Caroline Robinson, a former cancer patient, graduates as a nurse

 

Kate Slate, University Development, at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill reported this story.

The lump on Robinson’s neck was Hodgkin lymphoma. Though highly treatable, the disease abruptly shifted her life for the next six months. She spent the next few days in her childhood bedroom, repeatedly asking, “Why me?”

Who gets diagnosed with cancer when they’re only 20 years old?

The infusion chair

Robinson’s first round of chemotherapy went without a hitch. She slept well that night and felt amazing the day after. But later, the side effects became unbearable. Her third dose brought fever-like symptoms — muscle aches, cramping and shivers — and landed her in the emergency room.

Managing her symptoms became all-consuming. She’d get to the hospital at 8 a.m. every other Friday and not leave until almost 5 p.m. At home, her parents would inject steroids every six hours until they could stop on Sunday.

Robinson decided to finish the semester, despite a demanding courseload of prerequisites for the nursing degree she is now completing. Monday through Thursday she’d attend class in person when possible, reserving every other Friday for day-long infusions. Against all odds, she ended the semester with a 4.0 GPA.

Click the link below to read more about Caroline's journey.

 Cheers!

Donna

Former cancer patient will graduate from nursing school | UNC-Chapel Hill