Lacuna Loft is excited to continue introducing more young adult voices! These great folks represent a variety of perspectives on the myriad of topics covered here at Lacuna Loft. Before everyone starts really getting into the nitty-gritty of all they have to say, we wanted to introduce them a bit. Without further ado, here is Jei!
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Hi! My name is Jeanette, but you can call me Jei. I was diagnosed with Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in late 2014, the “easy” cancer. Boy, am I tired of hearing that! I received ABVD as treatment, 6 cycles were scheduled but by my 4th I’d had a clean scan, that was followed by 17 rounds of radiation. Still, the chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has left me with lasting side effects, like neuropathy, weak lungs and chemo brain. I’ve been through a lot, from the initial misdiagnosis to the loss of a pregnancy at 12 weeks. I am an Army wife of 12 years (yikes), and a mom to two lovely and adoring children, 3 dogs and a dramatic kitten (as if there is any other kind). I work full time in Visual Merchandising and enjoy writing on my down time, in my little quiet space at home.
My home is where the Army sends us, right now, were getting a taste of southern hospitality and you know? I kind of like it. My ability to not only adapt, but thrive makes me a survivor. Cancer, is just another hurdle.
I hope that by sharing my story I can bring awareness, not only in regards to cancer but over-all health, as well as medical care. I struggled to be diagnosed, then again during diagnosis to be heard and now that I’m a “survivor”, I am faced daily with people who expect me to return to my old self. I’ve had to be my own “patient’s advocate” when others wouldn’t advocate for me, and yes, at times I too have failed myself. Stick around, I have a lot to tell.
“I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.”
-Maya Angelou
