Nurses with Breast Cancer

lisa-e

I am not a nurse; I dropped out of nursing school after completing the first clinical year of a bs program after I realized I would never work in a hospital setting. I started reading this thread out of general curosity and noticed someone mentioned a higher incidence of brast cancer in nurses who work the night shift. I wouldn't be surprised. While I was in the hospital for a bilateral mastectomy, four nurses told me they had also had mastectomies. Seems like a high percentage of the female nurses I came in contact with.

dreamwriter

I am not a nurse.  However to add to this thread, is that nurses are targeted because hospitals is the largest population of women working under phlorescent lighting and particularly, night shifts

But there are other places that employ women in round the clock positions and have the same outlook.

They are saying that nurses, especially night nurses are prone to breast cancer.

djb1960

We also have to realize that as nurses we usually deal with the general population. Not usually a specialty area .A surgeon or oncologist is specialized and the expert on the subject. Still once you are put in patient mode your nurse mode can abandon you.

djb1960

Mariekelly,

That was an awesome story of generosity. I cried when I read it. That poor nurse, your right it could happen to any one of us. I have just used the last of my sick time and just hope nothing else happens.

MarieKelly

djb1960,

Hey, the story got even better on Monday - almost unbelieveable, but I swear it's true !  When he gave me that check for the nurse, I hugged him, kissed him on the cheek and told him he was a wonderful man for doing such an incredible thing for a co-worker...and told him that something good will happen to him someday because what goes around always comes back around when it's a good deed. He called me at work on Monday (he works his other full time job at a different hospital during  weekday hours) and he said "remember when you told me something good would happen..."?

Well, he won $10,000 in the lottery!!!!!!!!!! Got 4 of the numbers!!!!!!!!!!  I wish he had won a million because he sure deserves it, but that 10K was fantastic too. So he got back 4X what he gave her in just one week. I'm not a religious person, but I have to admit this made me really wonder.

The nurse has gotten the promise of another 32 hour a week job, but it's in a skilled nursing facility working 3p - 11p - not the greatest hours for a soon to be 64 year old but they're not using computer programs to chart, so hopefully she'll do OK. The doctor who is the assistant director of the ER wrote a letter to administration asking them to reconsider letting her go. I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it, but her time with us has been extended for an additional 2 weeks.

We had her "going away" party last Wed and about 25 people showed up at the restaurant. Lots of crying and hugging. In total, we collected just over $3,300 for her and paid 6 month of her house property taxes, paid a $1000 credit to her heating oil company, paid her October home mortgage payment, gave her $150.00 in gasoline gift certificates and another $150.00 on a grocery store certificate. It was a glorious night.

Jo_Ann_K

Hi Everyone!

Just dropping in to tell everyone that the lumpectomy went well today.  They didn't need to do a sentinel node biopsy after all.  The surgeon said she felt they got it all, but we'll know for sure when the pathology comes back next week.  I'm feeling pretty good except for some twinging at the suture site. Tylenol Extra Strength seems to be keeping it at bay along with ice for 20 minutes at a time.

All I can say is that is feels good to get this "CRAP" out of me.

djb1960

MarieKelly,

That is the most incredible thing I have ever heard. I cried when I read this one too. Sounds like you have some great people to work with.

djb1960

Jo Ann K,

Glad to hear your news. Hope pathology report shows that your surgeon was right.

LindaLou53

Another nurse here. Graduated BSN in 1978.  Worked midnight shift fulltime for 6 years on Pediatrics before coming to day shift as Peds supervisor for 3 years. They closed the Peds unit in 1986 and I went to part-time House Supervisor on eves and weekends at 2 hospitals for 10 years. In 1996 went back to a fulltime position in the IS Dept as a Clinical Coordinator to teach nurses to use computers for electronic charting and I built several Access databases for various hospital departments. Had my first dx of BC during this time. Was able to work from home during chemo and went back to work during rads. Hospital got bought out in 2000 and I was moved into the Quality Assurance Dept as a coordinator to do chart reviews and policy review. After 4 years working with the new corporate politics I decided it was time to retire and explore other options. Retired in 2004 after 26 years service at my primary hospital.  Got my second dx of BC 18 months later.

bar62

I'm glad  your surgery went well Jo Ann K. What a wonderful story MarieKelly and the aftermath is incredible.

 Another night shift person here. I worked night shift  off and on for more than 10 years. When  my son was approximately 6-9 months old, I went to day shift, I may  Google the relationship of Nurses, BC and Night shift later today. When I meet my Oncologist next Wednesday, I'm not going to tell her that I am a RN. That may help with information flow MD to patient. Welcome new nurses.

 Have a wonderful day everyone.

 back later

bar

angiebjt

Hi everyone! My name is Angie and Im from Troy, NC. I am 46 years old and have been a nurse since 1981. I was a LPN for 11 years and a RN or 16 years. My entire RN career has mainly been in the ER. I worked 15 of those years in the ER at a small community hopsital in my hometown. I have recently been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and I am also HER2 +. I have had the lumpectomy and sentinel node removal last week. I will be seeing the oncologist next week to see what treatments I will have to have. I found this site this morning and was thrilled to find this one for "us nurses"!! I think even though we have some knowledge it is still very scary when you are told you have "CANCER". I am now working for a travel agency and doing the travel nurse thing! My agency has been wonderful so far. The director of nursing there is a breast cancer survivor so Im sure that helps. The director for the ER that I'm currently at, working my 2nd contract, has also been wonderful and supportive and is willing to help me with my schedule so that I can continue to work. I have a great support system within my family and friends but it's great to meet others, while unfortunate it has to be thru this, but who is going thru the same. I look forward to talking to you all. Have a great day!!

bar62

Hi  and welcome angiebjt,

I'm glad to have this space. I was able to decipher my pathology report with the help of this site  and the Avon Breast Cancer forum/site.

 It's unbelievable how little I did know about Cancer,  how  treatment is financed on Medicare, i.e., who pays for what, and I didn't know how to  access the support system I needed when I started Chemo. I joined this forum in August, Medihelp, Cancercare.org and have spent time on the Avon breast Cancer forum at Johns Hopkins Medical Center.

. I've been on Medicare Disability Insurance, but I didn't realize my Part D  RX plan didn't pay for Chemotherapy. I handed  my Part "D" card to the awful Oncologist. I chose   that doctor from a  panel of Oncologist listed on my new PPO. My ex stopped carrying my secondary in defiance of the  court orders. arrgh.  Meanwhile I  joined a PPO and am happy to get it for now.

 Anyway  that Oncologist  disdainfully told me that he couldn't use the part D card. My  Medicare PPO told me that all Cancer treatment medication are  paid via Part B. I plan to try to shift from this Medicare Advantage PPO plan to an AARP plan in December. I can do that change with no preconditions if I shift directly into the plan with no coverage gap. Then I can access  recommended doctors.

DragonladyTina

 Hey everyone, another nurse here,

I worked midnights for the better part of 15yrs back in the day, I no longer work nights but it is really amazing to me to hear the amount of nurses with BC.

I work on a busy post surgical orthopedic floor now but have worked neurosurgery and neurology in the past and loved it all.

I love nursing but hate all the politics and bullsh*t that goes with it these days.

Tina

amberyba

Angie, I am from Albemarle, NC and I sent you a private message...hope all is well.

JoAnn, good news about not needing SNB.

Hi to all the rest of you nurses...there are quite a lot of us.

I just started a new job at a local nursing home this week...first time with a nursing home...I had always heard the nurse to patient ratio was high, when I asked the nurse who schedules staff this question she told me one hall per nurse....no numbers...now I know  why...seems like 20:1, so I hope I can muster the energy and the quickness with accuracy to get the job done. Also I heard from my nurse manager in the ED and It looks like I'll be returning soon to have hours there too.

Bc does make it's mark on us, financially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I am 3 months post treatment and I am just now feeling the best I have felt since diagnosis.

God Bless All!

Amber

bar62

Hi Nurses,

 I''m hoping I meet a normal Oncologist this Tuesday: one who will not ask me to pay more than my co-pay for his treatments and will not complain about Medicare and how little they pay.

hugs and God Bless everyone,

Mina

Anonymous

Hi to everyone.  I seem to forget this thread is here.  Enjoying the week-end off.  Many new and old faces I see.  Sometimes I wonder about the stress that goes along with our jobs and how that may have affected getting breast cancer.  We know stress suppresses the immune system.

Working night shifts and breast cancer also seems interesting.  Onward ho!  We always seem to do what we have to do to get the job done.  Hate working with this shortage right now.

Nicki

C130sunshine

Hello to all,

MarieKelly...thank you for the follow up on your story.  I am so glad to hear when a fellow nurse really gets into trouble there are people (beside nurses) that will step up to the plate and help.

Jo_Ann_K...good luck on your path reports.

Mina....I hope you find a good oncologist (you have enough to worry about).  Keep looking until you find one...don't settle.  I had to switch my oncologists.....I went so far as getting one in a different state!   I am so glad I did.....I found out that my original oncologist was going to treatment me incorrectly. I know BC is a numbers game, but I want all the advantages I can get.

kim

AnneW

HI, Kim,

Are you a flight nurse? Active duty? I spent almost 7 years in the AF, and went to flight school but never had a flying assignment.

Anne

bar62

My oncologist cancelled my appt today  2 hours before  I was due in her office. She was in a meeting and couldn't get away.   Her staff said she would get back with them and then  she would get back to us with another  appointment. I never heard from the office.

Short of her losing all her money in the financial markets this week I can't begin to believe what happened to me today  via this doctor's careless breaking of my appointment. I have never had a doctor cancel an appt  ever ...without a day  or two notice ( a sick child or a death in the family)

 My Rheumy called me on my cell phone to tell me her apt was flooded and to wait for her at the office. I did. I have never had a doc cancel period. I am a patient with Cancer. What is going on with me? I was always afraid of Medicare advantage plans and I was right... I give up. I actually have no idea what I'm going to do. I will call NY-Presbyterian Cornell tomorrow morning and see if I can get into the Breast Clinic or  with my former docs before I lost my secondary insurance. I feel like I am going to die now...for sure. I am four weeks from my first AC  with no place to go. I was almost tempted to get back to that doctor who belittled my Medicare plan but my friends talked me out of it.

When I  stop and think how long my  cancer  was probably in my breast before it was captured on palpitation and mammogram, I  have to hope that I will survive thisl

C130sunshine

AnneW - I am active duty and flew from 2000 - 2004.  I loved it.  I was stationed at Osan AB Korea when I found the lump.....I was hoping after that assignment I could get back into flying. Well that is not going to happen.  After I am totally done with treatment I will go through a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB....the military loves their acronyms).  An MEB will decided if I am able to stay in the military or if they are going to medically retire me.  I am taking the mind set that I will be allowed to stay in.....I am still able to do my job.  After the board I have to wait about a year before I can try to fly again.

Mina....I am so sorry.  Don't give up!!!!!  Tell us what happens when you call NY-Presbyterian Cornell.  Are there any other Cancer Centers in NY you can call? 

AnneW

Kim,

Nice that you can be stationed somewhere besides Wilford Hall during treatment. Back in the day, that was your only option. I found my first lump while attending SOS, right before going to Turkey. I had visions of cancer treatments in San Antonio. Fortunately, it was benign. Those were the days when no imaging was done, and the AF surgeon was going to remove my breast if the frozen section came back malignant. We've come a long way, baby!

Here's hoping you'll be flying again soon. There's really no reason to be boarded out, to me. hang in there.

Anne

bar62

Evening everyone,

 I have an appt with an Oncologist tomorrow evening at 3:45. WHEW!

The Medicare PPO  I joined  was purchased  from another Medicare Advantage group, docs, hospitals and all therapists.   However, some of the doctors aren't members yet, though their names are on the doc list, and it's  not made known to the new  patients when  they join the plan which doctors are seeing Oncology patients..i.e. my last doctor who cancelled two hours prior to my appt. arrrgh.

 I had never asked   her office staff if she was seeing Oncology patients; I assumed she was since she was on the list and made an appt.. When I did I ask her office person Wednesday, why her doctor would cancel a  NEW Cancer patient so abruptly, after I had that appt for more than two weeks, she told me that the doctor had hardly any cancer patients.

 She would have been my fourth Oncologist, but I never got in to see her. SO. I did some fast research, called everyone personally to make sure they are AOK, and secured an appt. Whew!

I have to get my medi-gap insurance back. I can transition out of this PPO and into an AARP plan in January  if I can afford a plan. They have one plan  that is less expensive but it doesn't  have Part B...It does not cover docs???? Oh well... I have to leave this madness.

Thanks for all your kind thoughts.

hugs to everyone,

Mina

bar62

Hi everyone,  YEAH, I can finally join you  and start on the rest of my journey.

I finally have a caring compassionate oncologist; I'll have my port placed next week. A few days after placement, I'll receive my second AC treatment in his office. He has a huge chemo population, which makes me feel better. The doctor who  was so negative  about my insurance had very few patients, even though he was,  as is this doctor, well educated with excellent credentials. 

I am Diabetic and am concerned about nail-bed lifting and  foot problems. My fingernail beds turned purplish-blue the second week after my first AC treatment, but my doctor told me that I must be treated aggressively, in spite of  discolored or lifting nail beds, or any other SE.

  I need to warn  others  to be careful of peripheral IV chemotherapy especially if they have  yucky skinny veins like mine. I had chemo via my Left antecubital vein September 10,2008; my vein can't be accessed for blood draws any longer. I don't know if it will ever be a good vein again. Plus it was my only good vein, discovered 22 years ago, when I was pregnant, hospitalized  with Diabetes, and had blood draws  done more than once a day.

arrgh.

anna62

Hi There

My name is Anna and I have been a nurse for 15 years, working in the ER has been my gig. I was diagnosed on Sept 30th but have just been able to post within the last few days.  I am desperately trying to find a forum site that I was looking at the other day, is was about recovery from mast surgery.  I want my husband to read it so that we can plan the home setup when I get back from the hospital.  The forum had different woman writing about their experiences once they came home from surgery.  Any ideas ???

Anna

LauraZ

Hi Anna,

Welcome to the board, although I am sorry that you are a member of the BC club.  I did not have a mastectomy, so I'm not sure of the forum you are seeking.  However, when I was diagnosed, my breast health nurse gave my husband a wonderful book called Helping Your Mate Face Breast Cancer by Judy C. Kneece, RN, OCN.  My husband found it helpful.  Good luck on your surgery.

anna62

Thanks LauraZ

I did find the forum I was looking for, and I have been getting my space ready.  Thanks for the book tip, I will share it with my husband.  I am very nervous about the surgery, I wish I could just close my eyes and wake up one year from now after everything is over, would you call that avoidance behavior ??

Anna

MarieKelly

Helloooooo Anna !

Was just sitting here in triage thinking about calling you, but decided to look here first. Nice day here today. Baaaaaaaad day yesterday.  Did you get my message (left it with your daughter) about Deb's biopsy? It was benign!!

Do you have a surgery date yet? We are all thinking about you and hope this all is behind you very soon. We love you!  Call me anytime  if you need to talk. If I'm not working the next day, I honestly don't mind a call in the middle of the night.

Marie

anna62

Hey Girl

Thanks for the hello, and yes I heard the wonderul news regarding Deb.  I have had some interesting developments regarding surgeons and hospitals.  I'll share with you in a more private setting.  I am sort of feeling paranoid, I don't know who to trust, I just want the truth up front.  I told Brian today I feel like this is my one chance to do this right and the people I am trying to work with see me as one of many that pass through their lives.  I am spending alot of time on the internet, my head is filled with pictures of foobs and nipples.  If I never see another boob in my life I'll be satisfied. I have another consult with a different PS on the 28th say hello to everyone for me.

Anna

3rdSister

I am so glad I found this thread!  When I was first diagnosed and searched this website, I was very discouraged and was doubting my treatment decisions.  I decided to give it another go and found this thread.  Thanks!  I have been an RN since 1981 and an NNP since 1997.  I have worked in many areas (med/surg, level 1-3 nurseries, mother-baby, peds, school nursing) and in many roles (staff nurse, management, nnp, instructor).  Also, put in 6 years of full time nights plus call as an NNP.  I am currently teaching at a community college.  I take my students to a cardiac floor in the fall and to pediatric rehab in the spring.  Work has been great about all this!  My biggest frustration right now is scheduling my radiation.  They think nothing of changing my appointment times, even though it has a big impact on my schedule.  They seem to have "emergencies" all the time!  Won't matter in a couple of weeks as someone will take over my clinical groups in November and finish out the semester for me.  I just have to hang in there.  I do not tell anyone I am an RN either as it is assumed I know everything.  My husband announced it the day of my lumpectomy, but I quickly announced that surgery/oncology was not my field.  Seemed to go OK from there.  There are some great posts here.  I will try and get back soon. 

Jo_Ann_K

Welcome all new nurse sisters.  Indeed we have our own place in the breast cancer sisterhood!  Do you ever wonder why so many folks working in oncology end up with cancer or why any of us working as nurses end up with cancer?  I've been reading so much about cancer lately - that working nights can increase your risk.  Maybe just being introduced to so many different viruses and bacteria in the course of a working lifetime can alter your genes?  Probably just my imagination, but I wonder.

Regards,

Jo Ann from Maryland
RN since 1977