My dad was an awesome man. He was a man of God who was strong in his faith and never met a stranger. During his time as a patient of Dr. Claude Grigg Jr., he became close friends with Jessica Krousel, B.S.N., RN, his primary nurse. 

Jessica was always kind and compassionate to my dad. He would come home from chemotherapy, tell me how good Jessica was and how much he enjoyed “visiting” with her. Jessica always had my dad’s best interest in mind and treated him with respect.

Due to his hard work in the past, Dad’s hearing wasn’t really good. When COVID-19 came along and my mom was no longer able to take him to his appointments, I began taking him. Even with COVID-19 restrictions in place, Jessica and Dr. Grigg always allowed me to go in with my dad to “listen” for him.

As his health declined, I would call Jessica with questions, and she always got me an answer that helped. On Dad’s birthday, Dec. 9, Jessica had balloons waiting and celebrated with Dad during his appointment.

When the day came that it was decided nothing else could be done for him medically, Jessica cried with me on the phone. 

Ten days later, when I called to let Jessica know that my dad had passed, she cried with me again. Jessica was late for the funeral but still came to the house to see my mom and me. She sent me a text after the funeral and included a beautiful song that she said was how my dad felt about me. Every time I listen to “The Man Who Loves You the Most” I think of my dad and his wonderful nurse, Jessica.

Jessica was always there to take care of and love on my dad during his visits, except when she had COVID-19. Although the other nurses were great, Dad (my mom and I, too) always missed her terribly during her leave. We were all overjoyed when she returned to work. Jessica was always there for my dad and us as a family. She went above and beyond in everything she did. When Jessica was taking care of it, we never had to worry. It would get done.

My dad “went home” on Feb. 22, 2021. Just recently, Jessica texted me that she was thinking about my dad. She is still taking care of mom and me with her friendship. Jessica is the best nurse I’ve ever met. She is most definitely an Extraordinary Healer®.

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

A patient would come home from chemotherapy and tell his family how much he enjoyed "visiting" with his oncology nurse. 

An Oncology Nurse Was a 'Treasure' for a Patient and His Family

Missy Robinson, RN

It is an honor to nominate Denise Hauser, RN, BSN, OCN, for the 2024 CURE Extraordinary Healer Award. For more than35 years of Denise’s nursing career, she has touched thousands of lives including her patients, their lovedones and her colleagues. Each person Denise encounters is left feeling important and valued after interacting with her.

It is impossible to choose which area she excels in best: extraordinary expertise, compassion and helpfulness. She is equally outstanding in each domain, as you will read. Denise’s oncology career has spanned multiple states and multiple settings: inpatient bedside nursing, infusion nursing and the last stop on her journey is in the outpatient nurse navigation setting.

Before receiving her BSN, Denise worked in social work, which has served her well over these years as she continually focuses on the “big picture” and seeks to care for the mind, body and spirit of her patients. She has curated her own professional career by combining the roles of nurse, social worker, mentor, friend, wife and mom into one beautiful and selfless cheerleader for all who cross her path. Countless peers will tell you that Denise “goes above and beyond for her patients and her colleagues.”

The majority of her career has been spent caring for the hematology, oncology and stem cell transplant patients at our hospital and she, in many ways, has become the face of nursing within our cancer center. A patient needs to see hematology today? Call Denise. A patient has some “weird labs?” Call Denise. How can we schedule multiple diagnostic tests on the same day and squeeze in a treatment? Call Denise. The answer is always to call Denise. She uses her incredible understanding of the disease processes and kind spirit to help her patients navigate a very difficult time in their lives.

Denise shines brightest when it comes to patient education and advocacy. Having maintained her oncology nursing certification (OCN) for more than 20 years, Denise has remained dedicated to the highest standards and has raised the bar in patient education within our cancer center. She is an active member of the Chicago Chapter Oncology Nursing Society and attends as many learning events as possible. She takes the time to listen, learn and network with peers and educators on her quest to acquire patient resources. She comes back from these events with stacks of booklets, handouts and pocket guides to stockpile her library of materials in several languages and she freely shares them with everyone. She frequently references The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Imerman Angels and American Cancer Society materials to provide evidence-based information to our patients and their caregivers. Despite her longevity in oncology nursing, Denise hasremained hungry for up-to-date, best practice learning opportunities and activelydisseminates what she learns andacquires in a meaningful way to our patients.

Additionally, she reflects on her own experiences in nursing, what she humorously calls “the good, the bad and the ugly,” to bring real world, personal stories to aid patients as they go through their personal journeys.

Of all the nurse navigators on our team, Denise spends the most time providing education sessions with patients and caregivers prior to starting treatment. She does this in person or over the phone and will remain with the patient until each and every question is answered, which can sometimes take two or more hours. She touches on sensitive topics, drives home important points for patient safety and reminds patients that she is always available for them. Denise is a major proponent of “doing what is right for the patient” for the continuum of their care, regardless of whether that is two months or two decades.

Denise's commitment extends beyond the call of duty; she is often one of the last nurses on campus, tirelessly caring for patients and addressing the myriad messages her team receives. She is never one to question if it is within her scope to ask a respectfully question a provider, challenge leadership or voice a concern. Rather, she feels it is her obligation and ethical duty to the patient to advocate for them, even if it means working late several nights per week. She takes time out of her day to speak with outside institutions caring for mutual patients to make sure those clinics are also aware of the plan of care so that all needs can be coordinated safely and efficiently.

A recent example of her dedication comes from a pharmacist on our team who recounts that it was Denise who noticed a patient’s platelet count skyrocketed after initiation of therapy based on labs from an outside hospital. Denise immediatelygot in touch with the pharmacy and her attending physician to sound the alarm, discuss management and was on the phone with the patient numerous times during this after-hours incident to educate and provide reassurance. Denise's quick follow-up helped this patient avoid serious side effects, and her willingness to put patients first no matter the time of day proves how much of a caring individual she is. This is one of hundreds of examples to highlight her care, concern and healing nature throughout her career.

Her advocacy to foster healing within each patient she meets goes beyond the clinic setting. Denise has a robust commitment to volunteer service and nurse empowerment. During the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, Denise volunteered dozens of hours at our hospital’s vaccination clinic, always after hours and also on weekends. She has served as captain of the Rush University team for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Light the Night fundraiser and walk. This year, she helped host bake sales and off-campus events to increase donations. Each year, she spearheads gift basket committees and invites patients and caregivers to the Rush University Cancer Survivors’ Day. Every summer, she volunteers her time at the Lymphoma Research Foundation walk and receiveda special recognition for her years of outstanding service. She is also the unofficial team photographer, capturing precious moments and interactions between patients and our team. At each volunteer event, Denise brings patients, survivors, caregivers and peers together to celebrate the victories and cherish those lost.

On numerous occasions, Denise has run into patients and caregivers who recognize her outside of work. One of the best stories is from when a patient recognized her on a lake from a moving boat several yards away. The patient was so thrilled to see Denise and yelled to her, “Denise! I’m your patient! Remember me? You gave me my chemo all those years back and I’m doing great!” Those who know Denise can attest that there are so many patients who have shared similar experiences with Denise. The long-term relationships that Denise has with these patients are equally important to Denise as they are for her patients.

As Denise winds down her professional career, she is steadfast in that she wants her advocacy for and impact on her fellow nurses to be her legacy. Her expertise as an oncology nurse is unparalleled; offering invaluable insights and guidance to those fortunate enough to work alongside her and to be mentored by her. Her infectious positivity, personality and pleasant demeanor create an uplifting atmosphere that lingers long after her shifts. Denise takes her unofficial role as “work mom” to heart and always offers a listening ear devoid of judgment and willing to talk through a problem. She welcomes new ideas, fosters relationships with younger nurses and encourages us all to grow professionally as much as possible.

She has worn many hats as a nursing advocate serving as co-chairperson for our unit advisory committee, which serves as a safe space for nurses to discuss concerns and work together for solutions. She has been invited to take part in rapid improvement projects related to the nurse navigation role and has been a key member in our unit based oral oncolytic workflow project, which has produced positive outcomes in patient safety since its inception.

It is because of her selflessness and commitment to nursing that she has carved out a lasting impact on generations of nurses after her, who will be charged with picking up the baton of caregiver and healer now and in future generations. In a career that is widely known for burnout, Denise is an outlier who has continued to rise above and find the beautiful moments in nursing. Her goal in becoming a nurse and focusing on hematology/oncology was never to receive recognition; she just wanted to make a positive impact on patients’ lives. In doing all the wonderful things she has done and touching so many lives in a way that is uniquely Denise, she has made those who work with her better nurses, and she has healed the hearts and minds of thousands of patients and caregivers along the way.

Denise is undeniably deserving of recognition for her outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to nursing excellence and the pursuit of patient care, empowerment, and healing.

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Oncology nurse Denise always makes it a point to focus on the “big picture” for all of her patients with cancer.  

An Extraordinary Healer Inside and Out 

Colleen Bruen, RN, BSN, BMTCN 

Kelly Bryant, RN, (Mama Kelly, as we call her in the clinic) is a wonderful, caring and compassionate oncology nurse. Kelly is a cancer survivor herself. She has built a strong rapport with so many oncology and hematology patients. Her commitment to her patients’ care motivates her to be at work every day. Her determination to overcome and beat cancer also helped to inspire and encourage the patients we serve.

As cliche as it may sound, Kelly is the first nurse to arrive and the last nurse to leave each and every day she works. Many years ago, a retiring nurse once told me that anyone can be trained to become a nurse, but only a select few were born to become nurses. After working with Kelly for many years, I now understand how true that statement is.

Kelly goes above and beyond the basic treatment routines with her patients every day. She takes the time to hear their story, especially those whose lives have been turned upside down with the sudden diagnosis of cancer. She takes the time to listen to the patient’s or family members’ concerns. She helps connect many patients with public service assistance programs or organizations that may be able to assist them financially, emotionally, physically or mentally.

The most amazing thing about Kelly is that she doesn’t stop being a nurse when she clocks out at the end of the day. Kelly goes home to provide care to her husband as well. She is a wonderful, caring and compassionate wife and caregiver to her Vietnam War veteran husband.

Kelly was born to care and tend to people in need. She demonstrates that each and every day. She is such an amazing nurse. I wish we could clone her multiple times over. Health care across this country needs more nurses like Kelly Bryant.

As cliche as it may sound, Kelly Bryant, RN, is the first nurse to arrive and the last nurse to leave each and every day she works. 

A Cancer Nurse Who Is Called to Serve

Ides Torres, MLS(ASCP)

My brother died from cancer, piece by piece.

His spirit stood so strong; bold, and upright.

My cancer, it ripped chunks right off my face.

To my fellow suff’rers, I thus embrace,

‘gainst Cancer; terror, stalker in the night.

does battle as we fight from dark to light.

We struggle on, to keep our psyches whole,

Cancer steals our lives; yet not our passion.

Everyone’s life is touched by cancer. You cannot live into adulthood without cancer hitting a friend, a loved one, a sibling, a child. My younger brother Michael had a particularly virulent strain of oral squamous cell carcinoma. I had two bouts with metastatic melanoma. 

Michael and I both had pencil eraser sized initial lesions. His was on his tongue. Mine was just in front of my left ear’s tragus. His spread like a pandemic throughout his mouth, head and neck. Mine was contained to an area about the size of a 3x5 index card.

Michael died on December 14, 2012. Mine struck in 2006 and I survived to write a top-selling book about melanoma that has over 50 reviews on Amazon.

As a poet, it is my job to write the truth in unalloyed terms. I work in sonnets because the strict form of 14 lines of 10 syllables each, with a strict rhyme scheme, forces you to say exactly what you mean; there is no wiggle room. I have written dozens of poems about life and death. I write often about how near-brushes with death create a sense of joy and urgency in one’s life. I write often about how death leaves you gutted.

This sonnet, number 304, is the exemplar of my poetic work.

This post was written and submitted by David L. Stanley. The article reflects the views of Stanley and not of CURE®. This is also not supposed to be intended as medical advice.

Cancer is an emotionless assassin that can attack us and the ones we love most.

Cancer's Terror in the Night

David L. Stanley

Deborah DiPrete, RN, epitomizes the essence of a phenomenal oncology infusion nurse through her unwavering dedication, exceptional care and genuine compassion for her patients. Her commitment extends far beyond administering treatments; she embodies the true essence of patient advocacy and holistic care.

Deborah's exceptional quality lies in her genuine concern for each patient's well-being. Her compassionate nature transcends conventional nursing duties. She invests time to truly understand her patients, ensuring their physical and emotional needs are met. Her dedication is palpable in the seamless coordination of comprehensive care, from infusion treatments to post-infusion support.

What distinguishes Deborah is her remarkable teamwork and collaboration. She transcends boundaries by actively engaging with the entire care team. Her willingness to walk over from the infusion area to discuss cases exemplifies her commitment to comprehensive patient care. Her tireless efforts in communicating and coordinating care plans demonstrate her proactive approach in ensuring patients receive optimal support.

Deborah's thoughtfulness extends to the minutest details, ensuring patients are comfortable throughout their treatment journey. Her proactive nature is evident in anticipating and addressing potential challenges, going above and beyond to ensure patients feel supported and cared for. Having personally experienced Deborah's exceptional care when caring for my mother-in-law, her impact is profound. She orchestrates a symphony of care, liaising with various specialists, ensuring families are informed and alleviating concerns through her unwavering support.

In essence, Deborah DiPreteisn't just an oncology infusion nurse: she is a beacon of compassion and excellence in the healthcare realm. Her dedication, empathy and comprehensive approach define her as a truly exceptional caregiver, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those she touches.

An Experienced, Compassionate, Incredible Leader

Deborah (Deb) DiPrete, RN, is an absolutely wonderful oncology infusion nurse and leader in our Dana-Farber Cancer Institute program. She is calm, collected, respectful, organized, kind, compassionate and is always willing to go the extra mile (or the extra 100 miles) to get patients what they need and to support her fellow nurses and doctors as she does so.

She often serves as “charge” nurse on our infusion floor and is the one receiving all triage requests and needs. In this role, she is so committed to accommodating the patient and care team. She understands the importance of this, the desire to keep patients out of the emergency room whenever possible and is always creative about making this happen.

She is one of our most experienced infusion nurses and is a constant resource for all of us when it comes to treatment-related issues and patient care. She is known to mentor formally and informally most/many of the nurses on the floor and is the go-to nurse when it comes to managing reactions, understanding options for patient triage and accommodating our patients’ needs.

Our patients also seek her out, consistently requesting her presence or care as they are receiving treatments for their cancers.

Deb is an outstanding communicator as well, facilitating interactions with the care team whenever possible. She will often come over to our provider workroom to discuss a challenging patient situation, to troubleshoot how we might address it, and to come up with a solution.

These attributes, coupled with her unparalleled clinical acumen and kind nature, make her an unstoppable nurse and nurse leader. We are so lucky to have Deb advocating for and treating our patients.

I would like to nominate Deborah Diprete, RN, for the 2024 CURE Extraordinary Healer award. I am a breast medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) in Boston and have worked with Deb in her role as a senior infusion nurse for the past 20 years.

Our oncology group specializes in the care of young women with breast cancer, and Deb and I have shared many very young patients over the years, often young mothers struggling with the need to care for their breast cancer and care for their families.

Deb exudes immense confidence and deep compassion for our patients. She immediately puts patients at ease, caring for our young women as if they were her own friends or family. She is especially sensitive to the unique needs of our youngest patients, often anticipating their worries or concerns and coordinating the multidisciplinary care they need for optimal clinical and psychosocial outcomes. If a patient is struggling in any way, she always finds me to talk about how to provide the best support and care for them.

Sometimes receiving chemotherapy can be quite scary, especially if there is an infusion reaction or other unexpected event. Deb always remains calm and confident, providing immense emotional support for our patients while also leading the effort to resolve the events as soon as possible. Patients feel enormous trust in Deb and her guidance.

She also mentors new infusion nurses at DFCI, and I am so grateful that they are being trained by a master clinician in the best possible care for patients with cancer. The field of breast oncology has evolved considerably over the past years, with many new treatments entering our portfolio, and Deb is always up to date on the most cutting-edge therapies, often sharing with me her impression of tolerability and toxicity from our newest agents. I have so much I learn from Deb, and I share this information when I am teaching MD providers about the care of patients with breast cancer. In Deb’s book, the patients always come first, and she will always go the extra mile to help them do their best.

Medical oncology depends tremendously on teamwork and having the best players on your team to care for our patients. Deb is an extraordinary teammate, and I am so lucky to be on the team with her.

Deborah DiPrete, RN, exemplifies exceptional oncology infusion nursing through her dedication, compassion, and patient advocacy. Her holistic approach ensures comprehensive care, addressing both physical and emotional needs. She excels in teamwork, actively engaging with care teams to optimize patient support. As a charge nurse, she skillfully manages triage and mentors colleagues, enhancing patient care and team dynamics. Her ability to anticipate patient needs and provide emotional support during challenging treatments fosters trust and confidence. Deborah's leadership and clinical acumen make her an invaluable asset to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

An oncology nurse from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute exudes the definition of an extraordinary healer, according to three colleagues. 

An Oncology Nurse Who Goes Above and Beyond 

Dr. Rachel Freedman

Do not let the title of my story fool you. I am almost seven times that far in life since I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in November of 1988. One thing I remember though, clear as the day it was said, my oncologist quoting me that after five years in remission with clean scans and follow-ups, I would be done with my battle with cancer. This was confirmed at my final visit with my oncologist five years following my last treatment, when no future appointment was scheduled for me with him.

Of course, the “five-year” rule evidently did not just apply with the doctor, because as I tried to obtain health and life insurance upon completion of my treatments, I was denied and encouraged to reapply when I was “in remission five years.” Even the prospect of new employment (prior to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act) left me having to wait until I was in remission for five years, or so I was given that excuse for denying me employment.

Certainly, I understood the risks of relapsing after my treatments had ended. I know several other cancer survivors who faced this unfortunate situation. So, it only made sense to set a time frame when we should be clear of relapse without fear, not a guarantee, but pretty good odds. That milestone is five years.

Five years seems like a number everyone agrees upon, except for, well, the cancer survivor themself.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this story, I am a 35-year survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I remember what it was like, going through those early follow-up appointments, having symptoms that mirrored how I felt when I was first diagnosed, always worried about the “R” word: relapse. But I also remember what it was like, once I hit that five-year mark, and was told by my oncologist that I would no longer need to be seen. My cancer was behind me. If my sneakers could have left screeching tire marks as I left the oncologist’s office, they would have done so.

However, if I could go back in time, and ask just one question, it would be this: what can I expect life to be like after five years? Ten years? Thirty years? Is 50 years even possible? It seemed the doctor knew everything to look out for during those five years, knowing what I know now about my life after those five years, I feel there is more that he should have told me. In fact, I will gamble “dollars to donuts” that recent and current patients are not having “after-five-years” discussions, either. And they should be having this discussion.

Anyone who has been treated for cancer is given information about potential side effects for the treatments they will be getting — in the short term and in the long term. Back in 1988, not much was known about the long-term, you know, after the five-year mark. But those potential late-developing side effects after five years, not guaranteed but potential, are now known, mostly because of survivors like me and many others, who have lived decades past our treatments, needing medical attention and intervention for any number of issues: cardiac, pulmonary, skeletal, gastrointestinal, endocrine-related, skin or even a secondary cancer.

Were we simply not expected to live much longer after five years that nothing in our distant future would be discussed? With what is known now about the potential late side effects, why does the oncologist not at least recommend lifetime follow-ups for potential late developing side effects with a primary care physician, with a list of routine tests to be done every so often, then to be referred to a specialist as needed? Why did I have to find out the multitude of issues related to my treatments, mainly from other fellow long-term survivors who faced similar experiences? Why is this still the predominant attitude when it comes to treating cancer patients? Why aren’t cancer survivors being told about life after five years of surviving cancer, not just the time up to the five-year mark?

I am thrilled that I have lived long enough to see progress made in diagnostic methods and better and safer treatments, that what I went through, current patients do not carry as likely a risk for the late effects I deal with (three heart surgeries; potential for lung cancer; potential for esophageal cancer, the list goes on), there is still a potential for late side effects. And it would be better to catch these issues before they become life threatening. That might just make living life after cancer much easier.

. The article reflects the views of Edelman and not of CURE®. This is also not supposed to be intended as medical advice.

I was told that after five years in remission, my cancer would be behind me. However, I was not told what life would be like after that milestone. 

Life Five Years After Cancer

Paul Edelman, Jr.

I have a little tumor and it lives inside of me.

I didn’t know until the X-ray made it plain to me.

It sends out baby tumors from my heels up to my head;

Metastasis is what they call this deadly kind of spread.

The awful thing about them is the way they like to grow —

Not at all like proper tissues, which is always very slow;

They grow at such a rapid pace while other tissues crawl,

That if I don’t get treated, they will soon engulf me all.

Each morning, very early, when the sun’s rays just arrive,

I start the day with gratitude that I am still alive;

I look inside and say I’m brave and try to banish dread.

I may feel weak, I may be slow, but still I’m not yet dead.

The tumors shoot me painful signals almost every day,

To get relief I know the doctor’s going to find a way

To treat me and attack the tumors so to lift this pall,

And make them all so little that there’s none of them at all.

This poem was written and submitted by Richard Strickland. The article reflects the views Strickland and not of CURE®. This is also not supposed to be intended as medical advice.

I wrote a poem similar to Robert Louis Stevenson’s “My Shadow” about my cancer diagnosis. 

My Tumors: A Poem Inspired By Stevenson’s ‘My Shadow’

Richard Strickland

eresa Moran, B.S.N., RN, OCN

It is with great pleasure that I nominate Christine Wylie, M.S.N., RN, OCN, for the 2022 Extraordinary Healer® Award. One thing that I am sure of is that Christine is an extraordinary healer. She has been influential in making so many other nurses, like me, into extraordinary healers too.

At the time I retired in fall 2021, I was a colleague of Christine. Christine had been very instrumental in making my last years in clinical oncological nursing a unique and special time. I had many years of experience in various positions and departments, but oncology was where I wanted to spend my final years working.

Due to the grind of 25-plus years in many roles of nursing, I had developed hip and back issues. I knew it was time to transition my role in order to prolong a career that I absolutely loved. So I applied for an outpatient chemotherapy infusion position and was hired at the prestigious Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University in St. Louis. 

I am a retired Air Force flight nurse who had served in the war zones of late. I would be the first male RN in this particular center, and I also was unique because I was 64 years old. One might imagine that I could be quite a challenge for a much younger, yet professional, preceptor. Thank goodness Christine voluntarily took on that challenge.

The Siteman infusion suite is noted by patients as a center of hope and a place where their care is made much more tolerable. We often hear comments such as, “It feels more like a family gathering than a chemotherapy treatment.” 

The staff often gets complimented for their genuine care and compassion. Much of this praise is due to Christine. Her friendly face is the first one patients see in the chemotherapy treatment pods. She makes an enormously positive impression on the patients through her teaching, and this in turn sets the stage for our successful relationship with them.

Christine started as a staff infusion nurse in 2014 and since then has advanced into various roles as the care center progressed and grew. She simultaneously pursued her nursing education to a master’s level with focus on nursing and patient education. While working as a key member of the staff, she also developed several new roles within the center that have been most instrumental to our excellent care success.

Six months after being hired, she was promoted to float nurse coordinator. This was a new idea for the center, and she developed this role, which gave her the ability to float between an infusion nurse providing direct care and a clinical nurse coordinator in the clinic setting, based on the staffing needs of this fast-growing treatment center. The position was so well developed and utilized that Christine was tasked to train two more in-house nurses for the position.

In 2019, Christine was promoted to clinical nurse educator. This was another role that was new to the center, and it became her responsibility to create and provide proof of its value. With this role, she has the enormous task of teaching all of our patients about their chemotherapy treatments, common side effects and how to effectively manage them. 

She is also in charge of keeping nursing up-to-date on new therapies or indications, changes in policies and procedures, arranging Basic Life Support renewal certification classes for staff and whatever else is thrown her way. She is key in helping new staff get oriented and trained to her lofty standards.

Christine quickly took this new job and ran with it. Her model was such that she was asked to help other sites develop and engage this position.

As South County became a major clinical treatment area, Christine continued to grow and develop her clinical expertise and teaching/training skills. She helped advance several in-house committees that directly affect our patient care delivery. 

She serves on the policy and procedure committee and the unit practice committee. She works with the clinical pharmacy team on issues with patient treatment plans. She is a liaison between the clinical teams and the patients during their course of treatment to ensure maximum benefit of the care plan. 

She will work in any area of need. She is a team player with extraordinary abilities, and she unselfishly assists all with guidance and direction toward professional goals.

Christine is the strongest advocate for our nurses to obtain their OCN certification. She finds prep classes and resources for our nurses to succeed in gaining this prestigious certification. She has a personal goal of certifying all of our nursing staff and is very close to achieving this. She has developed and teaches accredited chemotherapy classes for new staff. She is a constant proponent for continuing professional growth and development through education and skill mastery for all of our nurses.

Christine recently took the reins of the evidence-based practice committee and presented one of her projects at an Oncology Nursing Society conference. She has worked on many new projects relating to evidence-based practice and is involved in trialing the use of patients using oral cryotherapy by chewing on ice while receiving Adriamycin (doxorubicin) infusions. The goal is to evaluate the efficacy of this intervention as it applies to alleviating the side effect of painful mucositis. The early results are very positive.

Christine played an important part of the research and implementation of our staff nurses changing our injection practices for intramuscular medications. We changed these injections from dorsogluteal to ventrogluteal sites. This helped alleviate pain and increase drug absorption while reducing the risk of accidental sciatic nerve irritation. Many of our nurses had never given a ventrogluteal intramuscular medication injection. Christine trained all to a high confidence level and our patients have benefited.

Christine has been a highly effective resource as we implemented scalp cooling for our patients. This helps prevent hair loss when receiving hair follicle sensitive chemotherapies. It has been such a success that we recently added more scalp cooling machines.

In 2018, we upgraded our electronic medical records to the EPIC system. This was particularly difficult for all of us. Christine was so amazing at calming us. Her skills of helping this make sense to us saved the day. She did a better job at explaining the changes than the program company’s trainers and really was so very helpful to me personally.

Christine is innovative and involved in the development of training support materials for both patient and staff using the latest technology. She has garnered training supplies to instruct patients on their intravenous line care for those who use home infusion pumps. She has utilized these materials using a hands-on approach that allows a very new or timid patient to overcome their fear of chemotherapy and build needed skills.

Christine’s compassion for the patient begins when they receive a diagnosis of cancer. She helps them transition to taking an active role in their therapy, including being able to read signs and symptoms and possible complications of therapy. They learn to understand their laboratory values, nutrition principles, medications and how to communicate with their care team. 

Her communication skills are very adaptive and easily customized to the needs of the patient and the staff. She is known to provide small but significant little tricks to alleviate some of the discomforts of chemotherapy that are often left off the standard question-and-answer forms. Her follow-up calls and her resource availability have been extremely helpful in ensuring our patients receive their treatment with less fear and anxiety.

Christine’s skills in assessing, adapting and conveying new and ever-changing information regarding COVID-19 pandemic guidelines and protocols ensured that we maintained the safest and highest level of protection for our immunocompromised patients with cancer.

Christine is a consummate professional with a strong desire to use her well-developed knowledge and skill set to provide the best patient care experience.

She has hugged, laughed and cried with all of us — staff and patients. When our patients experience her compassion and caring, they are put at some measure of ease and comfort. She is a beacon of hope on their journey and a guiding light for our journey in our ability to provide the very best patient care.

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

According to a colleague, Christine Wylie, M.S.N., RN, OCN, is an excellent resource for patients with cancer. 

A Beacon of Hope for Patients With Cancer

Bernard “Skip” Mann, B.S.N, RN, retired

This post was written and submitted by Peter O'Connor. The article reflects the views of O'Connor and not of CURE®. This is also not supposed to be intended as medical advice.

My prostate cancer has come back and stronger, but so have I. 

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