When I started this blog space 9 years ago, I was writing, primarily about pregnancy and reality TV. I decided I would write to not only share about my thoughts on pregnancy, but also, to keep track of what was happening with each of my babies. At this point in the game, I suppose one could argue that I've gotten a bit off topic. With premies, friendships, tribe talk, parenting realities, marriage, the life of a modern day mom and woman, and of course, cancer, all becoming chapters in my story, it feels like I need to keep revamping this place I call my own.
So, I am going to attempt to sweet talk my IT guy {aka the Hubs} into helping me add a "resources" tab after the school year gets into swing. And for the current moment, I am going to start putting these resources together.
"What are these resources, Ashli?" That's such a great question, friend. I am so glad you asked. The resources will be the answers to the most commonly asked questions I get. NOT because I don't want people to reach out… I definitely do and encourage people to do so but rather, because I really want to have some answers at the ready for quick and easy access.
Things that I have in mind for this include (but are not limited to):
- What to do for a mama on bedrest
- How to help a mama of a premie
- What to do for NICU parents
- What to do for someone who is going through medical tests
- What to do for someone who was just diagnosed with breast cancer
- How to talk to your kids about a diagnosis
- What types of gifts are helpful for someone starting chemo
- What types of gifts are helpful for someone doing radiation
- What types of gifts are helpful for someone having a mastectomy
- What you maybe shouldn't really say (even if you're thinking it) to someone who is going through breast cancer unless you're super good friends
And for my first resource post, I wanted to share the names and contact info for my "team." I get the question A LOT… who are your doctors? Who did you see? Who did you talk to? Did you get a second opinion? And on and on.
So, here are some of the important numbers and names of my go-to services and clinicians.
If you've read any of my blog, you may already know where I received treatment. If you are just starting out here, welcome… I'm sorry we're meeting under this topic but I am glad you have found me.
I did my chemotherapy {6 rounds, one every three-ish weeks; triple positive stage 2a; Perjeta, Herceptin, Carboplatin, Taxotere}, mastectomy and lymph node removal {bilateral mastectomy per my decision}, radiation {28 rounds. I think about 24 with a bolus}, and am getting my after care through the Buffett Cancer Center, aka Nebraska Medicine, aka UNMC.
The direct number for the Buffett Cancer Center is 402.559.5600
I received most of my treatment and had office visits at the Village Pointe Cancer Center for Nebraska Medicine. The number for the clinic is 402. 559.5600. Simply ask to be routed to the Village Pointe clinic.
The Village Pointe Infusion Center {the destination for chemo and blood work} is located in the same building as the clinic and the phone number is 402.559.5600.
My primary oncology team, is comprised of clinicians and professionals from Nebraska Medicine or as some might know them as, UNMC.
Medical Oncologist: Dr. Tandra, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE
Surgical Oncologist: Dr. Thayer, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE
Radiation Oncologist: Dr. Wahl, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE
Nurse Navigator: Deb Spence, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE
I love this team. Love them. I could go on and on about why I love them, but I do that a fair amount throughout the rest of my blog so I will refrain on this post. Other Oncologists at Nebraska Medicine that I have met personally are Dr. Cowan and Dr. Reed. I've also gotten to meet Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Enke. They are all top notch as well.
I did all of my reconstruction surgery through the incredible Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery. I consulted with Dr. Hollins and Dr. Johnson and loved them both. The practice recently added a surgeon whose specialty is the DIEP if you are looking to have that procedure. I have had great care from Dr. Johnson and his entire team. Also, his PA, Stacey, is gold. And the rest of the staff there will make you feel like they truly care about your physical outcome.
Plastic Surgeon:Dr Johnson, Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery and Dreams Med Spa
I initially went to Nebraska Medicine on direct referal from my primary care doctor.
Primary care physician: Dr. Saxena, Healthcare for the Family, Omaha, NE, 402-778-5500
Dr. Saxena has managed my blood pressure and personal health outside of pregnancy for the past several years. She has always been thorough with me and without her intuition, I would not have been scheduled for a mammogram so quickly.
After I was diagnosed, I also reached out to a few trusted clinicians to get their opinions on my treatment plan. These doctors are partners in SNCC (Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center) in Lincoln. They agreed with what my Nebraska Medicine team had mapped out based on my pathology reports. I've known these doctors personally for a lifetime and was happy to have their eyes on my plan, out of the goodness of their hearts.
Medical Oncologist/Hematologist: Dr. Peterson, SNCC, Lincoln, NE
Medical Oncologist: Dr. Nate Green, SNCC, Lincoln, NE
I was happy to have their opinions line up with my team and headed onward and upward with Nebraska Medicine as I was located in Omaha and also, my dear friends who also had medical degrees believed that for my age, stage, and diagnosis, Nebraska Medicine would be a great fit as it was right in my backyard and would require almost no travel. But I wanted to include the SNCC guys if you have an option for an outpatient clinic in a satellite community OR if you are looking to do treatment in Lincoln. They are wonderful.
It is important to remember that depending on your type of cancer, your age, your stage, and your life, you may want to look at different doctors for different care. For breast cancer, early stage, at age 33, I was fortunate to be able to stay in my hometown for treatment. Always know that you never have to go with your first, second, or third opinion. You are your own advocate and it is up to you to find a team you are comfortable with and trust. I felt so fortunate to not have to look outside my "trusted advisors" 🙂 and know that I had a huge amount of knowledge at my finger tips.
I also had an Oncology nurse who was a family friend who helped me figure out what was normal as I was going through so many emotions and fears. If you know someone you trust who knows the journey, it is an excellent resource and friend to have.
I have a therapist that I see occasionally who I think does an excellent job with those going through serious illness or situational anxiety. She specializes in onco-psychology. She is with Think Whole Person Healthcare in Omaha, NE. She can be very difficult to get scheduled with however I find her to be well worth it:
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Barbara Clinkenbeard
Outside of Dr. Clinkenbeard, my care squad, and my on-call oncology nurse;), I also have a small group of women who we have named the FUBC club. We meet every once in awhile and talk about our lives over wine and food. We also text about wins and scans and the like. They are all in their 30s, early 40s, this has been an incredible resource for support. Additionally, through Facebook, I've connected with a few women who I adore who are also survivors of various cancer journeys. Additionally, I belong to a young survivors' page:
Thriving & Surviving - This is a private page but you may request to join or I can send you an invite
Also, there are a few people/organizations that I have found useful for patient resources and advocacy:
Project Pink'd: Advocacy, assistance, and attitude, for people in all stages of their journey from newly diagnosed to in the thick of it to thriving. Whatever your age, stage or story, Project Pink'd believes that every single breast cancer patient is a survivor. Events and opportunities on website. (based in Omaha)
Heartland Cancer Foundation: Providing assistance for people living in different counties throughout Nebraska and some surrounding areas, HCF helps patients receive funding and aid for gas, lodging, and other unforseen expenses. (based in Lincoln)
Nebraska Medicine Life Renewal Center at Village Pointe: Glenda, the happy face that greets you in the Life Renewal Center, will make you feel so taken care of if you are looking for new locks and she offers a free wig bank located on site! The LRC also offers classes and massage therapy for those going through any type of cancer treatment.
Little Pink Houses of Hope: This is an incredible organization that awards families and individuals a vacation to a dreamy locale with an opportunity to embrace the local atmosphere, engage in empowering activities, and meet other patients and families — all while having all meals and lodging paid for the entire retreat. This was truly an incredible experience for our family and I highly recommend that anyone and everyone apply.
Livestrong at the YMCA: This program is 100% awesome. I took part over a twelve week period when I still had my tissue expanders in and I found it so worth my time and beneficial.
"LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a research-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health. This program is FREE to any adult cancer survivor, and also includes a FREE household membership to the YMCA for the duration of the program.
In this 12-week group training program, participants receive one-on-one attention in a group setting, which creates a safe and comfortable workout environment. Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve their goals such as building muscle and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence and self-esteem. By focusing on the whole person, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer care in spirit, mind and body."
Research your local Y options or find one at a Y in a town near you. The trainers who coached our class were totally invested and wanted to see each of us have a positive health journey post-cancer. This is for ANY cancer survivor. And yes, it is FREE. I took my class at the Armbrust YMCA in Omaha, NE. I highly recommend this location if you are in the area.
A time to heal: I have not actually utilized A Time to Heal at this time however, I have met other survivors who have benefited from the services offered and also have met Stef Koraleski, one of the founders, and think she is the bee's knees. A time to heal offers support, education, and empowerment for patients and families. Check out their website for more info. Based in Omaha, Nebraska.
Casting for recovery: I have not yet participated in Casting for Recovery but it is definitely something that I hope to apply for in the future.
The mission of Casting for Recovery® (CfR) is to enhance the quality of life of women with breast cancer through a unique retreat program that combines breast cancer education and peer support with the therapeutic sport of fly fishing. The program offers opportunities for women to find inspiration, discover renewed energy for life and experience healing connections with other women and nature. CfR serves breast cancer survivors of all ages, in all stages of treatment and recovery, at no cost to participants.
There are retreat options all across the US. Also, one of my fave Neb Med personalities, Judeen Andrews, helps head up some of the Nebraska retreats;).
Additionally, here are some people I have followed on Instgram throughout their journey and my journey. Some are metavivors, some are not breast cancer patients but rather other cancers…
(I will continue to add to these)
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If you have any questions that are not covered in this document regarding resources and my care team, please don't hesitate to email me at babyonthebrehm@gmail.com.
This document will likely be ever-changing and I will continue to add to it.
**The people and places listed in this document have not paid me or asked me to share about them. They are in no way connected with my blog or my brand. They have truly been my resources that have helped me survive and thrive through my life with Stage 2a triple positive breast cancer.**
