PERFORMER JASMINE SHEN FACES KIDNEY DISEASE WITH COURAGE AND COMMUNICATION
“I feel like Go Be More is how much you can do, in your current situation, in the state that you are in, at that moment in time—no matter how big or small.”
From an early age, Jasmine Shen had plans for her life that included being on stage, working hard, and pursuing her passions.
They certainly did not include a serious health diagnosis.
But with composure and courage beyond her years, she is facing a future that includes uncertainty, relapses, and unwelcome medications. It’s hard to NOT be inspired by this young woman’s positive and authentic perspective.
SHOW NOTES
(4:51) Communication is key…
(8:13) Stressed to the max at 12 and losing hair…
(10:50) Breaking the news to Dad of wanting to be a performer…
(15:30) “And I remember sitting next to my mom and whispering to her because I didn’t want to interrupt, ‘Mom, that’s what I want to do. What they’re doing on the stage I want to do.’” The inspiration of the Lion King musical…
(19:14) Pressures of school and dance and legs feeling tight…
(23:31) Ridiculously tired…
(25:00) “…the annoying thing about kidney disease is that you can look at someone and not know they have it because actually, we look very normal.”
(26:18) Chronic fatigue, chronic crying, and puffy eyes…
(29:11) A misdiagnosis, high levels of albumin, and an urgent need to go to the hospital…
(35:44) The first time staying overnight in the hospital…
(39:06) Kidney biopsy experiences for Jon and Jasmine…
(46:16) The diagnosis of Minimal Change Disease…
(48:05) “…so you’re going to go on this drug called prednisone, it’s a steroid and you’re going to get fat.” An uncaring doctor’s declaration…
(50:56) Prednisone and it’s many unpleasant side effects…
(54:05) Developing an eating disorder in the midst of dealing with prednisone…
(56:20) Refusal of a hospital counselor and the advice Jasmine would give to someone now…
(59:35) “… you know what, Jaz, you just have to suck it up because some people out there in the world who have the same condition as you can’t even afford medication.”Coming to terms with the knowledge of a relapse…
(1:06:06) Facing the unknown…
(1:08:22) Wise words from Dad…
(1:11:13) What does Go Be More mean to you?
If you liked this episode, check out our interviews with Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation founder Andi Callaway or listen to Jon’s Kidney Disease Story.
Recorded October 28, 2020.
References:
Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation – website
Guest:
Jasmine Shen – Instagram
LOVE THE POD? LEAVE US A REVIEW ON ITUNES!
It’s the best way to help us grow, and we’ve made it super easy. Just click here: iTunes Ratings and Review
