Nurses with Breast Cancer
Comments
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Oops, just noticed my dx info did not appear.
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This is such a wonderful thread!
When I was diagnosed, I didn't know much about breast cancer (thank goodness kids don't get breast cancer!). The doctor that gave me my diagnosis was wonderful. She sat down with me for about an hour and explained the differences in the types of breast cancer, I was very fortunate to have her. Later in my journey I found the opposite where I guess some people assumed I could understand what they had to say and were afraid of maybe talking down to me. It took me forever to get all of the information I needed from my genetics concelor and to understand it all! I think as nurses we can help our healthcare providers by encouraging them to talk to all patients in a manor that is easily understood.
Andrea
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What was one of the hardest things for me being a nurse? Being a patient. Dang it was tough sitting on the other side and seeing what it feels like. And I didnt like it - still dont.
Also, I think the hardest thing for me to do was say "my oncologist say." Never in a million years did I think I would be referring to MY oncologist! I would love to become one of those nurses who works as a breast cancer navigator!
Nicki
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Just have to share this story of something wonderful that happened among co-workers int the ER today. One of our nurses who has worked there for years is being "let go". It's not soley because she's incapable of doing her job. There are some slight cognitive issues, but the computer age, and specifically our new charting by computer program, has made it extremely difficult for her to adjust. She's almost 64 years old, had open heart surgery about 3 months ago and was hoping to make it to full retirement at 66. Because she can only function well in the clinic area of our ER and has a hard time in the main ER and triage, they're giving her the boot. Her last day is Friday.
Today, a group of us nurses were standing around talking about how upset we are that this is happening to her. The realization that it could be any one of us someday really hits home hard when you see it happening to a co-worker. We were discussing her dire financial straights and the fact that she could possibly end up losing her home because she won't be able to pay the soon to be due tax payment, not to mention the monthly mortgage payments. It's not easy getting another nursing job when you're almost 64 and so far, she hasn't been able to find one.
Anyway, a physician assistant we've all worked with for many years walked in on our conversation just as we were voicing our fears about the soon to be due tax bill and collecting money amongst ourselves to make an attempt ot help her pay it and put oil in her tank to heat for the winter. Suddenly we hear him say "Il pay her taxes - tell me how much and I'll write the check" - and he was dead serious!! . We were FLOORED and some of us started crying - it was just so amazing that someone who is nothing more to this nurse than a co-worker would step up and do something like this out of the goodness of his heart. Since I'm the one is charge of collecting money and making dinner reservations for her goodbye party, this wonderful man handed me a check for $2500 (yes, twenty five hundred!) which will pay a full year of property taxes with a little to spare for the oil.
So if any of you ever feel that your co-workers don't really appreciate you and that you wouldn't really be missed, remember this story. It gives me goose bumps just typing it out. I'm still in complete shock. And it's not even as if he's so wealthy he can afford to do this - he has worked TWO full time jobs for nearly 20 years to put his 3 kids through college, and now that the last has graduated, he's just got a little extra he felt she needed more than him. If there's a heaven, this man is going there without even having to stop at the pearly gates!!!
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Marie,
What a beautiful story. It really goes to show you that nurses are caring people. After all, why would we go into this field considering the biopsychosocial tasks we face in our day to day work. You are truly blessed to work with the people you do.
Jo Ann who is starting to believe in mankind again...
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Marie Kelly, thanks for the inspiring story!
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I too am a nurse, but I really don't like to admit it on the boards. I don't work in onco, and my nerves have me such a mess I can't comprehend what the docs are saying to ME sometimes. I have a degree in nursing so everyone thinks I should have all the answers, but honestly I think having a little bit of knowledge makes me feel like (and look like) an idiot! Add that to the fact that even my docs sometimes can agree on the dx or treatment, and I feel like I am underwater sometimes. Please tell me someone else out there has had this problem!
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Held, you are not alone in feeling that way (nurse or not) and you are definitely not an idiot!! I worked in oncology, and I still felt overwhelmed at times. It has truly been an eye opening experience to be the patient. Being a nurse can either work for you or against you when you are diagnosed with an illness, but overall, I think it is to your benefit. It has made me become a stronger advocate for my patients, especially in coordination of care and navigating the healthcare system.
As a patient I found that going in with a list of questions and concerns works best. That way I can jot down physician responses and make sure all my questions get answered. It also helps to have someone else with you - 2 sets of ears are always better than 1. I am part of a research study comparing taxol to AC treatment in early stage BC, and I have found that the research nurse has been a fantastic source of knowledge and advocacy on my behalf also.
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When I need to ask a doc a question, I find myself reacting the way I do when I am the "nurse" - waiting for the curt, smart-assed response to your legit. question/concern as you advocate for your patient. And I don't want the doc to think I am stupid for asking questions, so I don't ask them. Afterall, I am a nurse - shouldn't I know all this already?
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Held, I understand as well...it makes me smile...I had a question for my surgeon after the first lumpectomy...I thought the fluid filled cavity was a cancer tumor, growing fast...he smiled at me and said, cancer wouldn't grow that fast and smiled again and said "I thought you would have more questions than that", I smiled back, and told him, "but you know more than I do". I do believe the doctors know more, they hold a much higher degree...and I have found that they like to be asked questions...the funny thing is that sometimes our "dumb questions" (as we think) aren't really that bad. there are some doctors out there that aren't confident and they are the ones who I think get frustrated when asked questions. I worked in a small ER prior to diagnosis and sometimes I did hate to ask questions to doctors about their orders...so I would ask one of the nurses...very often even the most experienced nurse would say "I'm not sure, ask the doctor", and most of the doctors enjoyed explaining their reasoning.
So don't feel bad or stupid, just ask away...I find I have a clearer conscious and can tackle things better if I get straight answers.
and for those docs who answer like your stating, leave them be...or if you have to keep dealing with them, share with them that you feel uneasy about asking questions, usually showing them that you are a patient and your nursing knowledge just puts you on the border of knowing just enough to worry you about things regarding your health. being in the medical field puts us knowing just enough to make us worry...medicine is a science and that is constantly changing.
Held, I really like your Joshua verse! May the Lord be with you!
Amber
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Welcome to all our new "club" members, Held and Laura! Sorry to have you join the club, but so glad to "read" your thoughts. We can all relate for sure!
Today, I had the privilege of attending a breast cancer fundraising event where Lillie Shockney, a fellow RN, and 2 time breast cancer survivor and also Director of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation for Breast Cancer was the keynote speaker. She walked us through her journey, including accessing her pathology report, before her surgeon told her himself, and I could only nod and smile. Isn't it like all of us to knock on the door and peek in because we can? The audience was laughing and crying with her. What an inspiration! At the end of the luncheon, I walked up to her and told her that I had been a nurse at Hopkins at one time and that I had just been diagnosed and that her speech was really inspirational. She looked at me, asked me how I was feeling about things, and gave me a sisterhood hug. It was wonderful!
So today is a better day... I'm feeling inspired and I want to get this crap out of my breast already! Only 10 days till my lumpectomy....make the time go fast..please!
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Nurses, our thread has been moved to this section of the forum. Doesn't make sense to me since it belongs in its own community location, but that's the decision of the moderators.
Regards,
Jo Ann
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Hey ladies, I am not a nurse but I am a respiratory therapist and I have been working with and best friends with nurses 15 years so can I join the party?? I work full time night shift at a medium sized hospital. Truly my work family is as important to me as my real family. They have been so supportive and understanding. They threw me a hat party and also gave me a check for $1000 to help me out. I was absolutely floored. MarieKelly that story you posted made me cry, there are soo many good people out there!
Marci
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Hi all,
I'm a cardiac nurse practitioner .I also teach and am 3+ years into my PhD. Today with one of my students,I saw my BS. I much prefer to see her 'on this side of the fence". It's been very humbling to be a health care consumer( from my abnormal mammogram with the DCIS in February to finishing radiation in August).
My professional colleagues have been truly amazing and understanding during this experience . They are a big reason I was able to keep going .
Mary
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Hello all,I graduated from an AS program in California in 1987.Went straight into NICU,the followed up in PICU the next year.Over the years I did homecare,hospice,insurance and medical billing.A stroke in 1999 stopped my career.I agree that people believe that since you are in the profession you know what is going on-not! And that it is a little easier for you to assimilate the information-not!But it does get better.
I don't feel we need a seperate area or whatever.We all have the same disease,we just come from a different perspective.
Regards,
Jan
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Hey, all, another nurse chiming in here!
I started as a CNA 30 years ago while in my BSN program. Went into the Air Force for a few years (82-86) but didn't have a flying assignment, though I went to flight nurse school. Got my MSN in 1991 and have been a family nurse practitioner ever since.
I have the luxury of working part time at a college health clinic. I love my job and the people I work with. Both times with my cancers I've been able to take off whatever time I need. A big part of that is having a wonderful, supportive husband.
I never felt I had to push for info as a patient. In fact, I have felt like I've gotten special treatment and understanding as being "one of them". My docs and NPs respond to me quickly. I'm taken seriously with my concerns and questions about the literature. And no one assumes that I know everything. I feel quite fortunate in that respect of my care.
I do feel that most primary care providers know very little about breast cancer. What I knew before I was first diagnosed, I ahd learned from seeing my mom go through it. At one point I considered writing a book for PCPs about breast cancer basics. Then I got tired of researching, so I moved on to more fun things like hiking, biking, and climbing. Initially I felt the need to be the "expert"--now, I don't.
I know there are a few more nurses out here. I'm sure they'll check in soon.
Anne
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Marie Kelly and Marci - thanks for your stories.
Held - you are NOT stupid. When I go to appointment I have a book of questions and I will write down the answers that I get from the provider. I also have someone with me...then after the appointment we compare notes to make sure we heard the same thing. Actually my oncologist encourages his patients to do this. I also let people know that even though I am a nurse I am not an oncology nurse and want information to be given to me like they give to their other patients. As the saying goes..."the only stupid questions are the one that are not asked".
kim
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Another nurse here! But I work with kids so I am no expert in oncology. Did you know that there is a higher incidence of breast cancer in nurses who work night shift?? How long did we all do that to 'pay our dues'? I have worked with children with cancer, my own son included. That makes me think I know stuff. I usually do not tell anyone I am a nurse unless asked outright. It was amazing how I was 'feared' when I was in the hospital with a collapsed lung-all because I was a nurse! The only good part is my onc knows I work in a hospital, so my counts are done weekly with the understanding that I may not be able to work. I also have brought someone (good friend, fellow nurse) to all my appointments. A different perspective is good to have. I go back to work next week and hope al my coworkers understand. especialy when I walk into a room and cannot remember why I went in there! As fellow nurses, anyone know something about 3D tattoos? I am thinking of that instead of more surgery. Still need to talk to PS abt it.
Nice meeting y'al!
D
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Bumping for chemosabi.
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I'm a P.T. and I have found that as soon as the docs know I'm a medical professional, they're more up front with me about things. The awkward part was going for surgery--being the "patient"--felt out of control. The other awkward thing is running into my bs or oncologist at work (knowing I see them for breast exams).
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Wow! It took me forever to find the new location. I never in a million years would have thought to look in newly diagnosed - so thanks to Gina and PS123, I found ya all again. Saying a big hello to all the new people that have come on board while I was in limbo.
It was my PCP who gave me the news! I didnt want to hear it over the telephone so I made an appointment and brought my DH with me. I was shocked at how easy it was for him to tell me. He looked at the report and said you have breast cancer. Bam wham thank you mam. I was being treated in the same hospital I worked at and hand picked my team of doctors - so they all knew me.
I think the hardest thing for me was what my perception of breast cancer was before I was diagnosed with it. Thought it was this easy thing that could be fixed and back to work within a month. Other than staging, I knew nothing about hormone receptors and HER2 status etc. I knew nothing about breast reconstruction. So all of a sudden my world was turned upside down. ER/PR negative, HER2 positive. Sentinel node positive. Then entered the world of chemo! I like many other people thought it was a "designer disease." Instead found out its a killer disease and I believe every step of this journey has not been easy. 3 years and counting!
Stages, grades, microcalcifications - etc - were all very foreign to me. I loved my BS but do remember him telling me to stay away from the computer and looking up things would make me more confused. But Ha - stubborn nurse that I am - I didnt listen. I found bco April 2005 and have been on this site everyday since. Most everything I learned was from the information and support here.
I have noticed, my peers take the diagnosis with a grain of salt and I am constantly trying to educate them. My life has forever changed and everytime I feel and ache or pain I find start self diagnosing myself. Always convinced that in some way its cancer related.
I hated being a patient. I hate having to say yes on any medical forms that ask do you have a history of cancer. It still puts shivers though my whole body. I have gone from one doctor my PCP to what I call my group. BS, PCP, Onc, PS, ortho and cardiologist because the herceptin caused temporary heart failure.
Never in a million years did I think I would be saying the words "my onc." I lost my spark for along time - but eventually it came back. Its just a differnt spark!
Glad I found ya all.
Nicki
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Just wanted to add my name to you all. I am a nurse practitioner in pulmonary/sleep medicine and have had lumpectomy/axillary node dissection, chemo and XRT. I have hated being a patient this whole time, as I have always been super healthy...I am glad to join you all, as it is difficult being in the health care profession while going through all of this! Barb
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Hello to fellow nurses. I work at a small hospital in all department including a medical floor, ICU, and ER. I love being a nurse but was suprised to find out how ignorant I was about breast cancer. I was diagnosed in May of 2007. Have to read alot and use the internet.One of my coworkers, a respiratory therapist, is a 5 year survivor and she has been a breast source of knowledge and support to me Thank goodness for this website. I have learned so many "little things" Your realize you are not the only one concerned with the things your health care providers probably don't even know about. I have just recently finished phase 2 of DIEP reconstruction on my left breast. My employer and coworkers have been incredible.
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Guess I got breast on the brain. I meant a great source of knowlege and support
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Hi gang!
This is great! Just another nurse weighing in with our 2nd common denominator......RN with bc. I'm a home care nurse, working for a county in WI. I love the flexibility of the job, and all the great support from my co-workers. We have had an exceptionally high rate of cancer in our office, and thankfully, due to the "nurse network" we're able to point each other in the direction of capable and personable medical help. Whenever I want a good specialist, I always ask other RNs! My bc journey started in May '06 with a lumpectomy. I haven't had a recurrence since, but due to a scar revision and bilateral implants last Sept., my affected breast (that had had rads) contracted just 6 weeks post-op. Anyway, it took me another yr., and I just had a mast. completion with DIEP flap reconstruction 2 weeks ago (a fantastic ps recommended by a co-worker who'd had him!) So glad I did.......I'd do it again in a heartbeat, and I'm 60 yrs. young!
Nancy
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I'm Glad I was browsing this morning; I've never seen this thread ever.
RN here, graduated three year program 67, BS 90. I ain't no spring chicken
I've been on disability for a while with RA, Lupus, Fibromyalgia...I thought I had enough on my plate. grrrrrI knew nothing about BC, unfortunately, I do now.
I ran into an awful Oncologist who belittled my Medicare PPO Advantage Plan, though he is a participating member and humiliated me with comments about the demise of Medicare. He told me I shouldn't have Radiation because it wouldn't save my life. Huh? l'd been advised by my surgeon, a wonderful doctor, that radiation is only contraindicated with the dx pf Scleroderma. I had one treatment with him 9/7, my hair started falling out last night and I'm waiting to see my next Oncologist October 7. I miss miss miss ICU and Visiting nurses. VN is great when you have children My last position was Hospice. back soon.
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Another nurse here. I started as a nursing assistant back in 1985, then went back to school for my nursing degree in '89. I've worked in the hospital in ER, ICU, post partum and med-surg. I have also worked for a temp. agency, which was nice when I was in the staffing pool, but then I took an administration job, never again. I am a supervisor at a long term care facility, back at the facility where I started as a NA. Right now I am on leave due to the fact that my onc doesn't want me to be on the floor with the residents. Glad now that I took out short/long term disability.
I was diagnosed in April and had a lumpectomy, right breast. Just finished 6 rounds of FEC and start Taxotere this Wed. Will have 4 treatments, so my last one will be Dec.3. Then it will be on to rads, then hormone therapy. It has been a long ride and I will be so glad when it is over!
I agree with those of you who said that they would rather be on the "other" side. I was lucky whenever I was in the hospital because I knew most of the nurses and docs. But I'd much rather be the nurse, not the patient!
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Boy it sure seems like alot of nurses have BC! ICU was my absolute favorite. Hi to all the new nurses and dont let these darn docs push you around!
Nicki
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Greetings to all the new nurses who have just found our thread! Welcome! I was thinking why there are so many nurses with bc, but it is probably statistically insignificant since nursing is one of the largest professional groups and is comprised mostly of women.
Bar62, I had a very similar career to yours. When I worked in patient care, I spent most of it with the Visiting Nurse Association working in hospice as well.
Having my lumpectomy in 5 days...
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Hi everyone, Good luck on your Lumpectomy Jo_Ann_K. I wiped my hand over my head yesterday; soon I will have to shave it. It's going to be cold soon; thank goodness, the hats and wigs will be warm, if I can take wearing a wig. CCU/ICU/Burn/HIV Unit were also loves of mine for more than 15 years....grrrrr. I miss work big time.
Sharing my lumpectomy with you Jo_Ann_K
I see you went to lunch with a renowned nurse from Avon Breast Center @ Johns Hopkins. I am so totally jealous
:) I've been on the Avon site since my dx. I had a sentinel node biopsy scheduled, but my surgeon took 19 lymph nodes because my tumor was 3.5 cms. arrrghI was not happy; my underarm was tender, numb and painful at times. Plus, I noticed the cording reported by others from armpit to elbow, though that is lessening now. I did finger crawls soon after I was sufficiently aware of my surroundings, showered in 48 hours per my docs orders, removed my steri-strips in 6-7 days, measured my Jackson Pratt and took Percocet. My JP was removed in 14 days; I was really happy about that..
hugs to everyone.
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