Josie van Londen suffers from two interlinked mitochondrialRelated to the mitochondria. conditions she was diagnosed with as an adult, at the height of her career as an oncologist. Despite her diagnosis and the changes she had to make in her life and career, Josie continues to create meaning in her life in the way she knows best— helping those living and beating cancer.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
Can you share what your diagnostic journey has been like?
I worked as a medical oncologist, treating and caring for newly diagnosed cancer patients. This was important to me and is still a large part of my identity. Over the years, my stamina was less and less without explanation. My energy was compromised at work and I gave up one thing after another. After Covid, I left the hospital on an accelerated course to a wheelchair. Then I started having trouble breathing, sitting up and talking. I scheduled an appointment with a mitochondrial specialistA doctor that focuses on one branch of medicine. and I received a diagnosis, which helped me better understand the symptoms I had been experiencing for years.
What inspired a career in oncology?
I grew up in the Netherlands and they don’t have college there. You go straight into the school of the profession you’ve chosen when you graduate school. I wanted to be in medicine because I was motivated to understand the body and I wanted to interact with other people. I like mysteries and find the work to be interesting. I appreciate the difference you can make in someone’s life.
How did you decide when to leave your job as an oncologist?
I first took a month off to rest, had discussions with my husband and decide for sure if I wanted to go on disability. Resting didn’t help and my mito doctor advised me that genetic testing results revealed my symptoms were only going to get worse. I decided to go on disability with the support of my husband.
What work are you doing today?
It was hard to leave my job so abruptly because I didn’t have closure with many of my patients. I started looking for new ways that I could be helpful. I volunteer with Cancer Bridges, a facility that supports cancer patients and their families. I also share on my website as I can, writing blogs to empower cancer survivors on their healing journey. and posting on social media.
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