PATIENT PRESSES FORWARD WITH GRATITUDE FOR LIFE , FAMILY , AND FRIENDS
In fall 1990 , Jeana Nesmith Russell was beginning her dream career as a nurse at UAB Hospital while pursuing her graduate degree . Just 23 at the time , she thought she was having a seasonal bout of strep throat , except it wasn ’ t getting better .
CARDIO-ONCOLOGY
“ After two rounds of antibiotics , I noticed two swollen lymph nodes and started to get concerned ,” says Russell , who visited an ENT and was sent home with a diagnosis of cat scratch fever . Three weeks later , still not feeling any better , she sought a second opinion .
“ Being a nurse , I knew my body , and I knew something wasn ’ t right ,” Russell says . “ After a biopsy , I was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma . This cancer is very rare , making up 0.5 % of new cancer patients , yet it ’ s the most common among adolescents and young adults .”
She underwent radiation for the cancer and two years later married the love of her life , John Russell . Eventually , Jeana and John were cleared to try starting a family , with the caveat that it was unlikely .
Jeana Nesmith Russell Credit : Image shot by Steve Wood
“ It was a miracle that I got pregnant , because I only had a portion of my right ovary remaining after treatment for two large ovarian cysts , likely caused by the radiation ,” Russell says . “ I was the happiest pregnant woman ever .”
At age 32 , Russell gave birth to her son , Preston , who was instantly the light of her life . By the time he was 3 , Russell had reached the 10-year treatment mark . Unfortunately , a PET scan recommended by her oncologist showed a recurrence of Hodgkin lymphoma .
COMPLICATIONS FROM RADIATION Russell also learned that she could not receive additional radiation because she ’ d reached her lifetime limit . After chemotherapy and a precautionary bone marrow harvest , she once again went into remission , not knowing that a decade of treatment was creating a spiral of negative effects , including cardiac damage that led to an emergency triple-bypass open heart surgery , the implantation of a pacemaker , a cardiac ablation procedure , and cardiac rehabilitation at UAB Medicine .
The impact of her first brush with cancer in 1990 was felt in other ways . Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 , another late side effect of radiation , she underwent a double mastectomy . Now over three years later , she remains in remission .
Russell is still on her journey to healing and credits UAB Medicine for being a huge part of her positive journey . “ I graduated from and worked at UAB , which has played a tremendous role in keeping me alive ,” she says . “ I am so thankful for my family and the outstanding team of doctors I have at UAB .”
Today , Russell works as a licensed professional counselor and maintains her RN license , and she shares her story and compassion with patients .
“ My advice is to always be aware of your body and know that you have a voice in your care ,” Russell says . “ Be your own advocate and get a second opinion – being proactive about your health care is a must .” uabmedicine . org 21