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Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
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Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
Sheryl M. Ness
Sheryl Ness, R.N., O.C.N., is a nurse educator for the Cancer Education Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She helps inform patients, families and caregivers about services and resources to help them through the cancer journey.
She has a master's degree in nursing from Augsburg College. In addition, she is an assistant professor of oncology at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and is certified as a specialist in oncology nursing. Sheryl has worked for more than 20 years at Mayo Clinic as an educator. She has a keen interest in the importance of the quality of life and concerns of people living with cancer.
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Living with cancer blog
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Oct. 13, 2009
Living with cancer: Welcome to our new blog
By Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
Welcome to our new cancer survivorship blog.
We're all touched by cancer, whether personally or through shared experiences with a loved one. Although I don't have cancer, I've worked for numerous years with cancer clinicians, researchers and cancer survivors; and have seen the value in talking about issues, sharing information, and having someone listen to fears and concerns.
I'd like to use my experiences and those of each of you to make this online forum a place to share hope and strength with one another. I hope we'll all find value in sharing our thoughts.
10 million survivors
The American Cancer Society (ACS) considers a cancer survivor to be anyone who defines himself or herself this way, from the time of diagnosis throughout the balance of life. ACS estimates there are more than 10 million cancer survivors in the United States alone. This blog is for these survivors, as well as caregivers, friends and families. Please send me suggested topics. My goal is to open discussions and get conversations started — let's chat!
In the past, the word "cancer" was taboo, a word that most individuals didn't feel comfortable saying, let alone talking about. But more than ever before, cancer survivors are playing an active role in their health care team by learning about their diagnosis, treatment options and resources. As many health care professionals say, "As a patient, you're your best advocate."
While nothing will ever diminish the seriousness of cancer, we are fortunate that so many medical researchers, at Mayo Clinic and around the world, have made understanding and reducing the burden of cancer their primary goal. Part of that burden includes concerns that plague survivors long after diagnosis and even "cure." This blog is a place to talk about those concerns, and hopefully help make the journey after diagnosis a bit easier to face. By listening, we speak volumes.
Giving back to others
When I hear the words "cancer survivor," a few different thoughts come to mind, reflective of the many survivors that I've had the pleasure of meeting: strength, endurance, resiliency, grace, compassion ... the list goes on. I'm continually amazed by the many people who've been touched by cancer who feel empowered to give back to others — from simply sharing their stories or becoming a patient advocate to leading support groups or mentoring recently-diagnosed cancer patients.
These individuals have powerful and compelling stories to share. This blog can also serve as a forum for this sharing — and inspire us throughout the process. It's limited only by our imagination and willingness to share.
To begin the discussion, I hope you'll consider posting your reflections on what "cancer survivor" means to you.
I look forward to chatting with you, and please consider subscribing to our free Living with Cancer newsletter.
- NBE
356 comments posted
October 13, 2009 2:41 p.m.
I have been on arimidex for a bit more than 3 years now. I am wondering if the occasional bouts of extreme vertigo (10-15 minutes during which the room spins and I must lie down with my eyes closed) which began after about a year on the medicine might be connected.
- Ellen
October 13, 2009 2:39 p.m.
When I was diagnosed with cancer I could hardly swallow and I went to a Hypnotist and she helped me relax my throat and I was able to eat and swallow foos again. Hypnosis is amazing for lots of effects of cancer and the emotional side effects of cancer are managable with hypnosis.
- DIANE
October 13, 2009 2:12 p.m.
When my daughter was 16 she was diagnosed with Brain Cancer called an astrocytoma (spelling?). Dr. West ~ Neurosurgeon, operated and removed the tumor encapsuled in a cyst. The biopsy showed a stage 3/4 malignant tumor. She was given a 30% chance of survival. Along with radiation I got very involved in alternative medicine such as vitamins, minerals, etc. In order to kill brain cancer you needed 6000 rads of radiation. Most times the brain will not be able to do that and starts to swell. So how could we clean out her blood to allow this. A regiment of herbs, minerals, and vitamins were put in place to work with each other and not against. This only after doing hours and hours of studying medical books and anything else I could find to help. Could not just sit back and allow my daughter to die. Consequently with the skill of Neursurgeon, Cancer specialist and radiation my daughter made it to 5800 rads of radiation before her brain swelled. She is now 40 years old and is considered to have beat the 'odds'. But there have been many ramifications from radiation and scar tissue. Just in the last 4 years she has suffered a stroke that paralyzed her right side. But as is typical for her she is a fighter and now has limited use of her right hand but walks without a cane. She may have problems but she is alive and has a good husband and daughter. We are so very happy to write this down for you to read and have hope.
- Lynn
October 13, 2009 1:59 p.m.
I am a caregiver. My husband is diagnosed with Stage III lung cancer. While most blogs recommend having friends/relatives/neighbors give some relief, that is not an option in my case. He simply does not want anyone around him but myself. He sleeps a lot, and watches some TV, but for the most part just sits quietly and stares into space. I, on the other hand, am a people person, and find it difficult to not talk about SOMETHING.....a Tv show, the news, etc. There is no response. I know he is depressed, but won't seek counseling. He finishes his 26 radiation treatments in 5 more days, and then goes on to his 3rd (5-hour) chemo treatment. It is difficult to communicate with his doctor, as I am not allowed to stay with him during chemo, and the doctor usually talks to him while he is hooked up to his IV's. My husband either doesn't remember what the doctor said, or choses not to talk about it (he is a very private person). I plan to advise his chemo nurse that I really need to talk to his doctor and see if I can set a time. Thanks for allowing me to ask for advice. Dusty
- Dusty
October 13, 2009 1:43 p.m.
What I'd like to see is more concern about ovarian cancer, of which just a year ago I was diagnosed and had extensive surgery to get it all. There needs to MORE education about different kinds of symtoms, besides weight gain, stomach bloating. There needs to be more off beat symtoms such as my own. I had those two, but what really got my attention was right leg pain I thought that had something to do with my back. Finally having an MRI, I was told there was a mass in my stomach that needed further tests. I've heard of a skin rash that turned out to have been caused by tumor on the ovary, which was totally off beat from, so called common systoms. Thank you for you interest. Coreen
- Coreen
October 13, 2009 9:25 a.m.
Nicole this is an amazing idea! Very wonderful. It's great to educate people and just to start this for support is wonderful! GREAT IDEA!
- Jerilyn
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