Retired Nurse Finds Cancer Care, Friendship and Social Support Thanks to Henry Ford Health

For 35 years, Nancy Rose of Essexville has had a fulfilling career as a nurse working in the hospital and home care setting. “I think part of the reason that I became a nurse is because I am calm in the face of serious issues that cause distress,” she says.
That attribute came in handy on a personal level when in December of 2022 she found a lump on the left side of her neck. “It didn't go away within two weeks, so I guessed that it was not a minor issue.” After meeting with her primary care physician and oncologist in Saginaw, testing revealed Nancy had squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin (SCCUP), a rare form of cancer where the original tumor site cannot be located.
As someone who had worked in oncology, Nancy understood the complexities of her diagnosis. She trusted her local oncologist’s recommendation to seek treatment at Henry Ford Hospital.

Committing to her care

In May of 2023, Nancy who is 67, said the time had come to retire so she could focus on treatment. “I lived in Caro, Michigan at the time, which is a two-hour commute to Henry Ford Hospital, and determined it was the best decision to focus on my care and stay in housing close to the hospital during treatment.”
Her treatment plan included radiation sessions overseen by Farzan Siddiqui, M.D., Ph.D., FASTR0, radiation oncologist at Henry Ford Health along with removal of her left tonsil performed by Suhael Momin, M.D., otolaryngologist.
Dr. Siddiqui explains that when Nancy presented at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Tumor Board, information on a lymph node that had been biopsied showed a squamous cell carcinoma with no obvious signs of a primary site based on the clinical exam and radiology studies. The board recommended a PET-CT scan followed by biopsies of the throat. They were done, but the source of the cancer was not identified. Based on this information, she was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in the neck node from an unknown primary. As per standard of care, she was treated using intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) 5 days a week for 7 weeks for a total of 35 treatments. “At first, the side-effects were minimal. However, as radiation treatment progresses, the side-effects do escalate and we have a supportive team that includes a speech-language pathologist, registered dietitian, health psychologist, nurses, nurse practitioners and residents who work closely with me to help manage those side effects and give encouragement to the patient,” he says. “Ms. Rose did her part by coming to the treatments as scheduled, followed all our recommendations and provided us with a few laughs along the way! Her positive attitude during the course of treatment was an inspiration to all of us. I am pleased she continues to faithfully follow up with Dr. Momin with physical examinations as well as the recommended scans.”

Finding strength through support

While the medical care was critical, Nancy also found unexpected emotional support and friendship during her time at Henry Ford.
She formed a strong connection with Susan Hill, registered dietitian with Henry Ford Health-Cancer Supportive Oncology Services, who not only provided nutrition guidance after her treatment but also introduced her to a new social circle with a common love of quilting.
“I shared with Sue that my goal when I retired was to make quilts for foster care. After learning she also loved quilting, Sue invited me to quilt retreats with her friends from Detroit. Thanks to her, I have now joined two quilting groups where I’m meeting new people.”

A network of compassionate care

As part of her care treatment plan, Nancy says she continues to feel gratitude for Henry Ford staff who provided compassion throughout her journey. “From the radiation technologist who, after finding out I lived two hours away, talked to a social worker to arrange housing for me- even though that wasn’t his role-to the speech therapists, nurse navigator, Dr. Siddiqui and Dr. Momin who manages my follow up care, the treatment and compassion have been absolutely wonderful.”
Despite the long commute, two years after treatment, Nancy continues to be monitored twice a year at Henry Ford Hospital and says other than initial swallowing pain from the surgery, the side effects have been minimal. “I’m not an overly religious person but I truly believe that if God leads you to it, he will lead you through it,” she says. “I never lost my ability to chew or swallow from the radiation treatment. I did have dry mouth for about one year but everything is fine now. In fact, it’s pretty phenomenal.”