Oncology Nurse: 'I Never Thought I Would Be On The Other Side'
July 05, 2022
"Most people never think that they'll be diagnosed with cancer, and at first, I thought the same way," Janae Milner said. "I never thought I would be on the other side receiving care."
Janae is an oncology nurse with Franciscan Health Lafayette East. As a nurse in focusing on cancer care, she's dedicated to making sure that her patients are getting vital information and direction throughout their cancer care plan.
With her experience as an oncology nurse, Janae understood the potential damage that cancer can bring to a person's body. She was confident about her knowledge of cancer to reduce her risk of being diagnosed, including dieting, exercise, tobacco limitations, and more.
Still, even with a complete understanding of cancer prevention methods, no one is completely immune from the condition.
'I Found A Lump'
"Just after a few weeks into my role here at Franciscan Health, I found a lump," Janae said.
After finding the lump, Janae was able to get appointments scheduled for a mammogram and an ultrasound two days later with her provider.
Many people first notice breast cancer symptoms when they find a new lump, but non-cancerous lumps are also very common. Since cancerous and non-cancerous lumps can be painful and oddly shaped, it's always best to get them checked by a professional.
While lumps are a common symptom of breast cancer, here are 7 other potential symptoms of breast cancer that warrant a call to the doctor:
- Breast swelling
- Dimples
- Breast pain or reddening
- Inward nipples
- Dryness or flaking
- Nipple discharge
- Under-arm or collar bone swelling
'I Had Stage 4 Breast Cancer'
Following the scanning process, Janae recognized a nurse navigator walking through the waiting room.
"I told my mom that the nurse navigator is here for me and they're going to tell me I have cancer," Janae said.
The nurse navigator talked to Janae about her cancer diagnosis, her role as the navigator, and several options to deal with cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Of course, with this sudden information, Janae needed time to think about her options and transfer her care.
After a biopsy and meeting with the surgeon, they decided that chemotherapy would be Janae's best option since her cancer tested positive for HER2+, a protein known to grow and spread throughout the body.
A PET scan showed a new spot on her hip bone and helped confirm it as HER2+ cancer.
"This proved that I had stage four breast cancer at that time, which is what they say, not curable." Janae said.
Benefits Of A Cancer Treatment Center
As an oncology nurse and a previous oncology patient, Janae understood how impactful a cancer treatment center at Franciscan Health Lafayette East could be for both a patient and a provider.
"You have so many things that are wrapped up in your cancer care that why not wrap it all up in more of a localized and help that patient too," Janae said.
During her cancer diagnosis and treatment, she saw how well communication worked between the specialists and patients.
"I'm hoping cancer treatment centers can help ease some stress on those patients," Janae said. "It can be difficult to constantly go to different buildings to get something done and figure out where you're going, on top of everything else concerning them already."
Janae explained that her child wasn't even two years old at the time, and now she is cancer-free.
"Currently, I have no evidence of the disease and I feel great, but I never even really thought I would be here," Janae said.
"I just feel like if I had to go through it, it needs to be for a reason, and my reason is to help others get through their journey and their hardship."
