By Rose JacksonImage Credit: Pexels Caregiving is not an easy role to fulfill. While this responsibility can be rewarding, caregivers have high risk of experiencing stress, causing them to feel isolated, experience exhaustion, go through mood swings, and have constant body aches. Caregiver stress can also lead to more serious conditions because prolonged stress can lower…
By Zach NortonImage by fizkes on Shutterstock Scanxiety is the apprehension or fear cancer patients may feel surrounding medical scans. It can occur with the thought of a scan, the anticipation before getting a scan, undergoing the scan itself, right after a scan, and waiting for scan results. No one likes experiencing anxiety or worry,…
By Rose JacksonImage via Pexels In the United States, there were over 53 million informal caregivers in 2020, each facing their unique challenges and struggles. Caring for a loved one facing an illness is often seen as a noble and commendable task, but its long-term impacts on caregivers are often overlooked. Strains on mental health have become…
By Linda Borgstede In November, the Judy Nicholson Kidney Cancer Foundation brought its first annual in-person, regional symposium to Atlanta, GA, with the title, “Celebrating Hope.” By definition, a symposium is a presentation of the newest information and research – on kidney cancer, in this instance. The fact that 16 doctors and associates…
By Linda Borgstede Today the kidney cancer foundation bearing her name is international in its reach supporting patients, families and caregivers with the latest education and support. In Jacksonville, Fl. In 2007, there was no such source for those receiving a kidney cancer diagnosis. There was no local support group. Research was poorly funded. Christmas…
By Rose Jackson Image via Pexels When the Covid-19 virus first spread through the world, the immediate answer was to lock down and prevent people from leaving their homes to stop the spread of the virus. However, this also presented a problem – especially for those needing regular health check-ups. This was remedied by physicians…
By Janet CampbellImage via Pixabay Whether you’re caring for a sick child or for an aging parent, being the caregiver of a cancer patient is both emotionally and physically fatiguing. And if you’re the main or sole caregiver, the toll is even greater as you may have to quit your job and deal with the…
By Janet Campbell No one wants to see someone they love suffering. When a friend is going through treatment for cancer, it’s natural to want to help. At the same time, you’re likely worried about well-intended help becoming an intrusion. Where’s the middle ground? Here are our best suggestions for helping a loved one…
By Linda Borgstede Is it experience or genetics that allow Jayla Barnes to love a job that most people would find most difficult? Jayla Barnes is a palliative nurse practitioner working with patients in palliative care and Community Hospice. She serves on the board of the Judy Nicholson Kidney Cancer Foundation. She spent…
By Linda Borgstede Observation and a studied approach have led Jenny Spencer to her special calling. She was in nursing school when she first stepped into the world of the “cancer population.” “I fell in love with the oncology patients who were so brave, strong and undeserving.” She became a certified oncology nurse working with…
By Linda Borgstede By the time Lori Bumbaco received her public health degree from Stockton College in 2000, she knew her passion went much beyond that. “Nutrition is what I wanted to pursue,” she found, but her adviser discouraged her. “But she didn’t stop me. “People with chronic diseases deserve a better…
By Cristina MutchlerPublished on January 27, 2022 Medically reviewed by Scott Sundick, MD A nephrectomy is a surgery to remove all or part of a kidney. This procedure is usually done to treat kidney damage or diseases like kidney cancer. It can also be performed to remove a healthy kidney from a donor for transplant.…
How to Take a Dire Diagnosis and Make the Best of It By Joel Stern I Have Stage IV Cancer: The News No One Wants to Hear I am addicted to playing tennis. I play in USTA mixed leagues, I play every Saturday with a group of guys I have played with for years, and…
The term “caregiver” encompasses an extensive variety of people –– from medical professionals, to spouses, relatives and friends, all of different ages and abilities. Whatever the specific circumstances though, the role of a caregiver constitutes an enormous responsibility, and can be extraordinarily stressful. So, if you find yourself in a caregiving role, it’s crucial to…
Who comes to mind when you think of a caregiver? Perhaps you imagine a nurse or doctor, treating an elderly patient at an assisted living facility, or maybe you think of a family member dedicating countless hours to helping their child with special needs. Caregiving is a broad term that encompasses both paid professionals (such…
by Janet Campbell At the Judy Nicholson Kidney Cancer Foundation, we understand that taking care of a loved one is a big responsibility, and it comes with so much to think about that stress and anxiety are an inevitable part of the job. If you’re a senior, it’s crucial to make sure you’re taking care…
The year 2020 was very challenging year for everyone and every organization. The Judy Nicholson Kidney Cancer Foundation accepted the challenges presented by world events and achieved more than in any previous year of service to the Kidney Cancer Community. The JNKCF developed, promoted, and presented 16 Kidney Cancer education and support events. Far more…
Shortly after COVID-19 restrictions were enacted around the nation and the world, the Judy Nicholson Kidney Cancer Foundation began to consider virtual, interactive presentations via Zoom as an alternative way to serve the educational needs of the kidney cancer community. With development work completed, the Foundation promoted and conducted its first “Kidney Cancer Conversation” Zoom…
Members of the JNKCF team recently had an opportunity to tour the new Mayo Clinic in Florida Jacksonville Oncology Center. The new center will be the home of the country’s first carbon ion therapy center to treat cancer. The carbon ion center will be built in collaboration with Hitachi and is part of Mayo’s $233…
Concentrations of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) in the blood may predict for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) up to 5 years prior to diagnosis, according to the results of a study published in Clinical Cancer Research. Additionally, those patients with high concentrations of KIM-1 had worse survival, the study showed. “Identifying a sensitive and specific tumor marker…
The story of Nick and Judy Nicholson ’62 story began in Hampton, Virginia, when Judy – a cheerleader – caught football player Nick’s eye. She was 14; he was 16. They dated through Nick’s years at VMI and married when he was 21 and she was 19. They were married for 47 years, had two…