From Rock Bottom to Renewal: My Transformative Journey on the Set of Four Days, a Groundbreaking Menopause Series

Written by: Dr. Michelle R. Hannah for ravoke.com

The Breaking Point

My journey with filming this documentary was transformational. It was not without challenge, pain, or moments of deep uncertainty, yet it resulted in one of the most beautiful shifts of my life.

At the time, I was fighting a rare form of skin cancer while navigating menopause. I felt hopeless. I was not only desperate to share my story and learn from the stories of others—I needed help. I had reached what felt like the bottom of rock bottom.

Emotionally, I did not feel seen or heard by my doctors. Very few people in my personal circle truly understood what I was facing. Despite countless hours of research, I still did not have the answers that could bring me optimal emotional and physical healing.

Physically, my body felt foreign to me. I was inflamed, bloated, and had gained nearly twenty pounds. I lived in constant pain. I woke up hurting and went to bed hurting. I no longer recognized myself.

To the world, I wore my biggest smile. But behind closed doors, grief, tears, and sadness told a different story. I was exhausted from constantly pouring into others while my own cup remained empty.

Spiritually, I was broken. My faith was barely holding on. I questioned whether God had forgotten me—whether He still loved me. For someone as spiritually grounded as I am, those thoughts were the darkest place I had ever been.

Filming in the Midst of Pain

Then came the physical challenges of filming.

We were in a remote area of Costa Rica, surrounded by elements I was not accustomed to. I am severely allergic to mosquitoes, and despite repellents, avoiding bites was impossible. Between iguanas and tarantulas—creatures that terrified me—I was constantly pushed beyond my comfort zone. But that discomfort reflected how desperately I wanted healing.

During my stay, water was left on the hotel floor. I slipped, fell, and broke my collarbone and clavicle. The pain was enormous. Yet I persevered and continued filming for four more days. When you are desperate to escape pain, courage takes on a whole new meaning.

One of the most healing and surprising moments came through a woman named Lana, the owner of CO2 Lift. She showed up like an angel in my darkest hour. She offered me her products, and they worked—but more importantly, she offered compassion, support, and hope. She saw my pain. She held my hand when I felt weakest. Her kindness became one of the greatest shifts in my journey, and I will always love and respect her for that.

There were many times I wanted to quit.

Especially after my fall, when I allowed myself to be fully vulnerable on camera. All of the physical pain and emotional wounds poured out. I was terrified for that footage to be aired.

Menopause had changed my body and my face. I felt exposed. I felt embarrassed. I worried about judgment, especially since I had always prided myself on being “put together.”

I wanted to run.

But I didn’t.

• What is menopause?
• Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms
• How Fiona Staunton is Redefining Menopause Wellness

What the Journey Taught Me

Filming this documentary changed how I see myself, doctors, people, love, self-love, health, and sacrifice. It revealed truths about my unforgiveness, my boundaries, and how often I had neglected myself while caring for others.

I learned that there are still ethical, compassionate doctors who truly care. Dr. Sangeeta was not just a physician—she was a healer. When my shoulder pain became unbearable, she was there for me in ways I will never forget.

This journey also solidified my “Access Denied, Access Granted” philosophy. I learned that “no” is one of my most powerful words. My “no” is my “yes” to my health, my peace, and my purpose. Self-love means choosing what is healthiest for me—without guilt or regret.

I also reached a place of true forgiveness. A forgiveness that does not always include reconciliation, but one that brings freedom. Letting go released me.

What this journey revealed about my strength is that what I once believed was weakness was actually power. My vulnerability unleashed clarity. And that clarity allowed me to live the message of my eighth book, Access Denied, Access Granted.

Ironically, I once felt discouraged that my health and menopause prevented me from properly marketing that book. What I didn’t realize was that God was calling me to live the message first. Now, I can share it authentically with the world.

What I Hope Viewers Understand

I hope viewers understand that healing is not pretty. It is not linear. It does not follow a timeline.

Sometimes healing looks like tears, fear, exhaustion, and still choosing to show up.

You can be faithful and still feel broken. You can love God and still feel abandoned. You can be strong for everyone else and still be silently fighting for your life. None of that makes you weak. It makes you human.

Advocating for your health, your boundaries, and your peace is not selfish—it is necessary. Saying “no” can be an act of survival. Choosing yourself can be an act of courage.

Even in your lowest moments, purpose is still working. Even in pain, God is still present. Even when you feel forgotten, you are being prepared.

My story is not about perfection. It is about perseverance. It is about honoring my body, my heart, and my spirit. It is about choosing healing and wholeness—one brave step at a time.

If someone watching feels unseen, unheard, exhausted, or hopeless, I want them to know this:

You are not alone.
Your story matters.
Your healing matters.
And your breakthrough is still possible.

Where I Am Now

Today, I stand in a place of gratitude, strength, and renewed purpose.

I am free of cancer.

I have reclaimed my health—losing fifteen pounds, reducing inflammation, and learning to honor my body with patience and grace.

I was honored by MSN as one of the 10 Most Inspiring Women of 2026. I was recognized by Bold Journey Magazine and featured on the cover of Achievet Magazine. I am currently collaborating with the Winona Organization, continuing my mission to empower and uplift others.

In the last sixty days alone, I have traveled to Belize, Aruba, and Encinitas—moving through life with intention, joy, and restored energy.

I am continuing my hormone treatments with resilience and self-compassion. I am listening to my body, respecting its rhythm, and choosing what supports my long-term wellness.

Most importantly, I am learning to spend time with myself again—doing the things that make me smile, laugh, breathe, and feel whole.

I am no longer surviving.
I am living.

Dr.Michelle R Hannah For more info: https://www.theselfvows.com/