

My Favorite Beauty Items:

Beef Tallow! Toups and co:
Here is the Link: https://toupsandco.com/DEBORAHENOS

The Body Deli: 
Us...

My friend Kim loves crime stories from Crime Junkie to Dateline.

Me? Not so much.

But I enjoy a good, not-too-gory crime story where the bad guy gets it in the end.

Since I'm part of a vast cancer community, I hear stories that encourage me and some that make me so upset that I can't sleep.

This is one of those stories.

In 1898, Pierre and Madam Curie discovered radium.

In 1903, Pierre Curie said, "He would not care to be alone with radium in a room as...

Oh, if I had a time machine and could return to when our kids were young, I would.

I made my life complicated because I made our meals complicated.

Let me explain: I became a mom at 40. I married Steve, who had two precious (most of the time ) daughters. So, I became an instant mom to two preteens, and as a bonus, I could finally use my nutrition training on my family. Hmmm...do you see any potential problems?

I would make elaborate, nutrient-dense multi-course meals. These meals were so much work that...

What a treat to have Dr. Tabatha Barber, author of the best-selling book Fast To Faith, on the podcast.

She explained that our bodies function like a chemistry experiment. When we think in a certain way, we produce chemicals that can have positive or negative effects.

I don't know about you, but I do find it shocking that the thoughts I think can create chemical messengers in my body that can heal me or harm me.

You have so much more power than you realize!

We also discussed a topic near...

In today’s episode, we are joined by my naturopathic oncologist, Dr. Laura James.

As you listen to our discussion, it's essential to acknowledge the whirlwind that accompanies a cancer diagnosis. For many, including myself, the speed at which treatment unfolds can be both a blessing and a challenge. The urgency of medical intervention, coupled with the support of excellent health insurance and the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 era, can lead to a swift entry into what is commonly referred to as the breast cancer industrial complex.

But what exactly does this term mean? It...

Buckle up for today's episode with The Oncology Dietician, Nichole Andrews.

I like having cocktails with girlfriends. And before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I never gave it a second thought. Alcohol was part of my social life, or I'd have a glass of wine on a flight to chill out.

Recent research has made me rethink my choices. Research shared by the Susan G. Komen Center tells us that each cocktail I consume can increase my breast cancer risk by 7%. And 2-3 drinks per day can increase my risk by 20%.

I...

I wish I could have a "do-over" in two areas of my life:

When my morning routine is off, the rest of my day suffers. I've FINALLY learned to listen to my inner voice, which advises me to take it slow in the morning instead of jumping straight into emails and calls.

I give three tips on starting my day on today's podcast.

Here's a sneak peek at one of my tips:

TURN OFF THE LOUD...

I first saw Kris on The Oprah Winfrey Show years ago, long before I was diagnosed with cancer.

Kris has been living with stage four incurable cancer for twenty-one years. She has tumors inside of her body, and yet she can still love and appreciate her body.

Do you struggle to love your body?

I think about how I've had a love/hate relationship with my body throughout my life.

That's a long time without being in a constant state of appreciation for the body God gave me.

Kris...

HELP!

Reading labels takes a lot of time, and even with a science degree, I have a hard time figuring out what's good and what's bad.

If I'm struggling, I guess you are as well.

Food companies must convince you that their product is the best item on the supermarket shelves. Their marketing message is on the front, and the truth is on the back.

For example, I picked up a package of high-protein chips at Costco. The front of the package said, "made with the highest quality ingredients." Well, that's...

I don't know about you, but I don't like being told what to do.

Lately, online, I feel like the majority of the "wellness influencers" are yelling at me and telling me that most of my daily habits are going to hurt me.  

Life is challenging enough!

How about this, can we move a bit slower? Maybe focus on changing a couple of habits or items a week instead of making me feel bad about eating out or buying a drink in an aluminium can.

This is why I loved my co...

Today, we're talking about a topic that might make you squirm in your seat—parasites and worms! These creepy crawlies can hitch into our bodies through contaminated water, food, and less-than-sanitary conditions and wreak havoc.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that when my guest Kim Rogers, also known as “The Worm Queen” of TikTok, reached out to me, I hesitated. Who wants to know about the creatures lurking inside us, right? But knowledge is power and if understanding more about parasites and worms could help me stay healthy, it’s time for an uncomfortable conversation.

We...

Have you ever met someone and the hairs on the back of your neck stood up?

Have you ever "felt" like something would happen, and then it did?

I was on a business trip a few years ago, and as I got into my rental car at night in a big city, I felt a voice say, "Lock the door now!"

For a split second, I tried to "reason" with the voice so I could put my handbag down and put on my seatbelt. Well, I quickly locked the door at about the...