Exceptional Nurse celebrates Anne Bourque RN, a colon cancer survivor!

March is colorectal cancer awareness month. 

Exceptional Nurse celebrates, Anne Bourque RN, a colon cancer survivor!

In 2014, Anne wrote:

I am a registered nurse and started working at City of Hope in 1980 when I was 25. I can honestly say accepting a job here was one of the best decisions that I have made in my life. I have worked with some of the most talented and remarkable colleagues, and knowing many of them for 30-plus years has enriched my life tremendously.

Fast forward to 2002: Then, as now, I was the clinical nursing director of hematology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. I was divorced, with two children  – Elizabeth, who was 19, and Gregory, who was 14.

I was 47, had some bleeding and went for a colonoscopy at a different hospital. I had no desire to have any City of Hope physician see me with less than my normal work clothes on, so naturally, I would have the test done elsewhere.

On Feb. 13, on the colonoscopy table, I found out that I had colon cancer.

Well, forget the concept of having no doctor see more than Anne in her work clothes – that ship had sailed. I had a friend drive me straight to City of Hope, because I was positive this was where I wanted my treatment. I called Stephen J. Forman, M.D., who met me in my office when I arrived. I was joined by my significant other. Dr. Forman began to lay out options for me. I have to say, I was a complete wreck. I have never cried so much in my life.

How could I get cancer? I already clearly knew the value of life, because my mother died of cancer when I was 14. What would my children do? My 14-year-old son knew how to cook only hot dogs and Top Ramen.

I needed to live. I wanted to live. And guess what? I did live!

Click on the following link to read more about Anne's remarkable journey and her ride atop City of Hope's Tournament of Roses Parade float. https://www.cityofhope.org/blog/colon-cancer-survivor-anne-bourque

Cheers!

Donna