Summary:
We were privileged to meet Allison Watkins, a breast cancer survivor AND experienced oncology nurse to discuss her experience on both sides of the exam table. She answered our questions about why she become a nurse, how her perspective and patient care mentality changed after becoming a cancer patient herself, and how any patient can make the most of the time with their care team (hint: write down your questions ahead!). Keep reading to find out about her unique experience and perspective on cancer care.
What happens when an oncology nurse becomes a cancer patient herself?
Q: Why did you decide to become an oncology nurse?
A: I became a Nurse in 1995. At the time I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Directly out of school I took a job in a medical/surgical unit in a midsized hospital. Three years later I moved with my husband to an urban area and within three years of moving I found myself the mother of two children under two. During that time, I changed my position from FT to PT float pool. I would float to different units I was qualified to work on. I LOVED floating to the oncology floor. There was something about it that made me feel connected. It wasn't only the patients and families, but how the staff supported each other, worked together and held each other up. When it came time for me to go back to work FT I had already lost my father in law and a close friend to cancer. Oncology it was. I spent 5 years working inpatient in the acute care Oncology Unit. 8.5 years ago I transitioned to outpatient infusion.I spend my days working in collaboration with a great group of providers. I teach. I treat. I support. I celebrate…and I grieve.
Q: You then became a patient yourself. How were you diagnosed with Cancer?
A: I was diagnosed with stage III triple positive breast cancer on April 1, 2016 (April Fools for the Oncology Nurse). I was just shy of my 48th birthday. It was a busy time in my life. I was working FT, and had a freshman and a Junior in High School. My youngest was going through some mental health issues and my focus was on that child, my daughter’s travel lacrosse, and keeping it all together. I had noticed a hardness on the side of my right breast and a strange zapping sensation for several months. EVEN as an oncology nurse, I chalked it up to peri-menopause, as it seemed to wax and wane with my cycle. One morning while getting ready for work, I noticed an indentation along where my bra would lay. But I wasn't wearing a bra. Something in me knew. I arrived at work early to show it to one of my co-workers (a nurse practitioner). She immediately sent me upstairs to women’s imaging (I work in The Institute for Cancer Care and everything is located in the building where I work). By noon, I had had a diagnostic mammogram and (5) ultrasound guided core biopsies (3 on the right and 2 on the left). My husband didn’t even know yet. I KNEW. I had missed a mammogram due to having to reschedule and then life got in the way and I forgot. My one piece of advice is IF you have to cancel a medical test or appointment, reschedule it THAT day. I had no risk factors for breast cancer. No family history. All genetic testing was negative.
Q: Did your personal experience make it easier to be a cancer patient? Did it bring up any particular challenges?
A: This is a LOADED question. BOTH. It made it easier in some ways. I had behind the scenes access to everything. The Doctors who treated me I have known and worked with for 20 years. ALL of them: medical oncologist and CRNP, Breast Surgeon, Plastic Surgery, Radiation Oncology. The nurses who gave me my chemotherapy are not only co workers but friends who work with me every day. The clinic I was treated in I know inside and out. The drugs I would be taking, I teach others about. I know people in the OR, pre-op, PACU and transportation. The manager of the breast floor where I spent 24 hours after my double mastectomy used to work alongside me on the floor. These things were comforting to me. I am NOT a private person and had no problems with co-workers taking care of me, although I realize and know others who would want their privacy. I used humor to get through a LOT.
Q: Has your personal experience with cancer impacted the way you treat your own patients?
A: YES!!! I have been Nationally Certified in Oncology for 12 years. I also have my chemotherapy/immunotherapy certification in addition to an RN license. I am educated in the care and support of cancer patients and their families. Going through cancer myself, I got the entire experience. I had 4 rounds of dose dense Adriamycin (the red devil) and Cytoxan every two weeks followed by weekly Taxol and Herceptin (with Perjeta every 21 days). I had a double mastectomy with the placement of expanders. I had 28 rounds of daily radiation. I started an aromatase inhibitor (I went through all three AIs due to intolerable side effects) plus Ovarian suppression (even though I had been medically induced into menopause during chemo). I had reconstruction of my breasts with a revision and also had my ovaries out at that time. During all of this (except of course recovery from surgeries) I worked PT in the clinic with cancer patients. THEY are my HEROS and what kept me going through most of this. I now know how to read people and what questions to ask that are not routinely asked by the oncologists and surgeons. I discuss sexuality and what has worked and what hasn’t. I discuss body image. I discuss how to talk to your partner. I discuss joint aches and hot flashes and fatigue in a way I did not prior to going through this before. I discuss their fears and celebrate their milestones. It is therapeutic for me.
Q: What would you tell other Cancer patients in terms of how to make the most of your relationship with your healthcare provider?
A: ASK ANYTHING. Bring a list of questions and take notes. Bring someone with you (if you can) to appointments. If you are being treated at a Cancer Center get the name/email and number of the patient navigator or case manager. Ask your provider what is the best way to contact them with NON emergency questions? Email/ Call? Get a second opinion. If you don’t feel heard, be your own advocate and ASK for what you need. Be careful with what you read online and online support groups. Remember most people posting are those who are having complications/issues. It is OK to be scared and angry. It’s also OK to feel like a WARRIOR. Some days you will feel all of the things! Celebrate the small milestones. This is a marathon not a sprint. Be kind to yourself.
About the author:
Allison is a 52 year old breast cancer survivor and oncology nurse who has worked at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland for 23 years. She has a BSN from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. She’s been married 27 years and has two children, 22 and 19. She has a rescue boxer and a rescue cat and loves reading, the beach, travel, changing seasons, and dining out.