A palliative care nurse practitioner at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Greenwell says she had a full day ahead of seeing patients in the clinic. The last thing she expected was a diagnosis of triple-positive breast cancer.
“It felt overwhelming,” Greenwell says. But one thing was certain: she knew City of Hope Orange County was where she wanted to be treated.
“I had never received health care where I work before,” Greenwell says. “But seeing and providing the kind of care City of Hope brings daily to patients with cancer, entrusting my own care to City of Hope was one of the easiest decisions of my journey.”
Greenwell soon met with Irene M. Kang, M.D., the medical director of women’s health medical oncology for City of Hope Orange County, and Wade Smith, M.D., a City of Hope Orange County medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer research and treatment. Together, a multidisciplinary team implemented a personalized care plan for Greenwell that included chemotherapy, targeted medications, and surgery.
The physical and emotional effects of treatment were not always easy to deal with, Greenwell recalls. A couple of months into chemotherapy, she found it difficult to get off the couch. Her expertise in palliative care — a whole-person approach focused on improving quality of life — helped her heal. And being treated for cancer brought a whole new level of empathy for her patients. “There's a big difference between understanding and knowing the experience of cancer,” Greenwell says.
What stands out to Greenwell about her treatment at City of Hope Orange County, in addition to the expert cancer care, is the way the team made her feel safe and supported every step of the way.
“I've only been in California three years, and if I had to have this diagnosis, I’m grateful I was with City of Hope Orange County when it happened,” Greenwell says. She is also grateful to her family on the East Coast, who visited frequently to attend appointments, as well as her California friends who stood by her day-to-day — from accompanying her to chemo appointments to bringing her food.
Accepting help didn’t come naturally for Greenwell; she is far more accustomed to the role of problem-fixer and caregiver. Today, having a support network is one of her top tips for anyone navigating a cancer diagnosis.
“You have to be willing to ask for help, and you also have to allow it,” Greenwell says. “Open yourself to both of those things, and you will get the support you need.”
In spring 2024, Greenwell was ecstatic to learn she was cancer-free. She went on to successfully complete radiation therapy to decrease the risk of the cancer returning. In fall 2024, Greenwell rang the bell at the cancer center to celebrate completion of her treatment. She was surrounded by members of her City of Hope Orange County family.
“As a palliative care nurse practitioner, I want patients to identify their own goals and reasons to celebrate,” says Greenwell. “It does not have to be at the end of a treatment, but it can be any reason: You were able to attend the family gathering at the holidays, you were able to eat or walk more than you usually do, or maybe you are just having a great Tuesday. It is important to celebrate the small things, because the small things are not small.”
Greenwell wants people facing a cancer diagnosis to know the journey looks different for everyone. Cancer can affect not only the body, but the mind and spirt. She wants people to know they will get through it.
“The fight is getting up when you don't want to, eating when you don’t have an appetite, spending time with loved ones when it might feel easier to stay home,” Greenwell says. “Know that you are stronger than you think.”
When it comes to cancer in Orange County, it’s Hope First. Visit CityofHope.org/OC or call 888-333-HOPE (4673).
Also read:
City of Hope Orange County leads “Pink is Powerful” breast health initiative
Talking Hope: How to choose the right doctors and cancer center for your breast cancer surgery