a better mom, friend, teacher, nurse, wife— everything. All of my roles have been affected in a positive way because of [cancer].” On March 1, Wagner-Connolly celebrated her four-year anniversary of being a cancer survivor, and while she has managed to make it a positive in her life, she acknowledges that it was also one of the most difficult and trying times in her life. The number of young adults who are diagnosed with cancer is very low, usually less than 5 percent, depending on the cancer, says
Margaret Block, M.D. oncologist at Nebraska Cancer Specialists.
« “It has helped guide me in my life and my career,” she says. “It opened my eyes to how much worse things could be and inspired me to do more with my life. Through cancer, I realized that I wanted to go into public health where I can help others. I know I am
“The number of young adults who are diagnosed with cancer is very low, usually less than 5 percent, depending on the cancer.” Margaret Block, M.D.
Margaret Block, M.D., a medical oncologist at Nebraska Cancer Specialists. But for those who do receive the disturbing news, it can be a very emotional and stressful journey. Like many young cancer patients, Wagner-Connolly experienced the challenges and emotional turmoil common among people her age. She struggled with the shock of being diagnosed at such an early age; she feared not being around to see her children grow up; and she grew weary from juggling two tiny twins and a four-year-old daughter when she could barely take care of herself. Her family and friends and people she didn’t even know became her biggest supporters. Her husband worked nights and was able to help as much as he could during the day. Her mother and mother-in-law also provided help when they could and were there for emergencies. Her co-workers at The Nebraska Medical Center held a fundraiser for her. Several friends of her sister who work at Lincoln Financial Group also organized a fundraiser/ auction and raised more than $6,000 to help
Dr. Geetha Palaniappan and the nationally recognized Nebraska Cancer Specialists are at the forefront of cancer diagnosis, treatment and research. *Nationally Recognized in Clinical Trials and Oncology Research by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Margaret Block, M.D. M. Salman Haroon, M.D. Ralph J. Hauke, M.D. Timothy K. Huyck, M.D. Robert M. Langdon, Jr., M.D.
Kirsten M. Leu, M.D. John M. Longo, M.D. Patrick J. McKenna, M.D. Geetha Palaniappan, M.D. David A. Silverberg, M.D.
Gamini S. Soori, M.D. Yungpo Bernard Su, M.D. Stefano R. Tarantolo, M.D. Peter M. Townley, M.D.
Alegent Creighton Health Cancer Center - Bergan (402) 393-3110 Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center (402) 354-8124
Midwest Cancer Center Papillion (402) 593-3141 Midwest Cancer Center Legacy (402) 334-4773
Fremont (FAMC) (402) 941-7030
36 HerFamily • June 2013
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