June 8, 2025

Jennifer’s Mental Strength Living with Stage 3 Kidney and Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer

In 2023, Jennifer was blindsided by a dual diagnosis of stage 3 kidney cancer and stage 4 ovarian cancer. Her life was turned upside down in an instant. But rather than let fear take over, she leaned into the present moment and shifted her mindset toward gratitude, growth, and healing.

Jennifer’s story began with a mysterious, rapidly growing abdominal swelling, which led her to urgent care, then the ER, and finally a whirlwind of scans and surgery. Despite being healthy, active, and symptom-free weeks earlier, Jennifer’s world changed overnight.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

At first, Jennifer felt emotionally frozen. She was never explicitly told, “You have cancer,” but the weight of the diagnosis was undeniable. She didn’t even learn the exact staging until much later, intentionally avoiding medical reports to protect her mental well-being. Eventually, she discovered her stage 3 kidney cancer and stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnoses, but by then, her focus was already on healing.

One of the most striking parts of Jennifer’s story is how deeply isolation impacted her. With her daughter temporarily living with her father and no family close by, Jennifer went through nearly every step of surgery and chemotherapy alone. Yet, she also found a quiet strength in that solitude. It forced her to self-advocate, connect with supportive professionals like Dr. James Kendrick, and trust her own resilience.

Physically, the process was intense. Jennifer underwent major surgery that removed multiple organs, including her kidney, gallbladder, spleen, and reproductive system. Still, she recovered surprisingly well and chose to forgo heavy pain meds out of caution, relying mostly on acetaminophen and the support of her spiritual community.

Her mental and emotional recovery became just as important. She prioritized walking, listening to her body, and staying emotionally grounded.

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of staying present, advocating for yourself, and refusing to let a diagnosis define who you are. While there are days she still feels afraid, especially around scan times, her approach remains one of empowerment and emotional honesty.

The road ahead includes continued monitoring, a PARP inhibitor regimen, and lifelong surveillance. But what keeps her grounded is her daughter, her deepened gratitude, and her determination not to let fear take the wheel.

Jennifer’s advice to others? Don’t let yourself spiral. Let your mindset lead with curiosity, strength, and presence. You’re allowed to feel everything, but you’re also capable of more than you know.

Watch the video to find out more about Jennifer’s story:

What the worst part of her cancer experience was (it wasn’t surgery or chemo)
Why she refused to look at her medical records after diagnosis.
What helped her cope when the hospital room was quiet and fear was loud.
Why she couldn’t say the C-word and how she found her strength.
How she turned fear, isolation, and uncertainty into radical gratitude and growth.

Name:
- Jennifer W.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 52
Diagnosis:
- Kidney Cancer and Ovarian Cancer
Staging:
- Stage 3 (Kidney Cancer) and Stage 4 (Ovarian Cancer)
Mutation:
- BRCA1
Symptom:
- Abdominal bloating
Treatments:
- Surgeries: hysterectomy, splenectomy, nephrectomy (left kidney removed), cholecystectomy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy: PARP inhibitor

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Jennifer!

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How Biomarkers and the NanoKnife Offered Elise New Hope in Her Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

When Elise was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2012, she never expected to be utilizing emerging pancreatic cancer treatments. Through biomarker testing and a newer procedure called the NanoKnife, Elise found options—and hope. 13 years later, she describes the experience as “a gift in a strange package,” which shows how she found purpose through pain and resilience despite the hardship.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Elise’s symptoms began with persistent pain, indigestion, and unintentional weight loss. After countless doctor visits, a CT scan with contrast revealed a large tumor near her pancreas, confirming the diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Her relentless push for answers underscores the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare.

Elise’s experience also highlights the significant role of genetic and molecular testing, commonly called biomarker testing. She was found to be BRCA2-positive (this is a genetic mutation linked to increased cancer risk). This revelation not only clarified her diagnosis but also opened doors to targeted treatments. She received chemotherapy, radiation, and an innovative procedure called irreversible electroporation, which helped eliminate her tumor.

Through it all, Elise’s positive attitude became her anchor. Her doctor’s encouraging words and approach provided her with the mental strength to face each day. This highlights how crucial a doctor’s words can be in shaping a patient’s mindset. Elise’s faith, family support, and the unwavering belief in hope played key roles in her recovery.

Elise’s stage 4 pancreatic cancer story emphasizes the need for advocacy, the importance of biomarker testing, and the power of optimism. She passionately advises others diagnosed with pancreatic cancer to seek second opinions, advocate for themselves, and never give up hope. As she beautifully puts it, “Hope trumps fear.”

Watch Elise’s video and find out more about:

How numerous doctor visits turned into a miracle in her fight against stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
The simple words from a doctor that transformed Elise’s outlook.
Why biomarker testing can be life-changing for cancer patients.
How her positive attitude and faith fueled her recovery.
The innovative procedure that helped save Elise’s life.

Name:
- Elise T.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 43
Diagnosis:
- Pancreatic Cancer
Staging:
- Stage 4
Symptoms:
- Severe and persistent back and stomach pain
- Weight loss
- Indigestion
Treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery: irreversible electroporation
- Radiation therapy