Guest post by Jess Dang: Now you might be wondering, how exactly does one go from Hep C to Cook Smarts Meal Planner? It’s definitely not the career I was expecting, but I somehow ended up with my dream job. Though I started Cook Smarts back in 2012, its original story actually started long ago.
At the age of 17, I was diagnosed with Hepatitis-C, a virus that attacks the liver, and can be life threatening. I got it through a blood transfusion at birth. Fast forward to 1998 while trying to donate blood at my high school’s blood drive. Yes, I got the news that I could have a life-threatening virus in a generic form letter.
I had months full of tests and a liver biopsy. Then my hepatologist recommended that I start a yearlong course of chemotherapy-like treatment of interferon and Ribavirin. This was before the newer direct acting antivirals DAA’s.
Starting Hep C Treatment
I had worked incredibly hard to get into a good school, and I felt that if my life was going to get cut short, at least I would have experienced a year of fun in college! After completing my freshman year at Stanford, I began Hep C treatment .
Being a smart cook meal planner wasn’t even my short list.
As you can imagine, treatment wasn’t a lot of fun. There were pills and shots, both with lots of side effects — fatigue, nausea, hair loss, depression — but I took it one day at a time and made it through the year. When they tested me at the very end, the virus levels were undetectable, and I was considered cured!
Healing After Hep C Treatment
However, I wasn’t quite ready to celebrate. Treatment options for Hepatitis-C were still new, and there wasn’t a lot of data on outcomes. Plus, after going through the traumatic surprise of my diagnosis, I just wasn’t ready to have faith that the good news would stay.
It took me awhile to get out of the treatment funk both mentally and physically. I had to train my mind and body to feel like a healthy, able 20 year old. It seemed like I was always worrying that illness and death were lurking around the corner.
During this time, I tried to live in the moment. That was also when I made myself a promise that if I lived to see 30, I would do something to help others lead a healthier life. I knew how much it totally sucked to feel not in control of your health and your body. Until then I would live life as normally as I could.
From Hep C to Cook Smarts Meal Planner
Every year I anxiously went to my medical check-ups, and my results remained positive. Birthdays were celebrated, and then I turned 30 in 2011. I had made it, and to keep my promise, I resigned from my job at Visa one month later to start Cook Smarts.
Over the last few years, we’ve built out a great team. My husband and I built our family. We now have 3 kids, and the to-do list has just grown longer and longer, but Cook Smarts remains my first child. I am so grateful that I get to do a job that I love so much for a community that I admire so much.
I hope to keep doing this for a long, long time because the question of, “What’s for dinner?” is not going anywhere and neither am I. If you want to see the product that I built with my blood, sweat and tears, take a peek here.
3 Lessons Learned from being on The Next Food Network Star
Another fun story is that 14 years ago, I was on The Next Food Network Star Season 2. Sadly, I was the first person eliminated. Meanwhile, Guy Fieri went on to win and become the huge food and media celebrity that he is today. While Guy was completely at ease in front of the camera, I was so uncomfortable, had no clue what I was doing, and just felt like a total fish out of water.
My Life Today
Despite all of that, I’m still so grateful for the experience because I came out of it with important lessons to pass on to anyone who wants to become a better cook.
If you or someone you know is diagnosed with Hepatitis C, this is a great time to treat on the newer, easier medications. However, I’ve learned that no matter what you go through to remain healthy, the best thing you can do is to keep your eyes on your goals and dreams.
I love this story and hope you will click and learn more about Jess and Cook Smarts Meal Planning. You can follow her on IG @cooksmarts or on facebook @Cook Smarts. In addition, to find out more about a Liver Loving Diet, click here.
6 thoughts on “From Hep C to Cook Smarts Meal Planner”
Glad to see you are still cooking and hopfully keeping well. Take care and stay safe.
Hello Daryl and great to hear from you! I’m so proud of the Cook Smarts website. It’s proof that when we overcome Hep C or any type of liver disease, we can keep moving.
I hope that everything is going well for you. All this COVID stuff and people not eating out doesn’t bother me a bit. Cooking at eating a liver loving diet is what works for me!
Stay in touch. Sending hugs,
Karen
I absolutely love reading all your news and the fantastic helpful information you give. There’s no one like you that helps and gives advice like you.
I was rushed into hospital in January of this year. I was jaundiced and there wasn’t a part of my body not yellow. I was diagnosed with Hepatitis A and complete liver failure. The Doctors thought I was going to die because my liver wasn’t responding to any treatment. I stayed at the hospital until March 13th because by a miracle my liver started to function. Although I was extremely ill I was allowed to go home and be nursed because Covid-19 had arrived and my immune system was very low to combat any further infections.
My Doctor has told my husband and I that I am not going to get any better. I have many side effects.
Therefore your website has become my bible. Thank you so much for sharing all the information you do . Love and many sincere regards.
Cynthia,
What a bright and cheerful person you are. In spite of all that you are going through, I can hear your determination. Thank you so much to taking the time to share your story.
My heart goes out to you. So much can change SO fast with liver disease. I know about those side effects and hope that your doctor is treating them with medications.
I’m blushing. Honestly, your story and mine could be the same. It’s just a matter of finding the right doctor and supporting your liver in every way possible. I remember getting so tired, and almost giving up around the holidays after my diagnosis in August. It’s been 10 years and what a journey.
You’re getting cyber hugs coming your way. Please let me know how I can support you. Here’s to many more years for us both!
xo and Hugs to hubby too.
Karen
As I run out of time for being eligible for a liver transplant I rely on good dietary choices to help prolong my life and get whatever function my liver is able to provide. I am very grateful for your meal planning advice .
Anne,
Thanks for you message. I’ve been so busy in the classroom lately. Let me tell you that life post transplant is a miracle. Your whole body begins to heal.
Why do you think you are running out of time for a liver transplant?
Also, You are smart for helping support your life. It’s working hard!
xo Karen
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