Cancer is a word that often brings a world of uncertainty, fear and challenges. Yet, within the walls of St. Elizabeth Cancer Centers, stories of hope, resilience and unwavering support unfold every day. It’s the intersection of love and science.
This inspiring episode of Rounding with Patients features the touching stories of Beth, Abbey and Dean. Beth and Abbey faced the unthinkable challenge of battling breast cancer during their pregnancies, and Dean continues to live with the reality of his acute myeloid leukemia diagnosis.
The compassionate care provided by their care teams offers hope for others fighting cancer. Beth, Abbey and Dean are a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through their journeys, they highlight the power of medical expertise, the strength of nurturing support and the bravery of unwavering courage, making the path for others navigating similar challenges a little more hopeful.
Q: Why did you choose St. Elizabeth?
Beth, Abbey and Dean each found their way to St. Elizabeth for its renowned care and compassionate approach. The hospital’s reputation drew Beth and Abbey for excellence in cancer care, particularly for pregnant women facing breast cancer. “I talked with two healthcare facilities, St. Elizabeth being one of them,” says Abbey. “I felt like they weren’t just looking at me as a patient with breast cancer, but as a pregnant patient with breast cancer. They tailored their treatment recommendations around my pregnancy and my life.
“From the beginning, I felt heard and believed I would be well cared for,” says Beth. “You hear stories of young breast cancer patients where their doctors don’t take their concerns as seriously as they should,” says Beth. “But my surgeon, Dr. Heidi Murley, took my concerns seriously. She made me feel hopeful about my pregnancy despite cancer. She talked to me like somebody who also is a mom. She knew this was an incredibly scary situation for me, yet she made me feel excited to have a baby even though this awful thing was happening.”
“I’ve got an excellent care team. Their attentiveness, you feel. It’s not just something you read on the website. You truly experience it.”
Dean, Cancer PatientDean chose St. Elizabeth not only for its advanced treatments and personalized care but also because it was close to home. “I wanted convenience and expertise all in one place, and I found it, only 15 minutes from our home.”
“I love my job, I love the patients,” says Ashley Coleman, APRN, Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner at St. Elizabeth Cancer Center. “I love being a part of their lives, hearing their stories and interacting with them daily. Their strength and courage are an inspiration.”
“This is my community, I live here and it’s a special place,” says Nancy Jarvis, RN, an oncology nurse at St. Elizabeth Cancer Center – Ft. Thomas. “Beth’s story is unique because she taught my son in high school. So, Beth and I knew each other before she was diagnosed with cancer.”
Beth received a breast cancer diagnosis and later learned she was pregnant. At age 31, her pregnancy and cancer experience highlight her strength and resiliency.
Abbey received a breast cancer diagnosis at 24 weeks pregnant with her third child. Her courage and determination while balancing the care of her four-year-old and two-year-old at home highlights her unwavering commitment to her family and her health journey.
Dean received a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. He finds gratitude for his life so far and draws inspiration from the resilience of younger cancer survivors.
Q: What was your experience like at St. Elizabeth Healthcare?
Beth says, “Every interaction I had was incredibly caring. My doctor sat down with me, took my hand, and said, we can do both these things – we will take care of you and your baby. And in that moment, I felt comforted.”
Dean’s experience stands out because of the care team’s personal touch and how they tailored his treatment to his unique circumstances. Dean says they carefully designed his treatment, taking into consideration his age and the specific health challenges that come with it. “Because of my age, they can’t use the heavy-duty medications, so it’s more a matter of keeping you going as long as you can,” he says. The support and expertise of his team demonstrate the hospital’s commitment not only to extending lives, but also to enhancing the quality of life for patients, regardless of their age or condition.
“Every interaction I had was incredibly caring.”
Beth, Cancer Survivor“We all try to keep the care environment uplifting and positive,” says Jarvis. “But we also share in their tears.”
Navigating pregnancy and cancer presented unique challenges and emotions for Abbey. “Within a week, my oncologist and breast surgeon had a plan in place and a lot of reasons why it was a good plan.”
“At St. Elizabeth, we’re focused on patient-centered care,” said Coleman. “Everything we do, from the facilities to the amenities and everything in between, is always patient-centered.”
“We, as patients, pick up on the good rapport the medical teams have with each other. Their collaboration shines, and that positively impacts patients.”
Abbey, Cancer SurvivorQ: What are you most thankful for during your cancer care experience?
Gratitude is the feeling Beth, Abbey and Dean all shared. Not just for the medical intervention that saved and extended their lives, but for the human connection they felt with their care teams. Beth and Abbey are incredibly thankful for the safety and health of their babies, both born during the battle with cancer.
Beth says, “I’m incredibly grateful for the care I received,” Beth says. “They truly went above and beyond, making me feel supported every step of the way. And when you’re fighting for two, that support means everything.”
Dean says he is profoundly grateful for the extra time with his loved ones. “I was given a year and a half to two years at that time, and I’ve already passed the year and a half mark,” says Dean. He appreciates the time he has left. “I pray for healing because I want to be here to take care of my wife and to be here for my kids and grandkids,” he says.
When Abbey reflects on the support and care she received, she says, “The team’s compassion is what stands out. Each time I went in for chemo, they asked how I was doing – not just about the cancer but about unrelated things that were going on in my life. I felt like there’s a lot of love and that sticks out, that is memorable because you just feel all the compassion they have for you.”
“At St. Elizabeth, we embrace the whole person, focusing on holistic healing,” says Dayna Summe, RN, an oncology nurse at St. Elizabeth Cancer Center – Ft. Thomas. “We see each person that way and don’t leave anything out. And that’s very important to us and our patients.”
Q: What memorable part of your experience do you want to share with others?
Beth and Abbey’s most memorable experience was the birth of their healthy babies against all odds. The joy of motherhood mixed with the triumph over cancer is a memory to share with other women facing a similar situation.
Dean reflects on the kindness and camaraderie within the walls of St. Elizabeth, where the team of providers became friends and supporters. His visits are less about his treatment and more about enjoying the caring community around him. “I’ve learned a lot from the folks I’ve met – there are so many wonderful people,” says Dean. “Their support and care address all aspects of your life.”
“We’ve recently brought talented individuals to our treatment suite to help patients relax,” says Jarvis. “We have music therapy — a lady comes and sings and plays music — and we have someone who offers neck massages and so much more. We work to address the needs of those we care for — all aspects of their well-being.”
