Angela Gushow, RN, OCN, oncology nurse at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Bay Region and Auburn resident, has been caring for cancer patients throughout her entire career – more than 22 years, to be exact. She is an oncology-certified nurse and participates in a train-the-trainer program throughout McLaren Health Care to ensure that the same standard of oncology care is consistently delivered across the system for every patient. However, it is her firsthand experience as a breast cancer survivor who received her care at Karmanos and McLaren Bay Region that makes her uniquely qualified.
“I split my time working at the Karmanos infusion clinic and placing PICC lines at the hospital. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love my job,” Gushow said. “I know how important it is to be there for my patients, putting a smile on their face, making them comfortable when they are going through a challenging time.”
Having already worked as an oncology nurse for years, Gushow knew the feelings of fear and anxiety patients experience while awaiting answers on a diagnosis of cancer or any life-threatening illness. Though she at first wasn’t concerned, she eventually had those same feelings in 2014, after she discovered a lump in one of her breasts.
“I was young, so I figured, ‘eh – it’s probably nothing,’” said Gushow.
As a wife and young mother, she waited until her next annual gynecologic exam, two months later, to bring it up to her physician. However, Gushow’s gynecologist did not feel the lump but ordered a mammogram and ultrasound just to be certain.
“I’m so glad she was proactive and trusted her patient’s word,” Gushow said. “For her to listen and not push it off – it’s why I’m here today.
“I wasn’t of an age where I was getting screenings for this type of thing. I’m so thankful for my doctor, to know that she had my back.”
Gushow’s mammogram results did show a highly suspicious area in her left breast. Like any other patient diagnosed with cancer, she had some worries.
“I didn’t know what was going to happen to me. I worried about what stage I had, if I was going to need chemo,” Gushow explained.
She chose the Karmanos location in Bay City to receive her care and decided to have a lumpectomy. The lumpectomy revealed her worst fear. Gushow was diagnosed with stage I invasive ductal carcinoma. That’s when she decided to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction.
“My husband, who is my high school sweetheart, and my family were very supportive. My mother-in-law took me to most of my appointments. After the bilateral mastectomy, I had to take off at least six weeks of work,” said Gushow.
She also took Tamoxifen, a hormone therapy that is taken orally as a pill, for five years.
“At the time, my twins were just 3 years old. I wanted to do whatever I had to do to be here,” she explained.
Because of her fighter's mindset, Gushow is doing what she loves, and that desire has come true.
“I’ve been cancer-free for eleven years. I’ve been able to watch my kids grow and participate in all of their activities. I’ve been able to live the life I wanted to live.”
Her twins, Alaina and Alexander, are now 15 years old.
Alexander, Angela and Alaina
Gushow’s interaction with patients is now different from what it was before her diagnosis. She often has one-on-one conversations with patients discussing both of their experiences.
Gushow said her personal experience makes reassuring patients that everything will be okay, even more meaningful.
“It feels good to be able to offer them hope and understanding, being there to answer their questions and just listen when they want to talk about what they are going through. I see some of my patients several times a week. They come in as strangers, and they leave as friends.”
She also enjoys hearing success stories from current patients and survivors who finished their treatments years ago. Caring for people in her community, when Gushow sees patients visit the cancer center during the holidays to give staff treats, or she sees a survivor at a school track meet, she enjoys catching up with them and seeing that they’re doing well.
“I love serving our rural communities. Patients come from the Thumb, the northern region, and beyond. I get a sense of pride to know that I’m helping people in my community, knowing that they can get the same care that they would get in the big cities right here in our backyard.”
Gushow participated in a brand campaign with the Karmanos Cancer Institute, which showcases the communities Karmanos serves throughout Michigan. Her portion of the campaign took place at Clark’s Greenhouse and Garden Center in Flushing Township.
“What I like most about working for Karmanos is serving our rural communities.
“People might think that the only way to get the best care is to drive far,” Gushow said in the video. “We’re surrounded by McLaren Central Michigan, Bay City and Lapeer. Patients are thankful they can get the same care they would get in the big cities.”
Karmanos Cancer Institute has locations near McLaren hospitals, which are anchored by the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, a National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. These clinics are part of the Karmanos Cancer Network, providing tens of thousands of patients across the state access to the Karmanos Advantage, which includes the latest cancer-fighting drugs and therapies, as well as clinical trials often not available at community hospitals.
One aspect of care that Gushow enjoys the most with the patients she cares for is the treatment graduation. This is when cancer patients get to celebrate their last treatment by ringing the victory bell. As they ring the bell, they are often surrounded by family and friends, but most of all, their care staff.
“We make sure that they know that it truly is a celebration of life and that they made it. This fight is worth fighting.
“Nursing is just one piece of the puzzle,” added Gushow. “We work together with our social workers, pharmacists, and even schedulers. Without all of us working together, we wouldn't be able to do what we do every day.
Angela’s Advice
Angela and her husband Brett
Taking care of oneself is essential; that’s why, even if you’re not familiar with the symptoms of breast cancer, understanding your body is important. It’s what led Gushow to ask her doctor about the lump she felt.
“As a nurse, I'm a patient advocate, but we also want patients to be their own advocate,” she said. “If something seems off, you need to get it checked. It’s important for you to know your body.”
To learn more and to find a Karmanos location near you, click here.