Success Story

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery on 26 October 2000, followed by intraoperative radiation, right in the middle of the pandemic. I began monthly oestrogen injections, which were painful and led to weight gain, muscle aches, and bone pain.

Many people encouraged me to adopt a vegan diet to help prevent recurrence, and I did. But in September 2023, I was diagnosed with breast cancer again. This time, I faced surgery, two months of radiation through the festive season, and a cascade of complications: blood clots in my arm, lymphoedema, a seroma that had to be drained, and a collapsed hip that required replacement in February 2024.

A friend recommended I see Faranak. At first, I hesitated. I already had a dietitian and was exhausted by medical appointments. But after meeting Faranak at our BNI Champions chapter and having a brief conversation, I felt compelled to book a consultation.

I met her in September 2024, and she was incredible. She educated me on the benefits of switching to a Keto diet, not just for weight loss, which wasn’t my main goal, but for healing and reducing inflammation. She guided me gently, helping me eliminate sweeteners, sugar, and carbs, and transition to GMO-free, grass-fed meats, organic vegetables, and toxin-free cookware. I even began clearing out my cupboards before my DNA test results came in.

Now, in October 2025, I’ve lost 23 kilos of fat and gained 3 kilos of muscle. I’m still on chemo and oestrogen tablets, but I’m thriving.

My DNA test revealed my top three health risks: inflammation, methylation, and blood pressure, all linked to food, lifestyle, toxins and excess weight. Losing this weight, which once felt impossible, has helped reduce those risks significantly. Faranak is a wealth of knowledge. She answers every question with care, and if she doesn’t know something, she’ll find out. Her support has been transformative.

Thank you, Faranak, for walking this journey with me. You have a beautiful heart, massive knowledge base, and a great way of explaining and helping people.

Sophia Botha