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

John Wooden once expressed, “Helping others is perhaps the greatest joy! You cannot have a perfect day without helping others with no thought of getting something in return.”

This quote exemplifies my mindset on the significance of helping others, especially when they need it the most. From my perspective, this quote means that there is no greater joy than helping others every day without the expectations of getting something in return. By assisting others, not only has it given me a sense of peace and happiness, but a sense of pride because I am contributing to the community around me. In this blog, I would like to share how my support system continues to play a role in my life after active treatment.

To begin with, I would like to start with my health care team, which consists of my oncologist and her supporting staff. They have been with me since February 2020 after being diagnosed with colon cancer five years ago. Words cannot express how blessed and lucky I am to have by my side a group of individuals that dedicate their love, time, and fortitude to help patients like myself with their hardships, especially with their health. I have seen how their acts of kindness impact others.

For instance, one of my nurses always provided words of encouragement when I completed a cycle during my treatment of chemotherapy. I recalled my nurse stating, “I am so proud of you, Carla. You have stood strong and faithful during your treatment. Keep going, you are almost close to the finishing line. Remember, you are a champion.” Her words not only comforted me but gave me a sense of purpose to keep fighting for my life. Ultimately, my goal was to be cancer free, which I was able to achieve with the assistance of my health care team. The simple joy of seeing patients smile means the world to them. I am lucky enough to be a part of their journey.

Moreover, after my treatment with chemotherapy, my oncologist has been an instrumental piece towards my recovery. She has been my number one supporter throughout this journey. Until this day, my oncologist continues to monitor my progress to make sure I stay healthy and strong. One of the ways she has impacted my life for the better was when she encouraged me to share my story with Hackensack Meridian Health, which led me to CURE Magazine. This has given me the opportunity to share my story and have inspired so many people along the way. I am beyond grateful for everything she has done for me. She has gone the extra mile for me and due to her passion as well as dedication towards her profession, she has had a positive, impactful influence on me during and after my active treatment.

Another supporting system that has helped me along my way is, without a doubt, my family. They have been with me from the moment I was diagnosed with colon cancer. My parents along with my siblings have been cheering me on before, during, and after my active treatment with chemotherapy. Their support has been vital and I could have not done this without them. Knowing that I can count on them no matter what has given me a sense of peace and tranquility that I still need today. Indeed, I am extremely thankful to have an extraordinary group of individuals that have demonstrated unconditional, selfless love. Blessed and grateful today and always.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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The narrative emphasizes the profound impact of a support system during and after cancer treatment. It highlights the role of healthcare professionals, particularly an oncologist and nursing staff, in providing emotional and medical support, which contributed to the author's recovery and sense of purpose. The author also acknowledges the unwavering support of family, which provided peace and strength throughout the journey. Sharing personal experiences has allowed the author to inspire others, underscoring the importance of community and selfless assistance in overcoming health challenges.

Five years after being diagnosed with colon cancer, I would like to share how my support system continues to play a role in my life after active treatment.

Thanking My Support System From My Cancer Journey

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.

Warmth, Friendship and Compassion in Cancer Care

Rebecca Driscoll

Ivy Elkins, Patient

I would like to pivot a little bit and talk in our remaining minutes about everyone’s favorite topic: COVID-19. How has that affected your process? How has that affected the care that I offer my patients? You mentioned that the pandemic influenced your decision-making about working.

: Yes, very much so. I don’t know that I would’ve worked in any situation because in preschools, they’re precious little babies. However, they’re Petri dishes; that would’ve been a little risky. The other thing is, I’m alone during my infusion. Like I had mentioned before, I had gone with a friend a couple of times when she had her treatments, but I can’t have anybody with me because of COVID-19. When I come to see you, I get a COVID-19 test. It didn’t impact my choice of treatment in any way, and it didn’t change anything as far as the duration of my treatment. I don’t know if it will change my treatment down the road. I know I will have surgery in December, and then some reconstructive surgery. I don’t know what the timing on that will be, or if COVID-19 will affect that because of elective versus necessary surgery. That’s still to be determined, I think. One of the things I want to stress is, my breast cancer was found on an annual screening mammogram. I had no idea there was a problem. I would believe that a lot of people are pushing off appointments like that right now because of COVID-19. It’s very safe to go in and get these tests done. If I had waited and thought, “Oh, it’ll be fine,” my situation could be very different than it is. I have HER2-positive breast cancer. It’s aggressive, and I hope that women are going and getting their screening regardless of the pandemic.

 Absolutely. Thank you for emphasizing that. You’d have to be deaf, dumb, and blind to have been in this country in the last 20 years and not witness the push for routine screening mammograms and the notion that the earlier we catch a breast cancer, the more capable we are of eradicating it. Yes, we’re all concerned about what are going to be the long-term effects of potentially people delaying their screening studies. From the provider perspective, I think there’s good and bad about the way the pandemic has affected us. To me, the good news is I have not been unable to schedule people for their treatment. We haven’t had to alter the interval for treatment, and we haven’t had delays in getting people started in treatment. We’re very fortunate in that in this center. I am very aware that there are other cancer centers, cancer practices, and infusion centers elsewhere that can’t claim that. Thankfully, here, through a combination of diligent and vigilant planning and safety precautions, we’ve been able to treat people throughout. Periodically, there have been interruptions in surgeries, but thankfully again, we’ve not gotten to the point where an oncologic surgery would be delayed. No one’s lumpectomy or mastectomy has been delayed due to the pandemic, but reconstructive surgeries have been. While those are being delayed because they are “elective” or they’re for non–life-threatening issues, clearly that has a significant psychological impact, and we’re all very sympathetic.

Thankfully, as I said, medically, I haven’t really been impacted in terms of having to choose different regimens because, “I can’t use this one because of COVID-19.” Timing hasn’t been altered, which is great, and my monitoring has been pretty similar to before. At one point early on, we were doing more virtual visits and alternating those. For many of my patients on treatment, we were still doing those visits face-to-face when possible; that physical exam is very important. What the negative has been is as you said, I think it’s got to be really hard. I hate that people can’t bring a visitor or a family member with them to infusion. It is a long day to be in there on your own. The stress of having to get a COVID-19 test before treatment and having to come in here a whole extra day to get a COVID-19 test; I think people must feel like they already live here. I hate to have somebody incur yet another visit to this place. This pandemic has been a stressful, frightening time, in general, and having to add that to the significant stress of going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment program, I’m sure that’s challenging. We sure do our best to try to ease the way and make up for people’s lack of ability to have somebody in the infusion suite with them. I know we don’t substitute for a partner, a child, a parent, or a friend. The bottom line is, it’s probably been a lot psychologically harder to go through cancer treatment during this process. However, I’m very thankful that at least here the quality of care hasn’t been affected.

 It will be very interesting down the road, as you alluded to; we’ve got a lot of concerns about people missing out on their routine primary care visits, their routine age-appropriate cancer screenings, and what the downstream effects of that will be. I think we all can agree that much ink will be shed over the years 2020 and 2021. Hopefully, not beyond that.

 Thank you so very much for sharing your perspectives, and for embarking on this discussion this morning with me. To our viewing audience, we hope that you found this 

 program to be rich and informative. Thank you for being here with me today.

Patient Jocelyn Mueller and oncologist Julia Fisher, M.D., describe some of the adjustments that had to be made to Jocelyn’s treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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