Being a nurse for 18 years, Ananda Kyle has a lot of medical knowledge. Still, she wasn’t prepared for a breast cancer diagnosis.
Ananda, a Mary Lanning Healthcare Labor & Delivery RN, said her life became a roller-coaster when she was diagnosed in 2024.
Some of Ananda’s anxiety was alleviated, however, because she found herself in good hands at the Morrison Cancer Center with Dr. M. Sitki Copur, Carlene Springer, the medical and radiation oncology teams, occupational therapists and other staff members.
“The cancer center was absolutely phenomenal,” Ananda said. “Every person I’ve encountered has been amazing. From the stupid little questions to explaining things well, even though I am a nurse, I appreciate them breaking things down just as they would to anyone.”
Even as a 25-year employee of Mary Lanning Healthcare, Ananda said she wasn’t aware of all of the services available and how they worked hand-in-hand.
Dr. Shellie Faris and her nurse navigation team at Central Nebraska General Surgery, also part of the MLH family, worked seamlessly with MCC and MLH departments such as diagnostic imaging to get all of the necessary steps done quickly, efficiently and easily.
She said that by the time she was done with her initial consultation with Dr. Faris, the CNGS nurse navigator had created a list of testing appointments and locations, making the process easier to handle.
Ananda ended up having chemotherapy treatments, surgery, radiation and is now on oral chemo.
She said Dr. Copur was amazing, and was a good match for her and her family’s personality.
“Any doctor who gives you his cell number from the moment you meet, you know they care. This is a doctor who really cares about you as a person.”
Ananda said she was equally impressed with the radiation therapy staff and the occupational therapist who has worked with her on lymphedema swelling.
“You feel so vulnerable but they make you feel so comfortable,” Ananda said. “They make sure everything in your life is lined up and what you are going to need for ongoing care.”
MCC also brought Ananda’s case for review before the Tumor Board, a team of physicians who meet regularly to work on cases and decide the best treatments for patients.
“They think of you as a person, overall. They think of your life and they gave me a choice to have input on decisions. I left my life in their hands and I had to trust. But I knew they wouldn’t be reckless.”
“Patients don’t need to go anywhere else to get comprehensive treatment.”
In addition to all of the support she received from MCC, Ananda said friends, family and co-workers played a significant role in getting her through the craziness of the past year.
Ananda was able to continue working the night shift on the Family Care Center, helping new babies and their families, for much of the time she was being treated. And, her co-workers continually helped her out with flowers, gifts and support at work, and while she was taking chemo.
“The little things they did for me made those treatments all the easier,” Ananda said. “I couldn’t have done so many things without my work family and my family, as well.”
One of the things that made the process difficult for Ananda was losing her hair. But on the day she decided to take control of the hair loss and cut her hair, her husband and adult son both came to the emotional appintment with their heads shaved.
“That was a very touching and very difficult moment in life,” Ananda said. “It’s funny how you look at yourself and you don’t see yourself anymore. It’s like it’s a whole different person. These are the things you would never expect until you go through it.”
Ananda remains optimistic about how the process has helped shape her as a person and a nurse.
“I am able to put myself in my patients’ shoes and better understand that person’s fears,” Ananda said. “It’s just a different outlook.”
