THE RISE AND FALL OF VALERIE CHOW: THE (M)E! TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY

After 25 years as a medical show producer, it's ironic that I hit midlife and became a patient in one of my own Mystery Diagnosis reality shows.

Three years of mystery illness. Then three diagnoses at once: MCAS (inflammatory disease, can cause cancer), POTS (heart & nervous system condition) and Breast Cancer!

Two major surgeries in two years. Cancer and her buddies stole my health. The Mediapocalypse crashed my career.

Real talk, it's been 3 years since my last job in television during which I accrued 3 years of bills, bills, bills.

In the immortal words of TLC, "ain't too proud to beg..." for $30,000 to defray devastating medical expenses while I fight my way back to health.

WHEN REALITY TV BITES BACK: THE RISE AND FALL OF VALERIE CHOW: THE (M)E! TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY

In the film/TV industry, “back to 1” means resetting a scene and starting over.

This is my THIRD TIME going "back to 1" IRL:

back to 1: take 1

2023: The Mediapocalypse hit: the reality TV industry started cutting jobs... Downsized from my job as a Senior Executive Producer at A&E Studios + went on disability for a mystery "heart condition."

back to 1: take 2

2024: Midlife career pivot: went back to school at 49 to become a board-certified, trauma-informed functional health and resilience coach.

I celebrated my 50th birthday. A week later, I had a hysterectomy, bowel, and bladder surgery. Sadly, I just got sicker...

back to 1: take 3

2025: After 3 years of mystery illness(es) I DIAGNOSED myself. (Yep, producing medical shows + training as a functional health coach saved my life.)

On my 51st birthday, exactly a year after my hysterectomy: my immunologist, cardiologist, and oncologist confirmed my differential diagnoses. I have: MCAS, POTS, (both chronic) and BREAST CANCER STAGE 1.

BAD NEWS: Breast cancer is one of the most expensive cancers to treat. MCAS/POTS medical bills add up too.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE: Breast cancer treatment is already intense. MCAS/POTS makes cancer treatment potentially deadly for me.

Last month my treatment was abruptly stopped due to (quoting my doctor's clinical notes) "risk of anaphylaxis and death."

A few weeks ago, I went back to 1 (again) and started treatment over with a new team of oncologists who specialize in high-risk cancer patients. Since I'm a complex case to treat, my risk of the cancer escalating into metastatic breast cancer in unfortunately, high.

HELP ME PUT THE FUN IN F**K CANCER!

My 50's are not at all what I imagined. I've lost almost everything: my health, my career, my life savings... my uterus, half of my hair, half a boob... But the one thing I haven't lost is my SENSE OF HUMOR. (Seriously, watch my video, it's hysterical!)

What I've realized from my extended ride on the struggle bus is no matter how bad things get, I always find ways to experience JOY and FUN as a way to cope and connect.

HERE'S HOW YOUR DONATION CAN HELP:

$5 1 5lb bag of organic carrots for juicing (30lbs of carrots/wk)

$10 1 asthma inhaler

$25 1 epi-pen to save my life

$50 3 days groceries

$100 1 month (oncologist recommended) weed for pain/nausea

$250 1 month acupuncture for pain/inflammation

$500 1 month of MCAS/POTS medications

$1,000 Pelvic floor therapy

$2,500 1 day of Radiation Treatment ($12,500/week)

$5,000 Cardio Rehab therapy or a Wig from The Wig Fairy

I know it's hard times for many folks, especially those in the entertainment industry. But even a $10 donation can add up.

PUT THE FUN IN F**K CANCER ACTION ITEMS:

1. DONATE

2. SHARE this post and spread the word!

3. (Re)build my Functional Health and Resilience midlife career pivot by following @backto1coach on IG FB Tiktok

4. FREE FUN! - subscribe to my @backto1coach Substack newsletter for tips and tools on how to keep your Humanity & Humor in Hard Times.

Breast cancer rates in younger women are on the rise - ladies, please get your mammograms! I have no history of breast cancer in my family and was SHOCKED by my diagnosis.

With your help, I've got this!

HUGE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

With Humor and Humanity in hard times,

VALERIE