Chemo through College

Alisa and Mary Jo join us today to share their story of resilience, familial support, and the power of hope and love in the face of adversity. They describe Alisa’s journey through breast cancer and how her diagnosis impacted her fertility. They explain how the cancer diagnosis and treatment brought them closer together and illustrate how Alisa navigated her life between cancer and college. They also celebrate Alisa’s son, Bodhi, and how his presence in their lives has brought them joy and hope after adversity. Alisa Ross is a certified medical assistant at Green Bay Oncology / HSHS St Vincent Cancer Center. Alisa was diagnosed with stage 2B triple-positive breast cancer in 2017. Inspired by the compassionate care she received during her own cancer journey, Alisa pursued a technical diploma in Surgical Technology at Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College and has gone on to offer vital support and empathy to patients facing similar battles. Five years after her cancer diagnosis, Alisa’s life is graced by the birth of her son, Bodhi, who brings joy to her and her mother, Mary Jo. Mary Jo Ross, a retired registered nurse, played a pivotal role in Alisa’s cancer journey. With a nursing education from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Racine, WI, and a BSN from the University of Alaska, Mary Jo brought unwavering maternal support to Alisa’s side as the latter navigated her journey through cancer. “Take each day one day at a time and know that, no matter how you become a mother,you’re going to love that baby with your whole entire heart.”– Alisa Ross This week on Cancer Covered:Alisa’s diagnosis with stage 2B triple-positive breast cancerThe importance of regular check-ups and early detectionHow Alisa’s cancer diagnosis paused her plans for marriage and having childrenThe emotional impact on Mary Jo after learning that her daughter had cancerHow the relationship between Alisa and Mary Jo changed during and after the cancer treatment processThe impact of cancer on Alisa’s fertilityWhat inspired Alisa to study to become a medical assistant amid her cancer journeyHer experience juggling college and cancer treatmentHow being a cancer survivor has shaped Alisa’s perspective as a medical assistantMary Jo’s advice to parents of cancer patients and survivorsHow prayer, faith, and experience as a nurse helped Mary Jo navigate her daughter’s cancer diagnosisAlisa’s fertility journey after cancerThe egg donor IVF processAlisa’s son, Bodhi, and how his birth brought joy to their livesAlisa’s advice to young women facing similar challenges in life Connect with Alisa Ross:Alisa Ross on LinkedIn Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeartBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.