Beyond the Checklist

Posted May 14th, 2019

I am standing and waiting for the elevator back up to the third floor, where I work as a medical oncology nurse. I am holding my recently purchased lunch in hand, eagerly awaiting a short break where I can recharge before going back to caring for my patients. As I watch the numbers above the elevator door light up, a toddler in […]

A Silver Lining in a Cancer Diagnosis

Posted May 8th, 2019

During my first year as oncology nurse in the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine, I can recall an experience that has stuck with me over the years. One day, I was triaging patients that had arrived for their scheduled chemotherapy treatments. Despite the distractions and interruptions that the triage nursing role notoriously entails, my […]

My Walk with Faith

Posted May 3rd, 2019

“I can’t sleep. I feel shaky. Will you walk with me if you have time?” she asked around 2 a.m.  “Of course. Let’s take a walk,” I replied.  Andrea asked this often when I was working night shift. I’m unsure if she actually felt unsteady in the beginning. She certainly appeared to walk safely on her […]

Proton Therapy for Gynecologic Cancers

Posted April 2nd, 2019

In this webinar, Dr. Neil Taunk, MD, MS, Assistant Professor and Chief of Gynecologic Radiation Oncology at Penn Medicine, provides an overview of proton radiation therapy for gynecologic cancers.

Social Work Stories: Karen

Posted March 28th, 2019

March is Social Work Month. This year’s theme is, “Elevate Social Work.” In honor of Social Work month and in our attempt to elevate our practice, OncoLink is featuring social workers and their own voices. This entry is from Karen, a social work administrator. I was asked to comment on how my social work background […]

Social Work Stories: Richard

Posted March 27th, 2019

March is Social Work Month. This year’s theme is, “Elevate Social Work.” In honor of Social Work month and in our attempt to elevate our practice, OncoLink is featuring social workers and their own voices. This entry is from Richard “Rick” Dickens, an oncology social worker. “How do you do what you do?” As a […]

Proton Therapy for Spine Tumors

Posted February 12th, 2019

In this webinar, Dr. Michelle Alonso-Basanta, MD, PhD, Chief of Central Nervous System Radiation Oncology and Associate Professor, Penn Medicine, provides an overview of proton radiation therapy for spine tumors.

Five Tips for a Healthy New Year

Posted January 2nd, 2019

In today’s blog, Robin Danowski, MS, RD, LDN, a Registered Dietician, provides tips for kicking off a healthy new year.

Holiday Coping & Enjoying!

Posted December 4th, 2018

For many of us, Thanksgiving was a day we spent perhaps a little more simply than usual. For cancer patients and families who are in current treatment, holidays can be a bit tricky. We may not have the energy for large gatherings. Our appetites and treatment sensitivities may suggest a small and VERY downsized day…even […]

Patient Education by the Numbers: Part III

Posted November 26th, 2018

Patient education is an integral part of all healthcare providers work. It is an important piece of empowering patients, improving patient/provider relations and improving outcomes. In this blog series, Shayna explores tips for effective patient education and the value this brings to patient care. This blog is part 3 of a 3 part series. Four […]