Jessica’s surgeon in Dallas recommended the Whipple procedure, involving removal of part of the pancreas, stomach, gallbladder, and small intestine. Surgery lasted 6 hours, followed by a week-long hospital stay marked by complications, from which she swiftly recovered due to her youth. Post-surgery, tests revealed clear lymph nodes, no metastasis, and a staging of 1B. Genetic testing ruled out hereditary links for her pancreatic cancer, attributing her condition to “bad luck.”

Jessica reflected on the mental toll of her experience, balancing her military career, family, and health challenges. She leaned on her husband and family for emotional support, embracing vulnerability and setting boundaries for her mental well-being. She also faced impostor syndrome, struggling with her comparatively “easier” journey.

Jessica’s post-surgery life includes regular bloodwork and scans to monitor nutrient absorption and detect recurrence. She highlights the importance of patient advocacy and early detection, emphasizing that her incidental diagnosis may have saved her life. She advocates for awareness of rare cancers and shares her story, including on her Instagram account, to inspire others to prioritize their health and validate their emotions during medical challenges.

Jessica’s message: cancer journeys differ, but all experiences are valid. She urges others to seek care for any symptom, however minor, and hopes that sharing her rare diagnosis raises awareness and empowers others to take control of their own health.