#StrongerTogether: Jill Alphonso

#StrongerTogether: Jill Alphonso

Breast cancer is more than a diagnosis—it’s a journey of strength and transformation. In the #StrongerTogether series, we interview inspiring survivors who share their personal battles, from diagnosis to recovery and beyond. These women open up about their fears, resilience, and newfound self-love, reminding us that no one faces cancer alone. Through their stories, we hope to foster unity, hope, and empowerment within the community. Join us as we celebrate their courage and the power of being #StrongerTogether.

 

Q: Let’s start with the beginning. Can you share more about how you were diagnosed?

Jill: Sure! I went in for my yearly health check-up, and my doctor suggested a mammogram since I was 43. During the mammogram, I could tell something was off because they needed additional views. But my doctor didn’t think it was breast cancer right away—she thought it might be inflammation because my tumor was oddly shaped. It was soft and didn’t look like a typical breast cancer tumor. After all the tests, though, it turned out to be cancer. Then came the rush of trying to understand the condition—Googling everything, trying to figure out what to do naturally while deciding on conventional medical protocols.

Q: What were your thoughts when you were first diagnosed?

Jill: I went to that appointment with my mother. She optimistically asked the doctor, "It’s good news, right?" The doctor said, "It’s not the best, but it’s not the worst." That was when we knew. I was shocked, and the first words out of my mouth were...well, not for public airing! (laughs) But it was a definite moment of disbelief. I thought, "Is this really happening to me?" because I was such a healthy person—practicing yoga, a vegetarian. But quickly, I realized my focus needed to shift. I needed to stay positive so that my body could respond to healing. My mindset became: whether I live or die, I want every moment to be joyful, peaceful, and purposeful.

Q: That’s such a powerful perspective. Speaking of your journey, I know you opted not to have breast reconstruction. Can you talk about that decision?

Jill: I love talking about this because many women find me on my social channels because they too, are exploring not having reconstruction. I did meet with a plastic surgeon to explore my options. I told him upfront that using muscle from my own body wasn’t an option for me. Silicone implants were another option, but I didn’t want to undergo surgery again in 10 years to replace them. And in the time since my own decision, I have met women who experienced silicone poisoning. Fat grafting was the option I considered most seriously. 

"..after my surgery, when I looked at my scar, I found it beautiful. It represents something I have been through, and I am at one with it. I wear it proudly. I loved how I looked before, and to my pleasure, I discovered I love how I look and who I am even more now. That’s why I decided not to go through with reconstruction. My scar is a part of me"

Q: How did you learn to feel comfortable in your new body?

Jill: I think my comfort with my body comes from yoga. I’ve been practicing for 20 years, and it’s a very physical practice where you constantly confront yourself in the mirror. As a teacher, I’ve seen students struggle with looking at themselves, but I’ve long been at peace with my reflection. That practice of self-acknowledgement, self-acceptance and self-love really helped me in my cancer journey.

Q: Were you alone during this journey, or did you have support?

Jill: I was definitely not alone. My mother, husband, and best friends were all incredibly supportive. They showed up for me in the ways I needed them to, which was so important. I even trained them on what to say and what would trigger me. They were amazing. Support isn’t just about being there; it’s about knowing how to be there for someone. And you’re right—sometimes well-meaning words can be triggering. The best thing to say is, "What can I do to make you feel better?" That’s all you need to ask. And the answer changes daily.

"Being a woman has always meant strength, beauty, grace, and finding light in every moment. After going through cancer, I think those qualities just deepen. You come out knowing yourself better, including the thing that could take you away from this world. And if you can face that, you are strength, you are grace, and you are a woman." - Jill

Q: What has been the most empowering moment for you when reconnecting with your body after your breast cancer journey?

Jill: Honestly, the most empowering moment for me was when I started taking pictures of myself. Being able to look at those images helped me really connect with who I am. Seeing my scar and my body as they are through such images was a turning point. That's actually how my social media journey began, with me sharing topless photos and doing juicing and holistic healing videos. Seeing my body from a different angle and learning to love it from that perspective shifted my own sense of what's possible in life and how I meet it.

Q: How do you think cancer survivors can reshape societal perceptions of cancer recovery?

Jill: We should talk about it more, as much as people are comfortable sharing. It’s not just about saying "I had cancer," but talking about the healing process, the long-term journey, and how survivorship feels. None of the journey is easy, but it's worth sharing, because it's a part of life for so many people, cancer being a common chronic illness today.

Q: What does feeling beautiful mean to you now, and how do you express that through your intimate wear and daily life?

Jill: Feeling beautiful means embracing and loving my body exactly as it is. This was how it was before surgery, and remains my philosophy. But that feeling has depth now, having gone through a major challenge. As to lingerie, I started appreciating Kate’s lingerie even more in my cancer journey. Before, I never needed to wear bras.  have always been part of the itty bitty titty club! So, I wore Perk by Kate kind of functionally - if I needed to have something under a shirt peeking out. But as I started to take pictures after surgery, I began playing around with lingerie, taking photos, and even just walking around the house in something beautiful. It was always Kate's! And her lingerie helped me express how I felt inside—feminine, sexy, and confident. My mom would sometimes ask why my videos were so "sexy," and I'd tell her that’s just how I feel. Lingerie allowed me to embody that confidence in my daily life.

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