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“When I was 24 years old I was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer- de novo. I had just started my dream job as a labor and delivery nurse. My whole life I have loved helping people, and I was now being able to bring life and love into the world.  Not long after starting this position, I noticed a cutie clementine sized lump in my left breast. After many doctors appointments and imaging, I was initially put off given my age and that this lump was something benign. This radiologist even told me to follow up with another mammogram in 10 years. If I had just stopped there and listened to that radiologist, I would probably be dead before my 10 year check up. Luckily I didn’t accept his diagnosis, advocated for myself and went to further doctors- who did not agree with the mammogram results. Many scans and biopsies and doctors later I was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer that metastasized to the lymph nodes, liver, and spine. Upon this diagnosis, I knew I had to take my professional background and make lemonade out of lemons. I want to spread awareness to younger adults and help them be an advocate for their own health.  If my diagnosis could help just one person then that’s all I want.I am now 26 years old, married to my best friend, still working as a nurse but in a different setting, and learning to navigate a “normal 20- something year old life” while also being a patient of a terminal disease. I have learned to live and appreciate each moment life has to offer and do what’s best for my body through conventional and alternative therapies. I am very passionate of raising awareness of this disease, researching, and hoping for a day that this disease is something you can have a long normal life with.If you’re interested on learning more or want to follow my journey, follow me on instagram @journeyofjenn”