Cancer survivor uses experience to teach

In the fall of 2007, Northwest Technical School nursing teacher Sue Nichols noticed a lump in her breast during a self-examination.

Knowing that many factors can cause lumps in the lymph nodes, Nichols waited to see if it would go away. A few months passed before she went to see a doctor.

Her optimism proved unfounded. After further testing, she was diagnosed with an invasive ductal carcinoma. The most common form of breast cancer was attacking her body.

Nichols was fortunate that her cancer was discovered at stage 2, but it was spreading fast due to the presence of HER2, a protein linked to the rapid growth of malignant cells.

Her oncologist suggested chemotherapy, which Nichols endured for nearly five months before electing to have surgery in May 2008.

She was one of the lucky ones. Nichols said she never felt sick during chemo, and when the tumor was removed doctors found no signs of cancer. The chemotherapy had killed all the rogue cells.

"All I could think then, and even now, was that it was a miracle," Nichols said. "When they biopsied it and found that the chemo had killed the cancer, I just thought it was absolutely a miracle."

Throughout her ordeal, Nichols said what kept her going was her faith, her family and her friends.

Staying positive helped as well, she believes.

"The strength in faith is life-altering," Nichols said. "When my friends and family and church family rallied around me, it was amazing. I just don't know how to describe it."

Nichols is now using her experience to help teach students in the NTS/North Central Missouri College nursing program.

"I am able to relate to the nursing side as well as the patient side," Nichols said. "It gives me a broader understanding because of the patient perspective. When I can tell students a personal story like this, they really get interested. It becomes a more meaningful experience."

Nichols technically has to be cancer-free for five years before she can be considered a "survivor," but check-ups show the disease has not returned. She'll reach the five-year mark next spring.

Since her brush with cancer, Nichols has become an advocate for cancer awareness and early detection. She participates in such awareness events as Relay for Life and the Nodaway Crusade for Cancer.

Along with regular self-exams, she tells women to get regular mammograms after age 40 and to pay attention to family history.

Women in Nichols' family do not have a history of breast cancer, but the HER2 protein is a genetic predisposition.

She also encourages others to eat healthy foods, quit smoking, exercise and get screened regularly.

"People need to be proactive with their health," Nichols said. "Don't ignore the warning signs. Typically people in the healthcare industry try to 'wait it out,' but I encourage people to go see a doctor. We know our own bodies, and we can tell when something is wrong.

"My obvious hope is that breast cancer, all cancer, is eradicated. But I guess the main thing is that if you notice something unusual, seek medical attention right away. Don't wait."