#BraveLikeJenn
Name: Jennifer L Rosato Perea
Age: 60
Diagnosis: Lung Cancer Stage 1/EGFR Mutation
Years of Survivorship: 5 Months
Location: Chicago, IL
Follow Jennifer on Instagram.
How has running or staying physically active affected your cancer journey?
Running has meant everything in my recovery from a lobectomy (right lower lobe) in February 2022. I first learned I had lung cancer through an incidental finding on an MRI. I had no symptoms of lung cancer, and months before my diagnosis, I had started to run half marathons. The diagnosis was unexpected as I was a non-smoker and a runner of over 20 years.
My first question for my doctors was, “will I ever run again?” Running has defined me—I’m known by my students as the “running dean”—and it is critical to my mental and physical health. When I was diagnosed, I looked for examples of survivors who continue to run (especially half marathons or marathons) and found only a few examples on the internet. And when my first team of doctors could not assure me that I would run long distances again, I sought a second opinion. Thankfully, the second team had treated non-smoker women like me and promised me that I would run again.
A few weeks post-surgery, I started back with running short distances, slowly. I was discouraged because I would gag and cough after about a mile or two. I wondered if I could run with joy again. Slowly, but surely I increased my mileage, taking a similar approach to my half marathon training. As I was still training, I decided to change my race registration from a 10K to a half marathon because I thought I could do it. Also my four-month surveillance appointment was approaching, so I registered for another race in June as a 2nd goal. I did both. I was not as fast as before, but I ran every step.
My doctors cleared me to run the NYC Marathon, which I plan to run in support of lung cancer research. Now, I have realized that I did not find many lung cancer survivors who are runners because there are not many… yet. I hope to support research that will increase the lifespan and quality of life for lung cancer survivors like me.
What advice do you have for people on staying fit throughout their cancer treatment or recovery?
Generally, build up slowly and listen to your body. I started exercising on a stationary bike to get my lungs a bit stronger before I felt comfortable heading out on a run. When my lungs had enough, they told me—with coughing, gagging, and shortness of breath—and I’d slow down, but tried not to stop. It was very disappointing at first, not being able to run as far or as fast as I had before the surgery, but it was important for me to understand that I am now in a different body. I need to “reset the presets” and get the PRs for my new body. I set a goal for months ahead and then broke it down into runs (distance and speed) that I need to reach my goal, one day at a time. I also recommend cross-training when you can to keep the entire body strong.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments since being diagnosed with cancer?
Some of my proudest accomplishments include running two half marathons within 4 months of lobectomy. Also, as a regular public speaker, I struggled to speak in larger settings the first few months without a microphone. Now, I speak without a microphone—with volume and confidence—and I am so proud of this accomplishment.
What is a meaningful memory you had with your experience with cancer?
A meaningful memory is when my surgeon and her team understood my desire to be active. This taught me the importance of having a supportive team, knowing what you want, and having the hard conversations of the short and long-term effects. My initial consultation did not have the same support and faith, and I have learned that it made all the difference to have faith and confidence from your healthcare provider.
How has Gabe's story impacted you or changed the way you view life as a cancer patient/survivor?
Gabe’s strength, hope and determination to run through her illness is truly inspirational. My motto is to “fight for it” (like with running, speaking) as Gabe did throughout her journey with cancer.
What does being #BraveLikeJenn mean to you?
Being #BraveLikeJenn is to be honest and persistent, always seeking the best quality of life which includes running.
What are you most looking forward to in the near future?
I look forward to running and enjoying my family.
Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you?
I am a leader in my university institution and I’ve found it interesting to experience people’s reactions to my cancer diagnosis. Many are not sure how to respond, probably because they do not know someone with lung cancer who has survived and has continued to work and run hard. When I talk to folks about my diagnosis, surgery and recovery, most people just want to change the subject. I think it is important to be transparent about my disease, to connect with people, and grow their awareness of cancer and survival. Surviving cancer looks like me!
