From Patient to Cancer Caregiver

One pediatric oncology nurse’s experience came full circle when she herself was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2010, and went on to serve as her husband’s caregiver for the same disease just six years later.

In a letter to her younger self — through Merck’s Your Cancer Game Plan “With Love, Me” campaign – Karen opened up about her experiences as both a patient and caregiver, and how outside support helped.

“And then one day, complete shock and disbelief. After two years, you’ll become the caregiver as your husband is diagnosed with bladder cancer. You’ll both realize this new journey is paved by what you learned and experienced,” she wrote.