Jennifer Rose McGhin is 38 years old and from Offerman, Georgia. She and her husband, Andrew, have been married 16 years and have two daughters, Bre 11 and Blakely 8. She lives on a small farm with all of the animals that make her happy, along with her family that she loves dearly. McGhin and her husband have just built a beautiful farmhouse with an inviting porch swing for lots of sunrise coffee and fresh air with the cool temperatures ahead.
McGhin is currently two years into triple positive metastatic, invasive ductal carcinoma. Metastatic is also known as stage 4 cancer. Her cancer has spread to her bones and to her brain. She has been an amazing warrior and I feel honored to call her my friend. Although we met through dire circumstances, Jennifer McGhin has taught me so much more about how to survive cancer through attitude and faith than any treatment could have. Her determination and strength, while trusting Jesus are amazing. I’m sure her story will bless you as it has already blessed me and so many others in such a short period of time.
IN HER OWN WORDS: I worked in the medical field for 12 plus years as a respiratory therapist. My breast lump was discovered sometime in the last 4 years of my career. I didn’t give it much thought because I did have doctors, nurse practitioners and sonographers examine it and all seemed to think it was “okay and normal.” However, it started to get larger and began to have sensations in the spring of 2022. I went for my yearly gynecological appointment and my doctor agreed to order a mammogram. I was officially diagnosed in August of 2022 after a tissue biopsy was done of the lump.
My initial response to the words, “YOU HAVE CANCER” was pure shock! I truly had started to focus on my well being after having my second child in 2016 and felt much healthier than I had ever felt before. Everything happened so quickly. My first oncology appointment came roughly a week after my biopsy where they would suggest I get the most aggressive treatment. This would look like 5 months of chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, mastectomy and possibly a hysterectomy. I was more distraught by the treatment than my initial diagnosis. I truly felt led to explore different treatments. I wrestled with what kind of treatment was best for me, so I decided to get a few opinions and start researching. In the meantime, I met a dear friend that introduced me to a European treatment, mistletoe ther-apy, and was later lead to Dr. Mark Hancock, MD, MPH at Humanizing Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. There I started integrative medicine using a more holistic approach. I did mistletoe, cucumin, resveratrol, quercetin, high dose vitamin C, and many others. During the next three months I went to this facility multiple times weekly. Here I met the most amazing people with the most touching and encouraging stories. Here I was able to sit with people that beat the odds and were now LIVING with cancer of all kinds. Here I felt more alive and hopeful than ever before. This place had the most beautiful energy. I felt restored each time I left to come home.
I am now two plus years from my diagnosis and am currently labeled as a stage 4 cancer patient that is incurable and receive infusions every three weeks. I have had a double mastectomy, received targeted immunotherapy, and I am currently on a low dose targeted chemotherapy through Coffee Regional Oncology Center, with Dr. Eric Anderson as my local oncologist, along with continuing my mistletoe therapy through Dr. Hancock in Atlanta.
Cancer is truly a rollercoaster in which you are on a physical, mental, and emotional health ride. I am surrounded by beautiful, encouraging groups of people on my ‘Jenn’s Journey’ Facebook page where I share updates from time to time. These people have been so uplifting throughout my entire journey. My family, friends, church, and local community have provided endless love and support through it all.
Allowing people to bless me and my family during this process made all the difference. It allowed me to pursue a treatment I would not have otherwise been able to. I am so encouraged by sisters that have walked through this disease prior to my journey. I also believe that leaning into God and His word guides you down the path meant for you and helps you connect with those that you are meant to connect with.
My advice to a newly diagnosed person would be to try not to make decisions from fear or too quickly. It is okay to pause, process, think, and pray before you decide. It’s always okay to say “NO” even if others don’t understand and always advocate for yourself and your family.
Cancer isn’t easy and changes many things from those initial words to post treatment. It’s a constant struggle to maintain positive and persevere. Lean into God, stay close to fellow believers, and let them lift you. Remember God is with you and will guide you if you allow. Believe BIGGER my friends!
Faces of Hope Correction: A previous story about Larry Chestnut of Douglas stated Dr. Eric Anderson of Coffee County Regional Medical Center advised Chestnut not to seek further treatment.
This statement is untrue. Anderson did advise Chestnut to seek further treatment however, Chestnut chose not to, a decision he later regretted. Our sincere apologies to Dr. Anderson and Mr. Chestnut.
