6x Cancer Survivor Shares Advice for Patients During Treatment

Christopher Jenkins, a 47-year-old from Cassopolis, Michigan, has faced six cancers since 1999 and continues treatment for his latest diagnosis with chemotherapy every 21 days. Despite years of medical challenges, including congestive heart failure, kidney issues and an autoimmune condition, he remains focused on life and family.

Jenkins credits his three young children as his main source of motivation. Because of prior treatments, he and his wife, Miranda, relied on modern medical procedures to have their children, an outcome he calls a blessing.

In a recent interview with CURE, Jenkins shared advice for patients newly diagnosed or undergoing treatment. He encourages leaning into life and finding support, trusting your doctors, and recognizing when the fit isn’t right. He stresses the importance of conserving energy for moving forward rather than fear, and holding onto the belief that you will make it through — even when the journey is painful.

Transcript

What advice would you give to a patient who was just diagnosed or is going through treatment, and who might not have obvious support or love?

I always say, lean in, lean in and smile. What’s going to happen is going to happen. It’s out of our hands. The universe has a plan for all of us. Sometimes that plan isn’t what you’d like it to be, but you have to trust that it’s happening for a reason. It might suck, but something will come out of it.

A big part is making sure you trust your doctors and that you’re in sync with them. I’ve had four diagnoses, and you just know when you don’t click with your doctor. Being comfortable with someone you’re trusting with your life helps tremendously.

I wish I could say I have all the answers, but I think it’s okay to be afraid — just don’t let it take over. You have a limited amount of energy, so don’t waste it on fear and sadness. You need that energy to move forward. If I had wallowed in everything I’ve been through, I probably wouldn’t be here talking to you right now. It would have consumed me.

You have to believe you’re going to get through it. As hard and painful as it is, you have to believe you’ll come out the other side, probably a lot wiser and with a much better perspective on life.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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