When you're diagnosed with cancer, your oncologist will tell you about chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. But what about the complementary therapies that could help you manage side effects, reduce pain, and heal more completely?

In this revealing conversation, Kandas sits down with licensed massage therapist and reflexologist Christie Going to discuss the holistic modalities that most doctors never mention—not because they don't work, but because they're simply not part of standard oncology training.

Christie specializes in breast cancer recovery and shares practical, accessible tools including reflexology (a non-invasive foot therapy that works on all body systems), aromatherapy protocols that actually reduce nausea, and a revolutionary microcurrent device that releases scar tissue adhesions and restores your body's energy flow.

This isn't about replacing medical treatment—it's about complementing it with evidence-based practices that can make your journey more bearable and your recovery more complete. Whether you're currently in treatment, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand what options exist beyond conventional care, this episode offers hope, practical guidance, and permission to advocate for your whole-body healing.

🦶 Why Reflexology Surprises Everyone: Learn about this non-invasive modality that requires no disrobing and works on every system in your body—plus hand points you can use at home for shoulder pain and stress

🏥 The Cancer Care Quality Gap: Kandas shares her shocking experience with three different cancer centers and why the same diagnosis can mean vastly different treatment experiences depending on where you live

👂 The Four Ears Strategy: Why you should never go to a medical appointment alone, plus how to use AI tools like Notebook LM to record, transcribe, and analyze your doctor visits

🌿 Aromatherapy That Actually Works: The specific essential oils and protocols that helped Kandas avoid vomiting during aggressive chemotherapy (hint: it's not just peppermint)

✂️ Scar Work That Changes Lives: Discover the Dolphin Neurostim—an FDA-cleared microcurrent tool that uses acupuncture points to release adhesions, improve range of motion, and reconnect your body's energy pathways

⚡ The Vagus Nerve Secret: How this one cranial nerve affects your entire body and why three simple parasympathetic reset points can provide immediate relief

💪 Intuitive Healing Permission: Christy's empowering message that your body already knows what it needs—you just need to take baby steps and trust yourself

📋 Protocols Your Doctor Won't Know: From lymphatic massage timing to incontinence treatment to C-section scar release, learn what's actually available beyond conventional care

Christy Going is a licensed massage therapist, reflexologist, and aromatherapist with 12 years of experience. As the owner of Going Forward Therapies in the greater Houston area, she specializes in helping women heal energetically, emotionally, and physically during breast cancer recovery. After losing her mom's best friend to breast cancer in 2008, Christie became passionate about providing the supportive care that most medical systems overlook. Her mobile practice brings compassionate, skilled holistic care directly to clients throughout West Houston, and she's certified in innovative modalities including the Dolphin Neurostim for pain relief and scar work.

• 00:00 - Introduction & How We Met Over Greeting Cards
• 02:30 - The Vegas (Utah?) Reflexology Story
• 05:45 - Christie's Personal Journey with Breast Cancer
• 09:20 - Why Every Breast Cancer Story is Different
• 12:40 - The Non-Standardized Quality of Cancer Care in America
• 18:15 - Bringing Extra Ears to Medical Appointments
• 21:30 - Using AI Tools Like Notebook LM for Medical Records
• 24:10 - What is Reflexology & How Does It Work?
• 28:45 - The Shoulder Point Demo & Intuitive Healing
• 31:20 - Aromatherapy & Essential Oil Blending
• 34:50 - The Dolphin Neurostim Tool: Microcurrent Meets Acupuncture
• 38:30 - How Scar Work Reconnects Your Body Energetically
• 42:15 - The Future of Holistic Health in Cancer Care
• 45:20 - Rapid Fire Questions & Moment of Gratitude
• 47:30 - Final Advice: Listen to Your Body

• Notebook LM by Google: Free AI research tool for organizing and analyzing medical appointment recordings—helps you remember what your doctor actually said
• Super Patch: Non-invasive patches that work with your body's neural matrix for inflammation and focus support (Christie's affiliate link available)
• Dolphin Neurostim: FDA-cleared microcurrent tool for pain relief, scar work, and acupuncture point therapy—find a practitioner near you
• Greeting Card Business: The relationship-building system both Kandas and Christie have used for over a decade

For Shoulder Pain: Press gently into the fold where your pinky finger meets your hand (same side as the pain). Hold for 30 seconds while breathing deeply.

For Medical Appointments: Use your phone's voice memo app or an AI transcription tool to record every appointment. You'll be surprised what you didn't hear the first time.

For Scar Tissue: Any scar over 12 weeks old can benefit from specialized work—don't assume "that's just how it is now."

For Stress Relief: Your feet hold reflex points for every system in your body. Even gentle foot massage can trigger relaxation responses.

Going Forward Therapies - Serving Northwest Houston and beyond: https://christiegoing.com

SendOutCards: https://sendoutcards.com/190010

The Super Patch Company: https://christiegoing.superpatch.com/

Find a Dolphin Neurostim Practitioner: https://mpstherapist.com/

Full Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/293

8 Bold AI Experiments for Small Business Momentum Practical ways to use AI in your business without the overwhelm—because running a business while managing your health requires smart systems. Download at: http://kandasrodarte.com/bold

Christy shares the powerful story of an elderly client with a pituitary gland tumor. After his doctor approved the use of frankincense essential oil alongside his conventional treatment, he returned three months later with tears in his eyes—the tumor was gone. "When people tell me how much I've helped them," Christy reflects, "that's what stays with me." This story beautifully illustrates the potential of complementary care when integrated thoughtfully with medical treatment.

The modalities discussed in this episode are meant to complement, not replace, conventional medical treatment. Always consult with your healthcare team before adding new therapies to your care plan. The good news? More doctors are becoming open to integrative approaches—you just have to ask.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying new treatments or therapies, especially during cancer treatment. Individual results may vary.

Gratitude Geek is the podcast for micropreneurs building genuine, lasting connections with clients, colleagues, and community. Hosted by Kandas Rodarte, growth coach for women solopreneurs over 40 and metastatic breast cancer thriver.

Theme music by Rev. Brock and Soul Lily