Rosanne Coleman with her physician Andres Forero, M.D

For many years Rosanne Coleman administered chemotherapy to patients as an oncology nurse at a local hospital. There she provided them with much- needed support and care and in return her patients gave her the inspiration that she would use in her own battle against cancer.

Little did she know that one day she too would undergo some of the same treatments as her patients.

She learned some important tools from those she had taken care of. She already knew what to expect from a medical perspective, but she also learned the importance of faith, determination and family support and the role these things play in a successful treatment.

As a nurse it was upsetting to see the side effects her patients endured in treatment with chemotherapy and radiation.

She always said that she would really have to think hard if ever faced with the decision to undergo treatment herself. When this became a reality for her after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2008, she knew immediately it would be worth it to fight, at whatever cost. She was determined that she was going to give cancer a “good battle” with the help of her faith, family and friends.

Rosanne observed that patients who had strong family support and faith seemed to have a better outcome than those who did not. She was surprised by her own emotional strength throughout the entire healing process that was greatly helped by her faith and family.  For example, as a woman, losing her hair was one of the most difficult aspects about her chemotherapy. Her family members showed their support by giving her hats and scarves so she would be less self-conscious. Her children took her to have her hair cut so that it would be less traumatic than watching it all fall out. “They were by my side through it all”, said Rosanne.   “My faith gave me strength from within to endure all that lie ahead.”

She advises anyone who is newly diagnosed to seek a second opinion.  Most doctors are not offended by this and will encourage their patients to do so when dealing with a life threatening disease. It is important to find a doctor that you are comfortable with but even more important, know you are at the best facility. Be sure that they have the best treatment options available for the specific type of cancer you have. Rosanne chose the University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center (UAB).  “We are so lucky to have this type of comprehensive Treatment hospital available to us right here in Birmingham.  It was just a 35 minute drive from my home whereas many people drive hours to visit this facility.” Rosanne suggests that you also take a personal interest in learning about your disease and the treatment options available.  Take a list of your questions for your doctor so you can discuss at you regular appointments.

Mrs. Coleman also said that it has helped her by giving back to others currently battling cancer and trying to make a difference for all of us who one day may face this terrible disease. Her dream is that within this new decade there will be a cure for cancer.

She recently became involved in Relay for Life of North St. Clair County and leads the Survivorship Committee.  The event will be held on April 30, but planning and fundraising begins now.

If you would like to participate in Relay for Life there are many ways to help. You can form a team among your friends, family or co-workers to raise money for the Relay, join the planning committee, or you or your business or organization can  become a Relay Sponsor. 

Participating in Relay for Life helps legal advocacy and education progrms for cancer patients and their families. 

For more information about Relay for Life of North Saint Clair County  contact Beth Schulz at eabcschulz@aol.com, search Facebook for Relay for Life of North St Clair County, or visit the website www.relayforlife.org/northstclair.

For more information about the American Cancer Society, visit the website www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345.