Don't even try to tell me something is impossible: Meet @janemc

Dec 4 8:01am | Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Comments (24)

Member spotlight, meet @janemc

TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?

@janemc: After my diagnosis, I wanted to learn as much as I could about essential thrombocythemia (ET). My primary care physician knew nothing about it and my busy oncologist had no time to educate me.

TERESA: What motivates you to take part in Mayo Clinic Connect?

@janemc: Two reasons. First, I will never forget how scared I was upon diagnosis. I want to be there for others who've just learned they have something they didn't even know was possible

Second, again and again, I've gotten such helpful and encouraging support from other members (especially @loribmt and @nohrt4me). I would love to return the favor whenever possible.

TERESA: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?

@janemc: Even for an extreme introvert like me, this forum feels safe. Without revealing my name or my face, I can still try to help others, just as others have helped me.

TERESA: What support groups do you participate in?

@janemc: You’ll find me in the Blood Cancers & Disorders support group. I monitor any discussion relating to myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), especially ET.

TERESA: Tell us about a meaningful moment you've experienced on Mayo Clinic Connect.

@janemc: To put it simply, Mayo Clinic Connect gave me back my hope. Just learning that others were 10, 15 or more years into their ET diagnosis made such a difference to me.

TERESA: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?

@janemc: I was surprised to find I'm not the only one confused and scared by my diagnosis. I have learned so much from others here. It's this forum — not my doctors — that keeps me going strong.

TERESA: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@janemc: Working hard to help animals gives meaning to my life. Did you know that dogs can get ET too?

TERESA: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@janemc: I love long walks, swimming laps, and reading books.

TERESA: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?

@janemc: I used to be a stubborn redhead. The red is gone, but the stubborn remains. Don't even try to tell me something is impossible. 🙂

TERESA: What do you love about where you live or vacation?

@janemc: I love the isolation and quiet here in the mountains of Virginia.

TERESA: Puppies or kittens?

@janemc: Both! I've been an animal rescuer since the 1990s. I have had the great privilege of helping thousands of cats and dogs find their forever homes.

Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Mayo Clinic Connect members. Learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet. Nominate a member you think should share the spotlight.

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Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Dec 4 9:26am

Hi @janemc! Seeing you in the Spotlight this morning just had me beaming from ear to ear. What a special privilege it is to learn more about you, so thank you for opening up your life to Teresa for the interview.
As one of the mentors for the Blood Cancers & Disorders Group, I so appreciate (and look forward to) reading daily, your encouraging, informational and supportive messages to other members who have ET (essential thrombocythemia) or MPN disorders (myeloproliferative neoplasms) You’ve learned so much about your own diagnosis and it’s incredibly helpful to pay that knowledge forward. It’s members like you who help contribute to the success of this amazing Connect forum!

I chuckled at your being a stubborn red head! You and my friend (fellow mentor and redhead) @gingerw, could share some stories there, I’m sure. I know she’s stubborn and tenacious as a mule! ☺️

Even more heartwarming are the thousands of dog and cats you’ve helped over the decades. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a pet rescuer. Each one of those little furry lives is so precious.

From one extreme introvert to another, thank you for sharing a little more about yourself with us. See you in the halls of Connect!

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Dec 4 10:59am

@janemc I enjoyed reading your spotlight. I love animals too and have taken in a rescued horse and 5 shelter cats who are very attached to me. I have also learned a lot about training animals and helping them get along.

Like you, I pay back my great experience as a Mayo patient by helping members understand their diagnosis and the fear of it here on Connect. That is mostly in the Spine group since my introduction to Mayo was for spine surgery. I did a lot to overcome my fear that at first was consuming me. Conquering fear was a great lesson and changed my life in many ways leading to confidence in how I navigate my life now. Long ago, I was very shy, but that version on me seems so far away now.

For what we as patients have achieved, Connect gives us space to express our gratitude.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Dec 4 11:42am

@janemc Like you I will never forget the fear I felt when I received the diagnosis of endometrial cancer. There were no options available for treatment where I live and so I asked for a referral to Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Before I met with my surgeon (gynecological oncology) the ambiguity of what was ahead felt unbearable. By the time I went into surgery only a few days later I felt less anxious because I was doing something about the diagnosis.

I hang out in the Gynecological Cancers Support Group. I pop into other groups when I think I may have a contribution. When I can help with additional information then I do that. But I think most of all I want to be the person who "listens" and be present for a member. Just what you said.

Thank you for all the rescues you've been involved in over the years. We have had cats and dogs in our family and right now we have two geriatric cats. I cannot imagine our home without our furry family.

Thank you for your presence and support with our Connect members.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 4 2:14pm

@janemc

I so appreciate the opportunity to interview for this Connect Spotlight. A cancer diagnosis is frightening, and I'm glad that you found support here on Connect. I'm so glad that you stayed with Connect, and you are now supporting others who are facing a similar cancer journey.

Members like you make Connect a great place to find and also give support along life's road.

wutoppo67 | @wutoppo67 | Dec 4 5:33pm

Nominate a member

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Dec 4 5:45pm

It’s wonderful meeting the -person who does animal rescue! All of my dogs were rescues and I always felt good bringing them home. The last one was my favorite, though. When I first met him, I thought he was the ugliest dog I’d ever seen. He barely had any fur, bad cataracts, hard of hearing, no teeth so his tongue hung out all the time, and shaking all over. But, he was so adorable, I just had to bring him home! He only weighed 14-15 pounds , so I had a lot of fattening up to do. He was found on the streets in Houston. He lived with us for 4 years before he just gave out.
So thank you for doing what you do! I couldn’t adopt if you haven’t rescued!

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 4 7:03pm

In reply to @wutoppo67 "Nominate a member" + (show)

@wutoppo67, you're right. If there is a member who has helped you and you would like to see interviewed for a Member Spotlight, you can submit your nomination to the Moderating Team here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

I see you are a new member. If you have questions about getting started on Mayo Clinic Connect and how to find a support group related to your health issues, see the Help Center https://connect.mayoclinic.org/help-center/

rivermaya34 | @rivermaya34 | Dec 4 10:59pm

@janemc I'm a stubborn redhead, too!! 😉 Welcome friend - so glad you're here!

ddn | @ddn | Dec 5 6:04am

To all the lovely people here on Mayo Connect, I wish you the warmest, healthiest, and Merriest Christmas and New Year. Thank you for all the encouragement 🙂