By Chanda Temple
In fighting breast cancer, Nataly Swann lost her eyelashes, her eyebrows and a few fingernails.
She also lost her happiness.
For someone who was once carefree, cancer left Nataly heavy with worry about herself and if she’d ever see her family in her homeland of Russia again. Tears flowed, hitting the hard, rough reality she couldn’t change. But as every tear fell, Nataly’s footing eventually softened, making way for a whole new harvest.
How did she reap her happiness again?
“Oh, it’s a journey,” she admits. “I’m still adjusting to it.’’
Nataly credits talking to a counselor, getting involved with breast cancer support groups and connecting with organizations such as Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center, which helped her navigate a “new me” and a “new life.”
Through Forge’s cooking classes and yoga sessions, for example, Nataly met survivors she’s still friends with today.
“It showed me that I’m not defined by my diagnosis,” she said. “I am who I am.’’
Nataly was 45 when she was diagnosed with invasive carcinoma in 2019. For treatment, she had a double mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy.
This year, she returned to her doctors for additional testing after some initial tests raised concerns in 2024. A deeper dive revealed that Nataly had a tumor behind her lungs and heart. It was also on the same side where the original cancer was found.
She underwent robotic surgery in May 2025 in Birmingham and the tumor was removed. She remains under a physician’s care.
“My doctor said I surprised him with the outcome,” she said. “He has a very positive outlook …”
To make it through the process, she credits her friends for sending her encouraging cards, her husband for holding her hand, and for loved ones stepping in the help. Her journey has been a challenging one, but one where she lets the smallest thing brighten her day.
“I love to buy myself flowers,” she said. “I have fresh flowers at home. At work. They give me just joy.”
“When I look at the flowers, I forget about things that are hurting me.”
Something else that’s been a happy spot for Nataly during her breast cancer journey is the Pappadeaux’s Greek salad, which features a lettuce mix topped with banana peppers, fresh tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, Greek dressing and a squeeze of lemon. There are options to top it with crab meat or shrimp.
“I think it’s my dream dinner,” she said. “It’s the food that comforts. It’s so clean.”
“I don’t know how they make such a simple thing like a Greek salad taste so good. Maybe it’s the extra love or something.’’
NOTE: In America, one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I will be profiling one female breast cancer survivor each day in October 2025. The stories will also highlight a food from a Birmingham, AL restaurant or food vendor they liked at some point during their breast cancer journey or today. The series is called “SurviveHer at the Table: Food. Faith. Fight.”
Each story posted this month is the opinion of the survivor, with a goal to increase awareness about early detection and treatment for breast cancer. Readers should consult with their physician for medical and health advice and their nutritionist for healthy eating tips. Links to area resources will be shared in future posts this month.
Chanda Temple is an award-winning writer living in Birmingham, Ala. She blogs at http://www.chandatemplewrites.com. If you have a food story idea, email her at chandatemple@gmail.com. Follow her on Instagram at @chandatemple.
Copyright © 2025, All rights reserved.
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