The Face Of Breast Cancer, A Personal Story From Jen Hansel
Jen Hansel began her career in the mortgage industry eight years ago, excelling in coordinating with borrowers, realtors, and title companies to ensure smooth loan processing and underwriting. Her dedication to providing an exceptional customer experience is well-known. However, beyond her professional life, Jen has faced a personal battle with breast cancer that has profoundly impacted her and everyone around her.
A Life Changing Diagnosis
Jen’s story took a dramatic turn on November 14, 2018, during a routine mammogram. She recalls telling Erin, a senior mortgage advisor and close friend, that she just needed to get this done before the holidays. Two days later, she received a call for further testing. The radiologist’s words were alarming: “I cannot tell what this is. You need to go for a biopsy.”
I cannot tell what this is. You need to go for a biopsy.
On December 2, Jen underwent a biopsy, and by December 5, 2018, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The surgeon at Johns Hopkins confirmed that Jen had HER2-positive and estrogen-positive invasive ductal carcinoma. HER2 is an aggressive type of cancer, but thankfully, it was caught early.
After seeing a surgeon from John Hopkins, I learned I had HER2 positive and estrogen positive invasive ductal carcinoma. HER2 is a very aggressive kind of cancer but we caught it early. Lots of tears and unknowns.
The Battle Begins
Faced with uncertainty and fear, Jen prepared for a double mastectomy, scheduled for January 25, 2019. In early March, she had a port placed in her chest and began 12 rounds of Taxol chemotherapy, along with a year of Herceptin, a targeted immunotherapy with high success rates for HER2-positive cancer. Although HER2-positive cancer is aggressive, the targeted chemotherapy offered hope.
Being HER2 is scary because it’s aggressive, but my doctor said it was good because then I could get the targeted chemotherapy.
During her treatment, Jen used the Dignicap, a scalp cooling system that helped save 70% of her hair. Despite the pain and long days, Jen was grateful for the Dignicap, as retaining her hair made her feel less sick. She completed her Taxol treatment on June 6 and celebrated the milestone. However, July and August brought new challenges, as she lost her eyelashes and eyebrows.
The Dignicap made me feel less sick keeping my hair. I finished Taxol on June 6th and celebrated that day!
Looking Forward
Jen continued with six more months of Herceptin and underwent reconstruction surgery. Her ultimate goal was to hear the words “Cancer FREE!” Throughout her journey, Jen found immense support from her family and friends. She even started an Instagram page, Dignicap Jen’s Story, to share her experience and help others navigate chemotherapy and the Dignicap process.
Raising Awareness and Funds
Jen’s battle with breast cancer has deeply resonated with The Yi Team. Fundraising for the American Cancer Society has become more important than ever. Jen is one of over 266,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and her story drives our commitment to fight this disease from every angle. Join us in supporting this cause by donating today at Chong Wears Pink. Together, we can make a difference. #menwearpink