Combining Conventional + Integrative Care: Trish Kifer’s Ovarian Cancer Story (and the hope she’s passing forward)

When Trish Kifer learned she had stage 3C ovarian cancer in September 2019—during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, no less—she didn’t collapse into fear. Not because it wasn’t serious, but because she was immediately given something many patients never receive: a pathway to agency.

At her very first appointments, Trish’s longtime physician (who integrates Eastern and Western medicine) encouraged imaging quickly—and placed a book in her hands: The Metabolic Approach to Cancer. That moment changed everything.

Trish chose standard of care—surgery, chemotherapy, and oral chemo—but she didn’t stop there. She also addressed her terrain: the underlying imbalances that can make the body more vulnerable. With a collaborative team (conventional oncology + integrative support), she leaned into the “test, assess, address—don’t guess” mindset, using data and symptoms as feedback, not as a verdict.

Over time, Trish identified key factors that needed deeper attention—especially hormones and toxic exposures—and made meaningful lifestyle changes to support healing: nutrition, stress regulation, and a calmer pace that honored her body instead of pushing it.

Today, Trish is six years out from diagnosis—and she shares something striking: she feels healthier now than she ever did before cancer. Her story isn’t about a single magic tool. It’s about curiosity, courage, and building a team that treats the whole person, not just the tumor.

One of the most powerful takeaways from her testimonial is this: statistics are not destiny. Trish reminds newly diagnosed patients to breathe, move step-by-step, and focus on their data, their body, and their support system—because healing is personal.

And now, she’s paying it forward. Trish has trained as a Terrain Advocate and is committed to helping others navigate their own path with clarity and hope.

Watch Trish’s testimonial

“Combining Conventional & Integrative Medicine: Trish Kifer’s Ovarian Cancer Journey”

Want to connect or take the next step?

• Connect with Trish: hopejourney.life@gmail.com

• Find a Terrain Network Practitioner or Advocate: https://my.terrain.network/

• See more patient stories: https://www.mtih.org/testimonials

• Support patient treatment grants: https://mtih.app.neoncrm.com/forms/patient-grants

If you or someone you love is facing a diagnosis, let Trish’s story be a reminder: you can approach this with education, support, and a plan—and you don’t have to do it alone.