Insights from a Health Lawyer who Beat Cancer A presentation by Jared K. Nelson
Objectives Demonstrate how personal experiences affect a patient s experience with cancer Provide the complete narrative of a patient s diagnosis, treatment and survivorship Highlight key considerations in treating patients with cancer Provide insight into a patient s changing perspectives during the various stages of a bought with cancer
My Life Before Cancer Born in South Dakota, transplanted to Louisiana, grew up in Texas Oil & Gas Roots Undergraduate at Texas A&M University Biochemistry Genetics Law School at the University of Tulsa Married with Children Cycling, Hiking, Skiing, Travel
July 27, 2011 Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
My Health Law Practice Before Cancer Graduated from law school, passed the Bar Exam and began practicing law in 2009 Took a job as a transactional lawyer Most work was with healthcare clients (physicians and physician groups) Developed expertise in fraud & abuse (Stark & AKS) regulations and compliance Firm landed General Counsel role for St. John Health System in October 2010 Assumed frontline responsibility for all physician contracting (employment, call coverage, medical director and professional service agreements)
My Diagnosis April 2010 Identified Swollen Lymph Nodes 3 Urgent Care Visits Allergies, Bronchitis, Etc. July 2010 Persistent Swollen Lymph Nodes PCP Visit Wait-and-See for CT Scan August 9, 2010 Excruciating Pain ER Visit CT Scan Results August 18, 2010 Biopsy Results Diagnosis Confirmed
My Treatment Chemotherapy (Sep. 2011 Nov. 2011) HyperCVAD Ommaya Reservoir 3-4 Week Cycles 4-5 Day Hospital Stays 4 Treatments Restaging (BMA/BX on my Birthday!) Chemotherapy (Dec. 2011 Jan. 2012) HyperCVAD 2 Additional Treatments Restaging
August 25, 2011 Arrive at hospital for first round of chemo
August 27, 2011 Shooting pool during first round of chemo
August 31, 2011 Returning to work after my first round of chemo
September 11, 2011 Head shaving time!
September 11, 2011 She s good at this!
September 11, 2011 Do I know that person?!
September 11, 2011 Fun at Grandpa s expense!
September 11, 2011 More fun at Dad s expense!
September 11, 2011 The result of our head shaving party
September 28, 2011 Following ommaya placement procedure
December 3, 2011 Attending my sister s wedding
December 5, 2011 Celebrating my 30 th Birthday in Houston
December 31, 2011 Celebrating New Year s Eve during my 6 th round of chemo
My Treatment Radiation Therapy (Feb. 2012) Relocation to Houston, TX Restaging Chemotherapy (Mar. 2012 Apr. 2012) Failed Treatment All-In Treatment Neutropenia Infection Restaging
February 24, 2012 Ringing Out
April 8, 2012 Easter
April 14, 2012 After neutropenic infection (phase I) and head shaving party (round II)
My Transplant Go/No-Go Decision-Making Poor and declining health Prospects for additional chemotherapy Quality of donor-related match (sister) Possibly the last best chance May 21, 2012 Hospital Admission May 30, 2012 SCT The 100 Days Physically Wasted Food & Drink Fear
May 30, 2012 My new stem cells have arrived!
May 30, 2012 My sister was the donor
May 30, 2012 And the stem cells are flowing!!!
July 21, 2012 First post-transplant bike ride @ Day 45
My Survivorship August 24, 2012 Discharge from M.D. Anderson Return Home (Work, Family) Physical State Mental State Personal Expectations First Setback (Jan. 2013) Trip to NYC Progressive Decline M.D. Anderson Pneumonia/BOOP/GVH Temporary Recovery
December 31, 2012 Times Square, NYC
My Survivorship Second Setback (Mar. 2013) Trip to Vail, CO Vail Valley Medical Center M.D. Anderson No-Name Diagnosis Prolonged Recovery Current Transplantiversary Gray s Peak, 5k, Etc. Return to Life
June 24, 2013 Underway on Gray s Peak
June 24, 2013 Summiting Gray s Peak
June 24, 2013 At the top of Gray s Peak with my Transplantiversary Team
My Insights Patient Education & Advocacy Physical Therapy Lymphedema GVH
Patient Education & Advocacy Diagnosis Singular Life Event Information Overload Appointment Chaos Crucial Decisions Treatment Communication Link Multiple Services Providers Complex Protocols Caregiver s Role and Value
Physical Therapy EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!! Moving & Motivated (M&Ms) Preparing for Survivorship Mental and Emotional Break Inspiration
Lymphedema Significant role in quality-of-life Simple precautions and measures can make a significant difference Surgical biopsy Radiation therapy Infection Certified Lymphedema Therapists Lymph fluid, vessels and drainage Massage therapy Compression bandages Exercise
GVH Symptoms vary greatly No particular pattern for onset Patient is best judge Slows recovery Patient frustration (the cancer is gone, why this?)
My Life After Cancer
My Health Law Practice After Cancer Associate Attorney Glass Law Firm pc (918) 582-7100 jnelson@glf.us.com