Meet Jana Geyer

We were lucky to catch up with Jana Geyer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jana, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Being diagnosed with breast cancer at 33 years old definitely put my life’s purpose into perspective. I was misdiagnosed for 1 year because I was not being taken seriously or given the proper diagnostic screening. Not only did I feel that I needed to be more present with my family, especially my daughter, I knew I was supposed to help others going through this terrible diagnosis. My purpose is to help others navigate their cancer diagnosis but more importantly become their own health advocates.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I created The #checkyourself Movement because I did not want other young women to be dismissed or ignored when presenting cancer symptoms to their providers. I wanted to be a voice and advocate for these women to get the testing and care they deserve so if they do get diagnosed with breast cancer it would be caught as early as possible. For me, my diagnosis was delayed because of neglect and I am now a Stage 4 breast cancer patient. Although I am in active treatment, I am thriving! I have a wonderful job as a Medical Administrator and Patient Advocate for a New York based Healthcare non-profit, I am a mother to an amazing 9 year old daughter, a wife to an incredible husband, surrounded by loving friends and family. What I do is directly a by product of my diagnosis. I am dedicated to helping others at their most vulnerable moments. I feel so passionate in educating patients of their rights, helping them ask the right questions, making sure they are receiving the proper care and making sure they follow through with their necessary appointments and procedures. I accompany patients to their infusions, lead support groups, speak to college students, lead speaking engagements for company’s both large and small. I am determined to help as many people as I can, as long as I am still here to do it!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Qualities/Skills:
Determination /Health literacy
Leaning on trusted loved ones
Celebrating the wins

I was determined to learn everything there was about my diagnosis. It allowed me to become knowledgeable, engage in conversation with my providers instead of taking a back seat and understand medical terminology. It also allowed me to have some control during a time when I felt I had none.

Allowing myself to accept help, both physical and emotional. If you are lucky to have a support system allow them to comfort you and help you. It does not mean you are weak or a victim. Accepting the help allows you to heal and get stronger.

Celebrate every good feeling day! Embrace the small, beautiful aspects of life and enjoy good news! Good bloodwork, good scans… it all deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

In the past 12 months I have grown spiritually and emotionally. I think my love for life, appreciation of the small but important things has really allowed me to thrive with this diagnosis. I truly feel like I embrace every day with a grateful heart. I also do not allow insignificant things bother me. I do not let them take my joy. I have learned how to move on from the negative energy and only give my attention to what means something to me, what motivates me and what brings joy to my life. I am so happy to be here.

Contact Info:

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