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From breast cancer to bodybuilder

By Daniel Clearfield, DO, MS, FAOASM | November 13, 2023 | Conditions | Tagged: breast cancer, bodybuilding, bikini, cancer warrior, cancer survivor | 0 Comments

Written by Sarina Clearfield, Motion is Medicine Office Manager and Functional Lifestyle Health Coach

Sarina was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in August 2021. She has since completed chemotherapy, radiation, and three surgeries. She was declared in remission in May 2022, had her final surgery in October 2022.

While my social media has always portrayed a positive and sometimes comical outlook on my cancer journey, it definitely wasn’t an easy one.

During chemo I was at my weakest. There were days I thought about giving up and letting the cancer take over my body. Treatment was hard. I remember laying on the kitchen floor, crying, telling my mom I’d rather just die than continue treatment. Sunday’s were the hardest day because I knew when Monday morning rolled around I would wake up early, drop the kids off at school, and head into treatment. Cancer treatment pushes you both mentally and physically. I felt like it pushed me to my absolute limits.

When I finally finished active treatment I decided I wanted to push my body again to its limits but this time on my terms. If I could go through all that and make it to the finish line then I told myself I could push myself to do anything. I also wanted to be able to encourage people who were on their own cancer journey. I wanted to lead by example, to inspire those fighting and healing from cancer to get up, be active, move, and not only go on with their lives but to live their best lives.

I was pregnant in 2020 when COVID shut down the world. Honestly, I was angry. At the time I was in the best shape of my life and had plans to stay “fit” throughout my pregnancy. Since we didn’t know the effects of COVID on an unborn fetus, combined with then having to homeschool 3 kids and maintain my practice manager duties, my dream of a fit pregnancy went out the window. I stayed active throughout my pregnancy but weight training and lifting was no longer an option (it took 10 weeks just to get dumbbells due to supply chain issues). I had gotten back into the gym postpartum when I got smacked with my cancer diagnosis. The thing I missed the most throughout my pregnancy and cancer treatment was my time at the gym. I yearned for the days where I wouldn’t feel nauseous or fatigued so I could workout. After having a surgical port placed, finishing 16 rounds of chemo, 28 rounds of radiation, a double mastectomy, and a butt load of steroids I looked nothing like my old self. I remember being embarrassed my first day back at the gym. I smiled at some old “gym friends” (you know, the ones you talk to all the time but don’t know their names) and they didn’t acknowledge me back because they didn’t recognize me. I spent 6 months gaining some of my strength back, building up some muscle, and shedding the weight I had gained during treatment. I decided as soon as I finished and was cleared from my next (and hopefully last) surgery I was going to go ALL IN and train for a bodybuilding competition.

My goal was never to place. My goal was to step on stage and simply blend in. I wanted to look like I belonged, I wanted to look healthy and strong, and most of all I wanted to look like I never had cancer or went through 8 months of grueling treatment. I simply wanted to be able to say “I did it, now get out there and move your body too!” At some point my goal changed and I was determined to place.

On November 4th, 2023 I fulfilled a promise I made to myself while I was in the depths of cancer hell. I promised myself I would make a comeback. I would become the strongest version of myself yet, both physically and mentally. And I FREAKING DID IT!

I looked at my surgeon the day he cleared me to workout and I told him “you won’t recognize me the next time you see me.” I went home and went to the gym. This was in late November 2022. I have not missed a workout since that day (with the exception of my rest days). In February I hired a coach, created a plan, and a timeline. I wanted to compete in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (okay, so I missed it by 4 days, not my fault). For the past 8 months I have stayed focused, dedicated, and committed. There were no cheat days, there were no sleeping in and skipping the gym days. There were days I hit the gym 2-3 times though! Every morsel of food was weighed and tracked. When I thought I couldn’t push anymore, I remembered two things, 1) I made a promise to that sick girl with cancer lying on the floor and 2) If you can make it through cancer treatment, you can make it through anything. Then I would keep pushing.

This same girl who found out 26 months ago she had stage 2 breast cancer at 37, who finished 16 infusions of chemo just 20 months ago, who underwent a body changing and disfiguring double mastectomy 19 months ago, who completed 28 rounds of radiation just 18 months ago, and is only 12 months post reconstruction, got up on stage and fulfilled a promise to herself. Not only did I blend in, I surpassed my initial goal, winning 3rd in Masters Bikini, 3rd in Novice Bikini, and 5th in Open Bikini. Looking at me you would never guess that 2 years ago I was fighting for my life. That was yesterday, today I’m thriving!

While I did all the heavy lifting (pun intended), I think it’s important to recognize my support team. My family sacrificed a lot for me to achieve my dream. Without my husband, Dr. Daniel Clearfield, this wouldn’t have been possible. The support he gave me was unwavering. My kids constantly encouraged me and reminded me how proud they were of their mom (but would also complain “you’re going to the gym again!”). My family has stood by me, been patient with me, and shown nothing but support and positivity, and for that I am so grateful and feel so extremely loved.

As I walked with my family to the car after the competition, my 3 year old Scarlett looked up at me and said “Mommy you were amazing.” This was one of the best moments I have had in my life. I didn’t just endure after cancer, I have truly thrived, and will continue to do so!

I share this story in hopes to inspire just one person to take back their life. To stop letting a diagnosis define you and to break the stereotype of what “life after illness” looks like.

Feeling encouraged? Don’t know where to start? Just want to share your story? Feel free to reach out! I’d love to talk.

Sarina has used her education as a Functional Lifestyle Health Coach as well as her experiences as a mother of 4, breast cancer survivor, and now competitive bodybuilder to provide custom health coaching to fit nearly any individual’s needs. Click here to learn more about the services she can provide!