Armela Cuccurullo, AGPCNP-BC, OCN

Join us for an Educated Patient® Webinar to explore the essential aspects of radiotherapy as a treatment for cancer, in addition to its various types and practical advice on managing side effects.

Navigating Radiotherapy: Confidence Through Knowledge

Hannah Dahn

Experts on cervical cancer offer provide comprehensive insights on the challenges patients experience and discuss ways to improve care.

Cervical Cancer: Insight into the Patient Experience

Emily Davan, RN

My first encounter with Jacqueline Lewis, RN, BSN, OCN, was at Baptist Cancer Center in Memphis, Tennessee. I was there for my second chemo treatment for breast cancer, and she was my nurse. She told me to call her Jackie. Jackie made me feel so comfortable and as if she truly cared about me and my wellbeing.

Chemotherapy is a very scary experience, and Jackie gave me comfort. She talked to me like I was family and explained what to expect as I continued through treatment. She made me feel more comfortable about the changes in my appearance that I was about to encounter. I knew what to expect. Proper education is so essential, and that’s what she provided for me.

I think she goes above and beyond for her patients. I look so forward to talking to her and hope that she takes care of me when I come to the clinic for infusions. In the middle of going through treatment, I lost my mother to cancer in April. Jackie hugged me like a sister and gave me such comforting words of encouragement. I truly needed it because at this time, I felt like the bottom was falling out.

I truly believe the God places you in certain places so that you can meet the people that he wants for you at the times that you need them. Jackie has truly been one of those people! She’s a special person and a very special nurse. She is definitely an asset to Baptist.

I met Jaqueline Lewis, RN, BSN, OCN, in 2017 when I began my first job as an oncology nurse. The first thing I noticed about her was her dedication to the patients and a wealth of knowledge pertaining to oncology. Even though she wasn't my preceptor, she would always include me in learning opportunities.

She was very selfless and treated all the patients as if they were her family. The patients felt very comfortable and safe in Jackie's care, so much so that they would request her to care for them during each treatment. It wasn't possible for her to take every patient. She would always assure them that any of the nurses are capable of caring for them and also great at what we do. Even though she wasn't their primary nurse, she would check in on them to show her love and concern.

She helps patients both during and after treatment. She organizes and raises money for breast cancer awareness. Jackie is also active in the local Oncology Nursing Society chapter and serves on the board.

In addition to consistently expanding her oncology knowledge, she goes above and beyond for the patients. She helps the patients in any way that she can. Whether it be monetary or just simply showing up to important events in their lives, Jackie has always shown up for her patients. Most recently, she helped to provide Christmas gifts for the children of a patient that died.

Jacqueline Lewis, RN, BSN, OCN, is a dedicated oncology nurse at Baptist Cancer Center, known for her compassionate care and deep commitment to her patients. She provides emotional support and education, making patients feel like family during their chemotherapy treatments. Beyond her clinical duties, Jackie actively participates in breast cancer awareness initiatives and the local Oncology Nursing Society chapter. Her selflessness extends to personal gestures, such as organizing support for patients' families. Her actions and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the healthcare community.

A colleague and a patient with cancer each submitted nominating essays about an oncology nurse who made an impact in their lives.

Selfless Acts of Service in Cancer Care

Marie Davis, RN-BSN

Mhar once said, “From every wound there is a scar, and every scar tells a story. A story that says, 'I have survived.'" This quote exemplifies my defining moment after my diagnosis with colon cancer at the age of thirty-four. Being diagnosed at such a young age was definitely a hard pill to swallow. Yet, my journey as a cancer survivor made me the woman I am today. In this blog, I would like to share my experience that first made me feel like a survivor.

To begin, in the past, I have had multiple surgeries due to my health challenges. These operations consisted of eye surgeries along with a neck surgery, all leaving scars of survivorship. Each surgery had left a significant impact on my life due to the fact that it has assisted me in having the qualities of strength, resilience, and hope. For this reason, my defining moment was when I recovered from a five-hour surgery after my diagnosis with colon cancer. This procedure embarked on the starting point of being a cancer survivor, leaving me with four impactful scars on my stomach.

I remembered looking at my scars for the very first time and instantly cried because it represented that I no longer had the cancerous mass inside of me. Each scar symbolized that I was blessed and fortunate to be alive. Hence, I looked at my scars as a way to remind myself that I have so much to live for. Even though I was terrified of what was coming, aka… Chemotherapy, my scars emphasized that I have the power to face my difficulties with my head held high. Due to this outlook, my embodiment and attitude towards my diagnosis was “I am a cancer survivor, and God has blessed me with a second chance in life.”

From every wound there is a scar, and every scar tells a story. A story that says, 'I have survived.'

Before I had my surgery, however, I was still trying to grasp the idea that I had a cancerous mass that was harming my body. This was not only affecting my self-esteem, but also my body weight. As a result, after my operation and surviving it, I made the decision to shift my mindset and focus on developing healthy habits as well as routines that in the long run helped me become a cancer survivor.

Additionally, some of these healthy habits included daily exercise, eating more whole grain foods, fruits, and vegetables, and feeding my mind with positive messages. I began to read books that include the power of positive self-talk as well as self-development. My way of viewing my journey as a cancer survivor shifted because I started to focus on all the things I was grateful for, especially the support and dedication of my family. Without them, my drive as a cancer survivor would have been a lot more difficult.

This is when affirmations, meditation, journaling, and visualization arouse. All of these techniques gave me the tools and strategies I needed to turn my life around. I have become the best version of myself because of it. On the other hand, out of all the techniques, journaling, without a doubt, was the most significant one. It allowed me to express everything I was going through. All of my ups and downs were reflected every time I took the time to write in my journal. Looking back five years later, I have grown so much as a person, and it all began by surviving my surgery. Indeed, words cannot express how grateful and blessed I am to be a cancer survivor. I hope that our stories being shared through our blogs continue to inspire others that anything is possible! Forever Blessed.

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A personal journey of surviving colon cancer at a young age highlights the transformative power of resilience and positive mindset. The experience of multiple surgeries, including a significant five-hour procedure, left physical scars that symbolize survival and strength. Embracing a healthier lifestyle, including exercise, nutrition, and mental wellness practices, played a crucial role in recovery. Support from family and the use of affirmations, meditation, and journaling facilitated personal growth and a renewed outlook on life. The narrative underscores the importance of sharing survivor stories to inspire hope and possibility.

I became a colon cancer survivor after my 2020 diagnosis, and I share how my scars, mindset shifts and journaling helped me embrace this second chance.

How Scars and Journaling Helped Me Embrace Life After Colon Cancer

Carla Deschamps

Mary Anderson, B.S.N., RN, OCN, embodies the spirit of an Extraordinary Healer, having dedicated more than 35 years to oncology nursing through different roles in pediatric oncology, infusion nursing and oral oncology, and now spearheading a national community for nurses through the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA).

In all of these roles, she has embodied care for her patients and a desire to advocate for the role of oncology nurses. As senior manager of nurse initiatives at NCODA, Mary elevates the role of oncology nurses within medically integrated care teams across the country, empowering them with knowledge, confidence and tools to provide exceptional patient-centered care.

When Mary was an oral chemotherapy nurse navigator at Norton Cancer Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, she assisted the clinic with formalizing an oral anticancer treatment navigation program.

Mary’s influence on this topic extends to her co-authorship of the Oncology Association of Nurse Navigation practice guidelines for oral oncolytic management, ensuring best practices are widely accessible. Mary’s dedication to advancing and advocating for oncology nursing is evident in her work as a conference presenter and peer reviewer for a nursing journal, providing critical insights that elevate the profession. Her leadership includes serving as president of the Greater Louisville Oncology Nursing Society and earning recognition as Nurse of the Year in 2019 from the Norton Cancer Institute.

Mary Anderson’s lifelong commitment to innovation, education and advocacy improves the lives of patients and empowers her peers. She truly exemplifies what it means to be an Extraordinary Healer.

Mary Anderson’s lifelong commitment to innovation, education and advocacy improves the lives of patients and empowers her peers.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to 

Mary Anderson, a seasoned oncology nurse with over 35 years of experience, has significantly contributed to the field through various roles, including pediatric oncology and oral oncology. As the senior manager of nurse initiatives at NCODA, she enhances the role of oncology nurses in integrated care teams. Her work includes co-authoring practice guidelines for oral oncolytic management and leading initiatives at the Norton Cancer Institute. Recognized as Nurse of the Year in 2019, her dedication to innovation and advocacy continues to empower patients and peers alike.

Mary Anderson, B.S.N., RN, OCN, embodies the spirit of an Extraordinary Healer.

A Lifelong Advocate and Innovator 

Kristen Detweiler Short, FNP-BC

I’m going to pose a question now to everyone. How can the medical team improve the care of patients with brain metastases? Perhaps we can start with having Ivy and Katie speak to that.

Patients need information. That’s probably the most important thing. When you’re diagnosed, everything is thrown at you. I think patients need to understand what brain metastasis means, how that can impact their lives, if they’re asymptomatic versus symptomatic, what the options are for treatment, both short term and possibly long term. That needs to be laid out to people in an easily understandable way up front. I also think patients need to understand what the ongoing management is going to be for brain metastases, how often they’ll be scanned, if you have certain symptoms, when you should bring that up and maybe recommend moving a scan up earlier. But basically, what it comes down to is increased information.

I agree. We’ll have Ralph, after Katie has a chance to speak, but that’s exactly what the ABTA [American Brain Tumor Association] survey results showed us, too. But Katie, do you want to add to that?

I agree with everything Ivy said, although I have already said I’m the patient who doesn’t want to hear all the worst-case scenarios. I don’t know how I would have responded if a doctor said, “Listen, I need you to be looking for these things,” because then I would be like, “Oh my god, I think that symptom happened to me last week, I think I have a brain tumor, I think you need to scan me right now.” But I think I’ve gotten a little bit better now that I’m seasoned at dealing with this.

Another thing that was shocking to me was, I’m not claustrophobic, I didn’t think I was, until I got a brain scan. That’s a very different scan. If you think, “Oh, I’ve done scans, I know what I’m doing,” and suddenly you’re going headfirst down a very narrow tube with a cage on your head, it’s terrifying. To this day, if I ever hear of someone having to go in for a brain scan, I’m always very careful with how I present information to other patients. But I always do say, “That one is a little harder for me, and I take a Valium for it.” I call that a cancer perquisite. But Nick has to drive me to those scans now because they still, to this day, I get a lot of anxiety around that particular scan.

 I think your experience is not a rarity, I think other patients have had similar experiences. Ralph, do you want to add to that?

Sure. I think you all know this very well, but patients and caregivers trust you and respect you. When you take the time to sit down and give them clinical trial treatment options, they listen, they absorb it. But it’s important that you also involve your team, your nurses, and your social workers, so that when they leave the office, they trust you, but sometimes they don’t fully understand everything that you have said. Having your support staff following up, working with them on clinical trials is important. Second, the survey shows how much they lean on, and want to know more about, organizations like the ABTA. You can trust us to work with them where they are and then afterward. People like Nick, who is a phenomenal caregiver, we can talk to him about whether he’s interested in being a mentor to others after he feels like Katie is at a place where he can give time to other caregivers.

 I completely agree, Ralph. Dr. Gondi, did you want to add to, how can we as a field improve the care of a patient with brain metastases?

As I listen to Ivy, Katie and Nick speak, it reminded me, at least in my clinical experience, that when systemic cancer goes to the brain, there are a lot of emotions, understandably, there’s a lot of fear, there’s a lot of confusion, consternation. And it’s not just on the patient’s perspective, but even some medical oncologists. What I’ve appreciated is that sometimes medical oncologists, as a brain tumor specialist, and I’m sure Dr. Brastianos, you probably do the same, I just say, “You know what, I’ll take care of the brain. Everything above the neck, I’m going to watch and keep an eye on, and everything below the neck, your systemic oncologist can keep an eye on it, and we’ll do it together.” That collaboration becomes useful. Just during this Zoom call, I’ve gotten a couple of texts from medical oncologists about patients we have, and I think that gives patients and their providers some sense of calm and comfort, that everything is taken care of up here, that we’re OK. If I have a headache, call that doctor who specializes in brain stuff and let him know, so that they can address it. I do think that there is tremendous opportunity to help and augment the care of patients and their providers, especially when we’re talking about the brain.

Of the two concepts I tried to cover, one is that the neurological team, whether they are a surgeon, radiation oncologist, or whatever, they have the knowledge and expertise pertaining to the brain and to the central nervous system. That team is bringing that expertise to help the medical oncologist treat the patient in a complete way. The second concept is that it’s a complicated world, and one specialist within the neuro field cannot handle all the problems of brain metastasis. It does require a whole team of a surgeon, oncologist, radiation, radiologist, and so on and so forth. Bringing all these together in the brain metastasis concept is a great advantage for patients.

 I completely agree. On that note, we can be providing more support to caregivers. Nick, you already alluded to that earlier, but tell us more about how we can help caregivers.

This morning was a good example, my first question to Kate was, “How are you doing?” I think that’s a nice question also to ask a caregiver, how are they doing. I think I would like to see more proactive support offered, and if you do need support, here are avenues you can use to find support and information. Then what do you need as well as a caregiver, what can we do to support you, because we’re here to help the patient. The more that we can be supported to be in a better place to help the patient, the better that could be for us. Even Ivy talked about how she was the patient, she looked after the kids. I’m sure while her husband was working, that was a huge impact on him, as much as there was when I had to go to Pittsburgh, change my schedule, and be there to support Katie in the hospital every day. It would be great for a little more attention to the caregiver, to make sure things are well there, because we’re here to help the patient, and we’re part of the overall story and on the journey together.

That’s so important, Nick, thanks for saying that. Again, thank you to Katie, Nick and Ivy for sharing these deeply personal journeys. We’re so inspired by your stories. Thank you, and we hope that you’ll continue to do well and respond to therapies. I think we’ve reached time. Thank you to everyone who participated in today’s 

® program. I want to thank Ivy and Katie for sharing your story, and my colleagues, Vinai Gondi, Ray Sawaya, Manmeet Ahluwalia, and of course, Ralph DeVitto, for this incredible discussion. To our viewing audience, we hope you found this presentation to be useful and we’ve provided you with practical information that you can discuss with your health care provider. Thank you so much, everyone.

Improving Outcomes for Patients With Brain Metastases

Ralph DeVitto, American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA)

Nick Doble, Caregiver

Katie Doble, Patient

Caring for patients with cancer involves a lot of “big” medical moments — sharing a diagnosis, discussing end-of-life care or making decisions about surgery or chemotherapy treatments. Caring for patients with cancer also involves a lot of critical, but quiet moments — when the patient is confronting something by herself, without a phalanx of family and friends, or when she is trying to find the courage and the calmness to move forward with treatment or reach out for assistance.

It is in those quieter moments when Carla Chapman shines as a chemotherapy infusion nurse at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Her warmth, friendship and compassion that she gives to the patients in her care make her an extraordinary caregiver and an extraordinary healer. 

Carla is a seasoned professional, experience has given her assurance and confidence that her patients rely upon and value enormously. She is the calm, quiet voice when all around is noise and chaos: explaining a new treatment, outlining the follow-up care, talking about how things are going and making patients and families feel at ease in the most non-normal of moments in their lives.

As a busy oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, I cherish having nurses like Ms. Chapman to work with, and count on their humanity, wisdom and technical expertise to make the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute a special place for our patients. I have known Carla for nearly 25 years, and her unflappable, helpful and cheerful demeanor is an invaluable asset to her patients and our Institute. 

It is worth noting that Ms. Chapman serves as a floor leader in our nursing program — the nurse who helps sort out scheduling problems and adds in patients who need to be seen and otherwise makes the patient flow through the clinic “work” on a day-to-day basis. This, too, is an incredible, often underappreciated, skill that allows us to say “yes” to the complex needs of patients, and to respond to their changing clinical situations and care for them in the way that we would all like to be cared for if we were patients with cancer.

These two abilities — to be a calm, strong and comforting presence to our patients, and to facilitate their complex needs — are tremendously important to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and our patients, which make Carla both a remarkable colleague and an extraordinary healer, very deserving of recognition.

Compassionate Innovation in Oncology Nursing

In the realm of oncology nursing, few shine as brightly as Deb Christensen, a beacon of compassionate innovation. Her illustrious career, marked by profound dedication and expertise, has profoundly impacted both the field of oncology nursing and the lives of countless patients with cancer.

At the heart of Deb's career lies her role in oncology patient navigation, a field she not only excelled in but also led within a major health system. Her proficiency in guiding patients through the intricate maze of cancer treatments and her in-depth understanding of oncologic care set a high standard in patient support.

Even after her retirement, Deb's passion for helping patients with cancer remains undiminished. She volunteers tirelessly at the Cancer Help Desk, offering invaluable assistance in identifying testing and treatment options, a testament to her unwavering commitment.

Deb's influence extends beyond direct patient care. Her contributions to the Oncology Nursing Society and authorship in oncology nursing literature reflect her dedication to advancing the field through education. By sharing her vast knowledge, Deb has equipped countless professionals with the tools to provide better patient care.

What truly sets Deb apart, however, is the personal impact she has on those she helps. Patients and colleagues alike speak of her empathy, her unique ability to understand and advocate for each patient's needs, and her unwavering dedication.

Deb Christensen's legacy in oncology nursing is not just in her professional accomplishments, but in the lives she has touched, the standards she has set and the compassionate, innovative approach she embodies in her every action.

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Oncology nursing is exemplified by the compassionate and innovative work of professionals like Carla Chapman and Deb Christensen. Carla, a chemotherapy infusion nurse at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, is celebrated for her calm, supportive presence and leadership in patient care logistics. Deb, a retired oncology nurse, continues to impact the field through her volunteer work and contributions to oncology nursing literature. Both nurses are recognized for their profound dedication, empathy, and ability to navigate complex patient needs, setting high standards in oncology nursing and patient support.

Carla Chapman, a nurse at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, is recognized for her unwavering support of patients, while Deb Christensen, an oncologist and patient advocate, dedicates her life to helping patients through volunteer work and education.

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