- With Mayo Clinic nurse educator
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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Aug. 27, 2011
Cancer survivors can thrive on inner strength
By Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
What is resilience? For you as a cancer survivor, it might be defined as the ability to recover, the strength to move forward, and the awareness of the needs of your own body.
Resilience is a strength that comes from within and is self-motivating. Research has shown that cancer survivors, when questioned, many times identify their own inner strength as one of the primary sources of strength as they experience and recover from a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Many of you can identify with this concept, although it may be hard to put into words at first. Here are a few thoughts to consider as you reflect on your own resilience:
- How do you bounce back from difficult situations?
- What are your coping mechanisms?
- How do you gain strength and courage to move forward? What motivates you?
- Are you able to ask for help when you need it? What is your support system?
- What inspires you and makes you feel whole as a person?
I have met so many survivors who have this amazing ability to survive and thrive despite the physical and emotional stress of cancer. Please share your thoughts on this topic. I would love to hear your opinion on what you feel is resilience and how this inner strength has helped you in your experience.
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