Contributors



Dr. Elise Lawson

Latest:

A Ray of Sunshine on the Oncology Ward

Rectal cancer is an overwhelming diagnosis for patients to receive. Anica Bausch's, B.S.N., RN, OCN calm and compassionate demeanor helps patients manage their anxiety and fears surrounding treatment and prognosis.


Christina Klawitter, RN, M.S.N., OCN

Latest:

Easing Worried Patients During Difficult Times Throughout Cancer Treatment

A colleague writes about an infusion nurse that has the bedside manner to make patients’ experiences with cancer a little calmer with her sense of humor and knowledge.


Marie Davis, RN-BSN

Latest:

Selfless Acts of Service in Cancer Care

A colleague and a patient with cancer each submitted nominating essays about an oncology nurse who made an impact in their lives.


Haniza Zainal Abidin-Schlosser

Latest:

Loving My 50s After Having Breast and Ovarian Cancers

After my mom died at 50 years old, I was certain I wasn't going to reach 50. I'm glad I was wrong.


Margaret Pakulski

Latest:

The Gentlest Blood Draws

A patient details how a nurse made her experience with blood draws, which can be difficult due to compromised veins, a much more pleasant one.


Mary Sexson

Latest:

To Be a Caregiver for My Husband

When I was my husband's caregiver, I tried to make things comfortable, but I'm not sure if the drugs and bedpans could ever make it right.


Barbara Jaffe

Latest:

How to Have the Cancer Talk with Children

Please, look for advice and resources that do not further complicate or adversely affect your own efforts to cope, but rather offers a path for you to do the best for your kids but still focus on all the aspects of you and your whole family living with cancer.


Julie Scott, D.N.P., ANP-B C

Latest:

Managing Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss

Many survivors see significant hair changes during cancer treatment, leaving a difficult reminder when they look in the mirror.


Michele Ortiz

Latest:

My Breast Friend: The Woman Who Helps Women Feel Beautiful After Breast Cancer Surgery

One woman created an accessible and affordable business to help women regain confidence after breast cancer surgery through prosthetics.


Harry Small

Latest:

Writing As A Caregiver: Feelings and Thoughts During My Husband’s Cancer

A caregiver uses poetry to work through their husband's cancer journey.


Dr. Elizabeth Aby

Latest:

Taking a Drink From the Fire Hose

Several colleagues, patients and caregivers nominated Jill May, B.S.N., RN, OCN, for the 2024 Extraordinary Healer Award for her dedicating to caring for those with gastrointestinal cancers.


Kara Pierro

Latest:

FAQ: Colon Cancer Foundation’s Newly Formed Partnership with Backpack Health, a Konica Minolta Service

Aside from the physical challenges associated with colorectal cancer, managing the many health administrative aspects of a chronic disease is an added burden to the lives of patients and their caregivers.


Missy Robinson, RN

Latest:

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

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


Colleen Bruen, RN, BSN, BMTCN

Latest:

An Extraordinary Healer Inside and Out

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


Suzanne Adriana Remington

Latest:

The Post-Cancer Me

After cancer and becoming an empty nester, I thought I would be lost. But now, I'm finding purpose and following my dreams.


Ides Torres, MLS(ASCP)

Latest:

A Cancer Nurse Who Is Called to Serve

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.


David L. Stanley

Latest:

Cancer's Terror in the Night

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


Dr. Rachel Freedman

Latest:

An Oncology Nurse Who Goes Above and Beyond

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


Paul Edelman, Jr.

Latest:

Life Five Years After Cancer

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.



Richard Strickland

Latest:

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

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



Cartoon drawing of blogger Joe Bullock
Joe Bullock

Latest:

Bringing Awareness to Depression and Cancer

Before receiving my colorectal cancer diagnosis, I had experienced cancer. However, my depression felt different during treatment.


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

Latest:

A Beacon of Hope for Patients With Cancer

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


Peter O'Connor

Latest:

The Prostate Cancer Demon

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


Jackie Collins

Latest:

Newer and Unconventional Treatment Methods May Better Manage Breast Cancer Side Effects in the Future

From the use of anti-depressants to cryotherapy, researchers continue to explore potential ways to mitigate the side effects that are associated with breast cancer therapy.


Josie Montegaard, MSN, AGPCNP-BC

Latest:

Getting the Most From Your CLL Care Team

Josie Montegaard, MSN, AGPCNP-BC, and Yuliya Linhares, MD, conclude their discussion with advice for patients with CLL on managing their diagnosis and treatment.


Jason Schwarz, B.S.N., RN

Latest:

Dedication, Achievement and Grace in Cancer Care

In a field populated by highly skilled and deeply compassionate nursing oncology professionals, Kathryn Buttner, B.S.N., RN, BMTCN, stands out, a co-worker said.


Kate Matthews

Latest:

My Diet After Having ER-Positive Breast Cancer

After receiving a diagnosis of ER-positive breast cancer, I took a cancer-free diet seriously.