National Cancer Survivors Day Testimonial – Susan Simeon, Nurse Coordinator at the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute

National Cancer Survivors Day is Sunday, June 5. This testimonial is written by Susan Simeon, RN, BSN, Nurse Coordinator at the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute, LifeBridge Health.

I have worked in oncology for the last ten years at Sinai. Whenever I meet people for the first time and I tell them what I do, they usually ask the same question “Isn’t it depressing?” The answer is a resolute “no.” Fortunately, we see people do well. We see people beat cancer. We see people survive and thrive. And even those that don’t “win the fight” have been cared for and treated well by our staff during the most difficult time in their lives.

One of my favorite patients is a woman who came to the Medical Oncology office about mid-way through her pregnancy. She had just been diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. She received chemotherapy during her pregnancy and even had surgery while pregnant. Nine months into her pregnancy, she delivered a healthy baby girl. Today, her daughter is seven years old. The patient still gets maintenance treatment and is followed closely, but is doing well. She is truly an inspiration. Stories like hers give others hope; they’re a big reason that I love what I do.

Another reason that I enjoy the field of oncology is that it is constantly growing and changing. New drugs are researched and extend the lives of our patients. As a nurse, this makes every day interesting, since there is always something new to learn. Sinai takes part in moving oncology ahead through our terrific research department. Through many active clinical trials, people in our community benefit from that research both directly, by participating in trials, and indirectly, by being treated with those same drugs once they have been approved for general use.

Unfortunately, this year, my family has been directly affected by cancer. It has been a challenging time, but it is reassuring to know that so many people in Sinai’s Cancer Institute support us and care about us. From the nurses in the Infusion Center to our doctors in the Medical Oncology Department, everyone has been caring, knowledgeable and supportive.

I feel very lucky to be a part of the team that is the Cancer Institute.

-Susan Simeon

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