When you go to the doctor, you expect that they will do everything in their power to make you feel better. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. This story highlights the importance of self-advocacy and the life-saving power of trusting your gut instinct. Jen Curran, a new mom, was dismissed by her doctor who told her to lose weight to fix her symptoms. However, Jen’s intuition led her to seek a second opinion, uncovering a far more serious underlying issue — bone marrow cancer.
Jen Curran’s Story: The Beginning
In 2019, Jen Curran was excited about becoming a new mother. Like many expectant mothers, she was vigilant about her health and followed her doctor’s advice closely. During her second trimester, her medical team detected high protein levels in her urine, a common sign of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure.
The Dismissive Diagnosis
Despite being put on bed rest for three months, Jen’s protein levels remained unusually high. After giving birth, her obstetrician recommended she see a kidney specialist. The specialist dismissed her concerns, attributing the high protein levels to her weight. “Lose weight, and it will go away,” the doctor told her, brushing off her symptoms as post-pregnancy complications that could take up to a year to resolve.
Jen, however, felt that something was not right. She knew her body and felt that her symptoms were not typical post-pregnancy issues. Frustrated and feeling unheard, she decided to seek a second opinion.
Trusting Her Instincts
Jen’s decision to consult another kidney specialist turned out to be life-saving. The new doctor took her concerns seriously, examining her lab results more thoroughly. Upon reviewing her tests, the doctor immediately recognized that her condition was far more serious than just a weight issue. “This is not good,” the new doctor said. “There’s nothing diet or exercise can do to touch it.”
The new specialist ordered a kidney biopsy, which revealed unusual markers in her blood. Jen was then referred to a hematologist-oncologist for further testing, which included a bone marrow biopsy.
The Shocking Diagnosis
The bone marrow biopsy results were devastating: Jen had multiple myeloma, a rare form of bone marrow cancer. “Shocking. Gut-wrenching. I have a 5-month-old baby,” Jen shared. “I’m not even 40 years old.” Her diagnosis was a stark reminder of how critical it is to listen to your body and seek second opinions when something feels off.