Mother and Daughter Helping Oncology Patients in a Unique Way

In Buffalo, New York, there is a special type of continuity of care going on thanks to Marilyn and Julie Ross. This mother and daughter, both oncology nurses, treat a variety of patients on a daily basis at the same center.

"I take care of a lot of Julie's patients and so we really get to know the patients well because when they come to me they say 'I saw your daughter today and now I get to see you,'" said Marilyn Ross, who is 55 years old.

Marilyn, who has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years, has three grown daughters. She became interested in treating oncology patients after her husband died of lung cancer at only 48 years old. He was diagnosed in March 2003 and died in December of the same year. Marilyn said those 9 months changed her life. She said what astounded her was the incredible care her husband received during those months of treatment.

Today, Marilyn believes she has the best job she could possibly have. She is able to help patients and their families in a way other nurses can't because she has been in their shoes. "I know what they are going through," Marilyn told The Oncology Nurse. "It is truly rewarding. I never thought I could be so happy at a job. I absolutely love my job. This outpatient setting is just perfect for me. I truly feel like I am making a difference."

She said that one of the things that can be the most challenging about her job is that every day is completely different. She said that is also what makes her job so interesting and fulfilling. Work ing in the infusion center at Roswell Park Cancer In stitute lets her see a variety of patients for many different types of treatment. "It is very individualized, and you never know what your day is going to be like," explained Marilyn. "I like a challenge. I never know what an individual's therapy is going to be or what their prognosis is going to be."

Marilyn said she raised her children with the philosophy of treat others the way you want to be treated. That is how she treats her patients and the same is true of her daughter Julie Ross, who is a nurse practitioner at Roswell. Julie, who is 28 years old, said she always wanted to be a nurse because of her mom.

"Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a nurse. My mom is a special person, and I always admired her compassion toward her patients," Julie said. "I chose oncology because my father had lung cancer and we came here for his treatment. I liked the atmosphere here and the people."

Julie said there is also something else unique and special about working with cancer patients. She said oncology patients are different from most other patients in one key way. "People who have cancer or have experienced cancer view life in a special way. They are usually more positive and appreciate all of the small things in life that I think a lot of us forget about each day in our busy lives. That is probably the most rewarding part of my job. The strength I see in patients and their positive attitudes can be contagious," Julie said.