|
Extraordinary Courage, Extraordinary Care
Meet Carol Carlson, certified oncology nurse, DRHC's Chemotherapy Department. Carlson's been part of the DRHC nursing team for 25 years. Over the last 12 years, she's been administering chemotherapy to cancer patients with extraordinary care.
Touring the country by BMW road bike with her husband, Don, is among Carlson's many passions, which also include spending time with her 4 children, 2 step-children, 8 grandchildren and many adoring friends.
"If you've ever seen a dog sticking his head out of a car window, you know what it feels like to ride," says Carlson with a beaming smile. For a moment, she's back on the road. "The smell of flowers and trees, the feeling of the warm wind," she pauses, "and you can always find a Dairy Queen."
At work in DRHC's Chemotherapy Department, she can always be found with a welcoming smile and can-do attitude, which didn't waver after being diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in May 2005. "Fretting and stewing just wastes energy," she points out. "The only way to change things is by getting through it."
Carlson had found a lump in her breast after practicing good breast health, which doctors say could have saved her life. A series of mammograms, a biopsy and the diagnosis followed shortly afterward.
"Don't wait until your next mammogram," she warns. "A lot can happen in one to two years. A self breast exam only takes 30 seconds, and believe me, it's worth it."
Carlson chose to undergo her breast cancer treatment at DRHC, surrounded by the healthcare professionals she already knew and trusted. "Our doctors are totally connected with the oncologists that refer us to treatment. We have access to all the new treatments available. It's very progressive," she says.
After her diagnosis, Carlson underwent a lumpectomy to remove the cancer and a sentinel node biopsy to learn if the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. Dr. Daniel Margo, general surgeon for DRHC, performed the surgeries.
"Carol is an intelligent, informed patient - and I have great respect for her as a nurse," said Dr. Margo. "Because she works in oncology, she was already aware of her options."
Carlson knew that DRHC is the only hospital in the area using the University of Minnesota's protocol to perform the sentinel node biopsy. "Carol made a very educated decision," said Dr. Margo. "The sentinel node biopsy tool we use at DRHC, called the neoprobe, allows us to perform the biopsy like they do in advanced medical facilities, which ensures accuracy for our patients and avoids the complications associated with a full lymph node dissection." For Carlson, her sentinel node was positive for cancer cells, which meant she would need chemotherapy. Once again, she treated the news with wholehearted optimism.
"Before starting chemo, my husband and I took a bike trip down South, to Arkansas and Missouri," she explains. "We took all the side roads, traveled through the small towns, and really got a sense of the people. The eucalyptus trees were in bloom and they smelled so good."
In one of the small towns, Carlson and her husband, on a spiritual journey themselves, discovered a candle light vigil for soldiers killed in Iraq. "That's when you realize the true meaning of things. That's when you start counting your blessings," she says through a tear-filled smile.
Back at home, Carlson was ready for the next phase of her treatment: chemotherapy. She realized the irony of her situation and embraced it. "As a chemotherapy nurse, I already knew that there was nothing to be afraid of," she explains.
During her chemotherapy, Carlson wore brightly colored wigs and scarves that trailed behind her as she walked the halls of DRHC. Her fun-loving attitude was a tremendous comfort to her patients.
"She would wear this yellow fuzzy hat and everyone would say, here comes Donald Duck!" remarked her friend and fellow cancer survivor, Anna Eells, RN. "It made us all laugh. She's just a ball of fire and a real inspiration to a lot of people."
Fortunately, Carlson didn't experience many side effects with her chemotherapy treatment, but knows from experience that most patients need all the help and support they can get. "Everybody reacts differently to treatment. We work hard to make it as easy and comfortable as possible. Some patients have a long drive ahead, so we make sure they have a chance to rest, eat lunch, even take a nap."
Carlson's patients and their families are relieved to learn that DRHC's doctors will coordinate their chemotherapy with oncologists from Duluth, Minneapolis or across the country, saving patients time and travel to receive the same quality treatments. Her treatment was no exception. With support from DRHC's staff, specialists, surgeons and physicians, Carlson completed her last chemotherapy treatment in July 2006.
Carlson's approach to her own cancer has been an inspiration to her patients. "It's amazing the difference it makes to my patients that I've been through it, too," she notes.
It's no surprise that Carlson's story is a powerful example for DRHC's breast cancer treatment program. Her natural appreciation for life has only grown stronger. After finishing her last chemotherapy treatment, Carlson's off on her BMW road bike again, anxious to get a taste of the road and smell the eucalyptus trees. |
ABOUT DEER RIVER HEALTHCARE CENTER
Deer River HealthCare Center, Inc. (DRHC) is a non-profit community owned and operated comprehensive health care campus. Located in Deer River, Minnesota, with a service area consisting of a 50-mile radius, the staff of over 200 health care workers offers area residents a wide range of high-quality health care services - in one convenient location. Deer River HealthCare Center is committed to providing quality, compassionate health care for life.
|
|
