Life can change in an instant.
After her annual mammogram, Jennifer Severance was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer — the most aggressive form of breast cancer. Triple negative breast cancers are less responsive to traditional treatments, and generally have a higher rate of recurrence.
“As a single mom to three children, this was an extremely frightening time in my life as I wrestled with my diagnosis and, ultimately, my mortality,” Jennifer said.
Over two years, Jennifer’s medical journey included five surgeries, four months of oral chemotherapy and IV chemotherapy, and a clinical trial at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.
“I never even considered receiving my care anywhere other than OHSU,” Jennifer said. “I had my twins at OHSU and received amazing care for myself and for them at Doernbecher and there was really no other option for me when it came to my journey.”
Today, Jennifer is in good health and is transitioning into a cancer survivor. In her spare time, Jennifer loves to hike, take road trips and cook.
Hear from Jennifer, in her own words, about her medical journey at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.
Discovery | Patient Care
A new era of cancer care
OHSU is leading us into a new age of understanding a disease that has afflicted humans from the very beginning.
Health Equity | Patient Care
Bridging gaps in cervical cancer care
Medical sociologist Cirila Estela Vasquez Guzman, Ph.D., promotes health equity through her research.
Patient Care
Doernbecher’s impact throughout the decades
We had the chance to catch up with a few former Doernbecher patients and their families, reflecting on how their experiences at the hospital changed their health and futures for the better.
