National Cancer Survivors Day

Congratulations to all my fellow cancer survivors!  This past Saturday, I had the honor of serving as the keynote speaker for National Cancer Survivors Day at Scottsdale Healthcare.  What made the event incredibly special is that over three years post chemo, several of my nurses were in the audience.  The care they provided and the love I felt again this past Saturday is hard to put into words.

For all the medical professionals who work to give us life and hope, thank you barely captures my gratitude.  To those who survive and thrive following cancer, congratulations and please make each day count.  Finally, for those who lost the fight, I pray for you and hope you knew love and support during the battle.

Animal therapy helped me a great deal both at home and in the hospital.  The hospital security dogs were frequent visitors – thanks Kaos & Athos!  At home, my cats, dog and birds brought comfort during four long months of chemo.  That’s why it was so great to have Pets On Wheels of Scottsdale there this Saturday during my presentation.  So many patients benefit from your pet therapy and on behalf of all of them, please accept my appreciation.

Thank you again to everyone at Scottsdale Healthcare for the extraordinary support, care and medical skill you brought to my double hit lymphoma.  For more on my own experience through this journey please see earlier posts on the topic.

With love for all human and animal survivors of cancer,

Dr. Kristen L. Nelson   

Published by kristennelsondvm

Dr. Kristen Nelson grew up on a farm in Watertown, Minn., where she developed a deep love for animals of all kinds. She received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Kris then completed a small-animal internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. In addition to writing and speaking, she cares for small and exotic animals in Scottsdale, Az. Dr. Nelson is widely quoted in the media. Her credits include Ladies’ Home Journal, USA TODAY, the Los Angeles Times and numerous radio and television interviews. Dr. Nelson has written two books, Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life and Coated With Fur: A Blind Cat’s Love. Kris and her husband Steve share their home with rescued cats, birds and a dog.