My role as a clinical nurse leader has provided me with the opportunity to observe patient interactions, meet with patients about their experiences, and coach and mentor staff members. Molly Conklin, B.S.N., RN, PCCN, is one of many excellent nurses I have worked with in my career, but what stands out is her unconditionally compassionate nature. Molly is loved by all her patients, and there has not been a single complaint about her from patients or her peers. When things get chaotic, Molly keeps her composure, remains kind and exudes the professionalism we all aspire to have.

We cared for a very sick patient who spent several months in the hospital and was deconditioned as a result. The patient had lost motivation and no longer wanted to participate in physical therapy. Given her condition and surgical implications, physical therapy was paramount to her recovery and ultimately her discharge home. Although the therapists and family tried to encourage this patient to participate, she would intermittently decline.

The entire staff came to know this patient and developed a great rapport with her, but on one particular day, she decided that enough was enough. She closed herself off, didn’t want to interact with anyone and refused to work with physical therapy multiple times that day. The holidays were nearing, and the patient expressed her desire to return home, but she had lost sight of the light at the end of the tunnel. A physical therapist, the patient’s daughter and I talked with her in an attempt to get her out of bed, but we were unsuccessful.

Molly was informed of this but would not take no for an answer. She was determined to find a way. The patient’s daughter brought treats for the staff as a token of appreciation, and Molly took that opportunity to motivate her patient. She asked the patient to walk the unit and pass out her treats instead of having staff come to her room. Initially, the patient was reluctant, but Molly kindly pressed on and was successful. She gathered a team to get the patient out of the room and arranged a holiday parade of sorts, comprised of her walker, her wheelchair and the treats. With family at her side and staff cheering her on, the patient walked not just one unit but two. She hand-delivered the goodies with bells and applause before returning to her room.

Molly made her patient feel extra special that day. The woman’s daughter, nearly in tears, told me how thankful she was for the care and attention delivered to her mom. The patient was able to go home a few days later, just in time for Thanksgiving — and what a time to be grateful!

This is just one moment out of so many in which Molly has gone above and beyond for her patients. She does what is best for every patient and encourages them to do the same for themselves. As a nurse certified in adult progressive care nursing, Molly proved that she has solid assessment and critical thinking skills that allow her to proficiently care for patients. As a sweet, compassionate and caring person, Molly proved to this patient and to her peers that she will always advocate for their well-being.

An oncology nurse clinical leader details how one of her staff members brought out the best in those around her, patients and nurses alike. 

Oncology Nurses Present Composure, Kindness and Professionalism For Patients with Cancer

Molly Conklin, B.S.N., RN, PCCN

The First Signs of Leukemia

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Diagnostic Process

CLL Treatment Decision Factors

First-Hand Experience with CD20 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

CD20 Monoclonal Antibody Dose Adjustment and MRD

The Patient's Role in Deciding a Treatment

Achieving Minimum Residual Disease Remission

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Support Network

Advice for Patient's and Caregivers

Lifestyle Changes After Being Diagnosed with CLL

Treating With Venetoclax for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Samantha’s Story

Samantha Rine

When a person first hears that they have cancer, it is, of course, a life-changing event. I have had three different experiences with this.

The first time, in 1999, I was just waking up in the recovery room after a biopsy which everyone was hoping and praying would be benign. I was groggily staring at the ceiling when the surgeon's face appeared above me, about three inches away from my nose. “It’s malignant!” he shouted and quickly left the room.

My mind reeled with what this meant for my future. Silently I waited there while a few tears trickled out. The recovery nurse (blessed angel) came close and with a few words changed my complete outlook.

“Now, honey, there are many things that can be done to help you,” she said. I do not remember too much more about this experience, except that I learned that words and tone can make an enormous difference in giving someone hope and the strength to face the future.

When I had recovered enough to return to church, another pivotal event in my journey with cancer occurred. A dear older friend walked up to me and simply said: “Take my arm.” I gently placed my hand on her arm, and she went on to explain that she had experienced a cancer diagnosis many years before and was here as a living testimony of one who made it back to good health. This had a profound effect on my thinking. Yes, I could make it, too, no matter how bleak the prognosis.

This exchange has been repeated several times, as I have tried to encourage hope and perseverance in others facing a similar challenge. “Take my arm!”

Over my lifetime, I faced two other cancer diagnoses, also with surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, and have now been well for over 12 years.

I do not think about cancer very much unless something reminds me of it. Well, I guess the scars on my chest are hard to miss in the mirror, but I am at peace with this.

Recently, I have been going through some old calendars and journals and was surprised with what I found. I was looking for some emotional words regarding the journey, but really did not find much — just notes about doctors' appointments and how I felt tired sometimes. Even though I was walking through the valley of the shadow of death, I was amazingly matter of fact about it. There were many more notes about school and church events, getting my daughter to various music lessons and the daily trivia of work responsibilities.

I believe that keeping to a routine, doing as much as physically possible, and trusting in God and the help of friends and loved ones got me through some extremely challenging times. I learned to let go of some things, which really were not important, and be less obsessive about “the small stuff.” I have continued to look for the beauty and wonder around me, never stopped learning, and try to help others whenever I can.

A doctor once told me that I didn’t have an expiration date stamped on the bottom of my foot, and nobody could exactly predict the outcome of my treatment. I have taken this to heart and try to live my life in the best way I can, no matter what happens in the future.

This post was written and submitted by Teresia Harding

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

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When I looked back on calendars and journals from my time with cancer, I was surprised to see that it was incredibly mundane.

A Daily Routine and the Help of Friends Got Me Through Cancer

Teresia Harding

The new season calls for a new set of nutrient-rich recipes — ones with the perfect blend of fresh vegetables and hearty flavors.

1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (omit if you want to keep it very mild)

Heat olive oil and butter/coconut oil in a medium-sized soup pot or Dutch oven for about 2 minutes over medium heat.

Add shallot and ginger and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add carrots and sauté for another 3 minutes. Add vegetable stock, coconut milk, curry powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir well and cover with lid.

Once soup has been brought to a boil, lower heat to simmer for 15 minutes or until carrots are very tender. Remove from heat and let cool for at least 5 minutes. Use an immersion blender (stick blender) to puree the soup until you have reached the desired consistency. Add more salt if desired and serve immediately.

Braised Red Cabbage With Fennel and Pear 

1 fennel bulb, core removed and thinly sliced

1 small head red cabbage, core removed and thinly sliced

2 ripe pears, cores removed and thinly sliced

1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add red onion and fennel and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low to medium heat, stirring often, until cabbage and pears are softened, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Rinse the quinoa using a fine mesh strainer and then transfer to a medium-sized pot. Toast quinoa over medium heat for a few minutes until you smell a nutty aroma. Next add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once the quinoa has been brought to a rolling boil, lower the heat. Cook the quinoa about 15 minutes, until just soft but slightly tender. Remove from the heat and transfer to a bowl.

In a medium-sized non-stick skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the yellow onion and salt and cook for 5 minutes. Then add the rosemary, grated carrots and lemon zest, and cook for 3 more minutes.

Incorporate the vegetable mixture with the quinoa. Add lemon juice and more salt to taste if desired. Gently mix and set aside.

Using a paper towel, wipe out the skillet and return it to medium-high heat. Place the pumpkin seeds in the pan and dry toast until they start to pop, making sure to stir often. Top the quinoa with the toasted pumpkin seeds once they are just lightly browned.

Warm Up With Fall Recipes

Jackie Topol, M.S., RD

To help patients with cancer, their friends and families avoid filling up on junk food during Super Bowl 56, CURE® recently teamed with registered dietitians who specialize in caring for patients undergoing treatment to offer healthier alternatives than those foods normally served during the big game.

Here, as part of our Heal at Home series, we provide everyone with six delicious recipes to help them score a big win with their friends, while maintaining a healthy diet.

1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (Fage is a good brand)

This is a great dip to eat with raw vegetables, and the Greek yogurt increases the protein content in a day that’s typically full of junk food! If you are in a pinch you can use Ranch seasoning mix with 1 part mayo, 1 part sour cream, and 1 part plain Greek yogurt.

1/2 tsp sea salt (or a tad more for taste)

Optional: red pepper flakes — for a little extra spice!

Put all ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth. If too thick, add more chicken broth or olive oil.

Keep in mind, olive oil will increase the calorie total of the hummus, but it is a healthy fat. And chickpeas are one of our favorite ingredients to use because they are filled with vitamins, nutrients and fiber!

1 can rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies

1 cup shredded light cheddar and Monterey cheese

1. In a medium bowl, stir together refried beans, canned tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, 1 minced garlic clove, salt and pepper and spread into a 7 by 11 baking dish.

2. Mash the avocado and lime juice together and add in the cilantro and 1 minced garlic clove. Spread this on top of the bean mixture into baking dish.

3. Mix sour cream and plain greek yogurt together and then spread over the avocado layer.

4. Sprinkle with cheese, black olives, diced tomatoes, and green onions.

Seven-layer dips are great for game-day. Beans, tomato, avocados, all in typical recipes, have fiber, protein, healthy fats. Adding the Greek yogurt adds in some beneficial probiotics making it good for your gut, while cutting back on unwanted fats.

The Winning Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

1 Large head of cauliflower (washed, cored, and broken into 1.5-2 inch florets)

½ cup hot sauce (Such as Frank’s Red Hot)

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper until batter is smooth. Add cauliflower to batter and toss to coat.

3. Spread cauliflower onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer with space between them. Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping over halfway through.

4. In another small bowl, combine the hot sauce, honey, melted oil and lemon juice until well blended. Brush the buffalo sauce mixture on the cauliflower.

5. Return to the oven and bake until they start to brown, about 15-20 minutes.

6. Serve hot with choice of dressing, celery and carrots, if desired.

After a cancer diagnosis a patient or survivor might want to eat lighter, and some even cut out meat completely. This is the perfect alternative to keep your diet healthy, while enjoying a classic Super Bowl snack!

These healthy “wings” bringing too much heat. We’ve got you covered with our next recipe!

1/3 cup buttermilk (or more for thinner consistency)

Patients with cancer, their friends and families can enjoy these guilt-free recipes when sitting down to watch the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals go toe-to-toe during Super Bowl 56 on Sunday.

6 Cancer-Friendly, Super Food Recipes for Super Bowl Parties

Rachel Wong, RDN, CSO, LDN

Dioanne, or “Jojo,” as she is known throughout the department of dermatology here at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), came to our team about two years ago and has been loved and cherished ever since. She is 110% dedicated to the care of our patients and goes above and beyond to make sure all have the appropriate wound-care supplies, medications, and appointments.

Jojo spends countless hours doing things that are not in her job description, such as calling insurance companies to make sure there are no discrepancies or interruptions in patient care. She is a storehouse of wisdom and knowledge; with her background in acute urgent care, she was the perfect addition to Dr. Alina Markova’s team. 

She is easily one of the hardest-working and sweetest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Our patients absolutely adore her, to the point where some actually refuse to speak to any other nurses if she is not available. And whenever she’s not here, the impact is definitely felt throughout the clinic.

Although Jojo holds the title of being Dr. Markova’s primary nurse, she never hesitates to extend herself where needed throughout the department. Often during her administrative days, I get a call or email from her telling me that a doctor has pulled her into another clinic 

or that a patient wanted to see her on a different floor. She is in such high demand here that sometimes she has to try to hide out from the other medical doctors so she can get her administrative work done.

Over the past two years, Jojo has become not only one of my favorite nurses but also an amazing friend and confidant. She has made my time working here at MSK so amazing with her high energy and “I’ll get it done” attitude. I truly cannot think of anyone more deserving of recognition.

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Oncology nurses are the backbone of cancer care, and here's why they are cherished by patients and fellow nurses alike.

Why Oncology Nurses Are Adored By All

Amanda Badal

I would like to nominate my co-worker, Kristen Mitchell, A.D.N., for the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing.

Kristen, or “Mom,” as I affectionately call her, is the epitome of what every oncology nurse should strive to be. I have met and interacted with a countless number of nurses, but Kristen stands a head above the rest (despite being 5 feet, 3 inches tall). Kristen is always there to help when we are slammed and actively goes out of her way to help everyone.

In addition to being incredibly helpful, her clinical skills are second to none. It’s a well-known fact that when there’s a tricky intravenous draw or port, “Mom” is the first one to call if we fall short. It is a great comfort to know that we have such a reliable and competent colleague in Kristen.

And although she is an exceptional nurse, Kristen’s most admirable trait, without a doubt, is her compassion. Kristen cares more than just about anyone I have ever met. She could be monitoring three patients on chemotherapy and drawing labs while answering the phone and still find time to give a patient a hug or an extra blanket.

Kristen is the type of positive tour de force that any cancer center would be lucky to have. She radiates kindness and exudes thoughtfulness. She is always the first to ask how patients are feeling before treatment and the last person the patient talks to before they leave. Her involvement in a patient’s treatment is a godsend to many of our patients who don’t have much support; she becomes like family to them.

Kristen is also an ardent patient advocate. If a patient ever feels any sort of uncertainty and is afraid to talk to the doctor, Kristen takes charge and makes sure the doctor is aware of the patient’s concerns. She is always putting the patient’s desires first and has a deep respect for their autonomy.

It is my firm belief that working as an oncology nurse is a privilege. In this profession, we are lucky enough to walk alongside people during, arguably, the most difficult time in their lives. I can say without hesitation that there is no nurse other than Kristen that I would want walking by me if I were a patient.

It is difficult to put into words the positive impact she has on everyone around her, but you can see the patient’s eyes light up when they see her. You can see their smiles. You can see that they feel at ease. This is the “Kristen effect” and it is why I would like to nominate her for this award. Every cancer center in the U.S. should be so lucky to have a Kristen on their team. All considered, please accept my nomination of Kristen for the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing.

"Kristen Mitchell, A.D.N., or 'Mom,' as I affectionately call her, is the epitome of what every oncology nurse should strive to be." 

My Magnificent 'Mom' at the Cancer Center

Marcus Yoakam, B.S.N., RN, ONS

This poem was submitted by Mary Johnson, Eric's mother-in-law.

Eric wrote this poem on June 24, 2021, while in treatment for cancer. He died on July 14, 2021.

A few I changed, some through corporate BS.

A lot of fine print that wasn’t written.

A lot of hiding the pain it brings with the fears, tears, anger, etc.

But always put up the smile for the customer.

I’ve learned what inner turmoil is as well.

I’ve learned also how to keep learning.

I’ve tried to make amends for my past and learned some you can, some you can’t, but trying is part of the job.

I’ve learned to accept sympathy. Don’t want it, but it’s part of the learning.

I’ve felt like a burden too many times.

It’s brought a lot of s---, as I said of pain, physical and emotional drain, confusion, etc.

Been through months of failed clinical trials to help me prosper at my new job.

I have had more blood draws that I can count.

We’ve logged more miles than I want to count.

I can start fresh most of the time with the blank schedule (other than scans, infusions, etc.)

Last week I feel I failed. I had to watch the rain from the 20th floor all week from the hospital. But hopefully, others were able to sit on the back porch and were able to smell the rain.

That’s part of my new job. I hope it can be my longest employment of all. So either it's two weeks, two months or five years or more, please help me as part of my project.

With or without me, do not grieve, but sit on the back porch at night, remember the good days while (you guessed it), you smell the rain.

Hopefully I’m sitting right there for quite some time.

I’ll be on my porch. You can be on yours.

You will probably softly say “that S.O.B.”

And that’s fine……because about a second or two after that you will crack a smile,

This poem was originally submitted for the CURE® 2021 Poetry Contest.

A poem about cancer written by a man who subsequently died of the disease explores the idea of finding the small joys in life despite the pain of cancer and treatment.

'Smell the Rain,' and Make Yourself Smile Despite Cancer

Eric Davis

I wish to nominate Dr. Linda Huntimer, who has been battling cancers and “coaching” people through their own cancers since I have known her. I connected with Dr. Huntimer in 2012 in preparation for a stem cell transplant and we have continued interacting ever since.

At 77 years young, Dr. Huntimer has been dealing with the cancer world via her own battles with tumors and treatments since she was 22 years old:

She had breast cancer, and had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and reconstruction 23 years ago.

She had a mass on her right ovary removed 21 years ago. 

She received a multiple myeloma diagnosis in 2007, had a stem cell transplant 2009 and continues on chemotherapy and treatment at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Wolf.

Dr. Huntimer was also treated at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer in Houston; InspireHealth in Vancouver, Canada; and the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment in Skokie, Illinois.

In her determination to help others through their journeys and recognizing the limitation of her own, she pursued more education, training, licensing and certification and created a Facebook page, Your Bridge to the Future.

Dr. Huntimer has a doctorate in education from the University of San Francisco; is a licensed marriage family therapist with a master’s degree in counseling and psychology; and is a nationally certified Integrative Oncology Cancer Navigator.

She was one of 17 navigators invited by the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in Washington, D.C., to a three-week educational program at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. On completion, a graduation ceremony was held and plaques and certifications were given, naming us nationally certified Integrative Oncology Cancer Navigators.

In 2021, Dr. Huntimer received a different honor: being included in the 74th edition of Marquis Who’s Who. 

At 77 years young, Dr. Huntimerhas been dealing with the cancer world via her own battles with tumors and treatments since she was 22 years old. 

One Myeloma Hero Helps Others While Helping Herself

Trey Kennedy 

“You have breast cancer.” Four simple words, then silence. Time itself freezes, as if some cosmic power switch abruptly turned off. Somehow, the cold fluorescent ceiling light continues to softly flicker and hum, an unnerving defiance in the icy suspended tableau of this formerly innocuous examination room. The doctor’s mouth slowly moves as the hum crescendos in your head. This can’t be happening. Why? Why me!? Oh God, what about my kids? Am I going to die? Slowly, the four words sink in and your new life begins. Ready or not, you are now a warrior.

For thousands of women and men every year, this kind of waking nightmare serves as the cruel orientation to the most important battle of their life. In October 1990, Dale Eastman experienced this horror firsthand. Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at age 49, the San Antonio mother of three was faced with two choices: fight or FIGHT! Dale chose the latter.

She channeled the anger from her diagnosis into action and crafted a war strategy fit for a general. Dale bravely fought through painful surgeries and sickening chemotherapy to the victory of remission in 1992. She knew that while this battle may have ended, the war was far from over.

Dale knew she had to continue the fight and help others affected by this disease. Her passion and determination eventually led to a meeting in 1992 with three fellow survivors around Dale’s kitchen table. This makeshift war room is where the seeds of the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation were sown.

These brave women spent the next three years carefully crafting, from scratch, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breast cancer advocacy. During their respective breast cancer journeys, Dale and her friends discovered that treatment options available in the 1990s had not changed since the 1970s. Many women, after receiving a diagnosis, had only two or three days to make major decisions regarding surgery and treatment. They deemed this totally unacceptable and vowed to change the status quo.

Dale and the other Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation founders focused their efforts on identifying the causes of breast cancer with an aim to discover preventives and, hopefully, a cure. The Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation’s direct support of evidence-based scientific research remains a core function of the foundation. For 24 years, the Patient Advocate Program at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium has provided a remarkable educational platform for the world’s breast cancer community. The Patient Advocate Program is world renowned and has served as a model for numerous international scientific conferences.

Dale also designed the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation as a community resource to help ensure quality care for all women and men affected by breast cancer. Outreach events such as the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation’s Healthy Women Make Healthy Communities provide valuable resources, educational material and free screening mammograms for San Antonio’s uninsured and underinsured populations. Strong partnerships with San Antonio’s medical community afford the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation a broad range of resources to help assist and guide thousands of individuals.

In the nearly 30 years since Dale helped create the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation, she has continued her fight as a fierce breast cancer advocate. In 1994 she partnered with the National Breast Cancer Coalition to fight for breast cancer funding and research at the federal level. Dale is a proud 1995 graduate of the National Breast Cancer Coalition’s Project LEAD science training course and a participant in numerous advocacy training conferences and advocate leadership summits.

She has embraced her leadership in every way possible. Dale became the National Breast Cancer Coalition Texas field coordinator in 1997, managing the Texas Action Network. When the National Breast Cancer Coalition developed a network of team leaders in 2003, Dale was one of the first invited to take on that role. Dale served on the National Breast Cancer Coalition board of directors from 1995 until 2015. She credits her National Breast Cancer Coalition training for her consistent, successful advocacy work.

Dale has led the advocacy charge on the state and national levels, developing relationships with Texas lawmakers. Dale was proud to represent Texas and the National Breast Cancer Coalition at the White House, delivering tens of thousands of signatures in support of research funding. She continues to serve as the chair of advocacy and government relations for the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation and as a National Breast Cancer Coalition field leader. Her leadership resulted in Texas enacting laws expanding access to care for underserved women with breast and cervical cancer, mandating coverage of routine health care costs associated with clinical trials and mandating advocate involvement in research programs, among many others.

Dale has been appointed to several councils and committees in breast cancer and elsewhere, including the advisory board of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the Breast Cancer and the Environmental Working Group and the NIH Collaborative Summit on Breast Cancer Research. She has received many awards and recognitions, locally and nationally, for her breast cancer work.

Above all, Dale Eastman serves as an inspiring leader for the breast cancer community. Despite a metastatic recurrence in 2018, Dale exudes unstoppable strength and her passionate dedication to advocacy inspires us every day. She is the mother of our Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation family and we unequivocally consider Dale our hero.

Stay FIERCE, Dale! We thank you, we honor you and we love you.

A colleague explains how one woman transformed the devastation of her breast cancer diagnosis into a “war strategy” of advocacy, starting at her kitchen table.

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