Jana's Chapter

Our Story Series

Jana is a registered nurse who loves singing in the car with her kids and spending time with her family at the beach. In 2019, she was diagnosed with stage 2 (triple negative) invasive ductal carcinoma and underwent chemotherapy for four months.

Jana had a right lumpectomy followed by radiation from January to March in 2020. Finally, she had oral chemotherapy from January to August 2020, and was officially considered to be in remission in May 2020. Now, Jana is currently having annual mammograms and MRI’s along with bi-annual checkups. She is in her second year of doing Zometa IV treatments every 6 months.

It is not brought to attention often enough the aftermath that many cancer patients experience mentally as a result of their diagnosis. Jana says the most physically demanding parts were chemotherapy, but the biggest hurdle was and is,

“...mentally and emotionally, I found it more difficult handling life after chemo/surgery. I fear that my cancer will come back and that takes a toll on me mentally but I spend as much time as I can keeping myself occupied and focusing my time, energy, and love on my family."

After going through treatment, Jana says it is important to have a strong support system through friends, family, support groups, or even coworkers. She shares her biggest motivators were her husband and two sons. While balancing cancer and the duties of motherhood, Jana has learned to take time for herself by picking up new hobbies or just prioritizing alone time.

“Prioritize what is important to you and just go with it. Breast cancer sucks but you don't. Try not to be so hard on yourself because your health and happiness comes first.”

Jana now likes to continue creating floral arrangements, practice brush lettering, cultivating her lei po’o skills, and partake in some good ‘ol pau hana time at the Beer Lab.

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A vital part of Breast Cancer Hawaii's mission is to foster a supportive community for those impacted by breast cancer. Sharing stories like these helps create a safe space for survivors and lets others know that they are not alone in their journey.

If you would like to contribute to the conversation, please contact us at hello@breastcancerhawaii.org.