Feb 21 2023
Surviving Cancer, COVID and Heart Failure with Jen Singer
After several misdiagnoses, Jen Singer was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. During her treatment, she was blogging about parenthood for Good Housekeeping and began writing about her cancer experience. That inspired her to become a full-time medical writer. Listen in to learn more about Jen's journey with cancer, COVID, and heart failure. You'll also hear in detail how she's used empathy to become an award-winning medical writer. What You'll Learn: Jen Singer is introduced. (2:35) There were several misdiagnoses before Jen got diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. (4:05) After being rushed to the hospital, Jen got a second opinion. (9:45) When she finally got the correct diagnosis, Jen's first thoughts were her daughters. (11:00) Having an honest doctor was everything for Jen. (13:48) After recovering from COVID, Jen went into heart failure. (16:45) Jen laughs about learning the difference between the oncology floor and cardiology floor. (18:50) The term heart failure is terrifying for many people. (22:10) Anger is a common feeling when patients have multiple big diagnoses in their life. (23:00) Asking smart, specific questions about your treatment is important. (26:45) Seeing terrified patients, Jen was inspired to create "The Just Diagnosed Guides" (27:40) "How is it for you today?" is a great question to ask patients. (30:26) Healthcare providers need to be careful about what they say. (33:25) Ideas worth sharing: "I wrote a script to call different pulmonologist offices." - Jen Singer "When you see something concerning, doctors should say, "That's odd we should investigate." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell "The whole thing was how can I get the right treatment as fast as possible, and how can I protect my family from people saying things that aren't always helpful." - Jen Singer "Googling your symptoms is never a good idea when you don't know what you're looking for." - Jen Singer "The more dangerous the diagnosis, the more opinions you should seek." - Jen Singer "We're taught how to be healthy, not how to be sick." - Jen Singer Resources: Rosalyn Morrell, MD: Website Jen Singer: Website