As readers of The NemetzGroup newsletter know, we often use this space to consider progress in biopharma, new technologies, and ways emerging companies bring therapies to market. We highlight many roles and perspectives in our community, including those of patients.
Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats: corporate leader, consultant, client, non-profit board member, and entrepreneur (as founder of both The NemetzGroup and Corval). I am grateful for the mentors, colleagues, friends, and advisors who have guided me along the way.
Now, unexpectedly, I find myself in a new role: cancer patient.
While it’s unusual for me to share something so personal in a business communication, I feel it’s important to embrace the opportunity to tell my patient story in real time. Mostly, I couldn’t authentically encourage others to champion patient advocacy without sharing my experience. I also believe that by discussing what’s scary, we make it less daunting for others, which gives me purpose as I navigate and process my own news. I have never been a seasonal theme person, and there I was in October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, with that new diagnosis.
Here is what I know so far:
- As guidelines recommend, it is SO important to have regular screenings to increase the chances of early diagnosis. And yet, regular screening mammograms don’t always find cancer, especially if that cancer is the less frequent invasive lobular carcinoma.
- Knowing one’s own body is incredibly important, and following the “see something, say something” to one’s healthcare provider can go a long way.
- Boston is still an incredible center for the best of the best in cancer care, but it is also big, complex, and challenging to navigate when you are worried and scared. The break-up between the big academic medical centers does not make it easier.
- There are amazing female oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and PAs across our medical institutions (interestingly, many of them are named Sarah!).
- Even a self-identified tech-savvy person can get lost in patient portals when test results arrive at all hours of the day and night. Two-factor authentication, although important, is so annoying.
- Claude-AI is my new friend. Not to give me medical guidance, but to help explain technical details so I can more quickly process the information clinicians share and ask better questions. Having said that, the internet is mostly not helpful unless one is looking for specific information. Every situation and care team will be different.
- Breast cancer is far more common than I ever appreciated (13% of women or 1 in 8 will experience it in their lifetime), and it makes me sad that so many in my circle have experienced it. I have also been reminded that, like so many other areas of oncology, breast cancer is an umbrella term — each patient’s diagnosis and treatment journey is different.
- Speaking of my (our) circle, I have been enveloped in the most incredible community of biotech women who have been through what I am now experiencing. When I say they have provided a lifeline to imagining a future where I am on the other side of surgeries and treatment, please know words still do not convey the depth of my gratitude.
- One of the many aspects of being a newly diagnosed patient that many people know from their own life experience, is that there is a feeling of loss of control and being incredibly vulnerable. Like many leaders in our industry, this is not a comfortable place for me, and yet it is my reality for many months to come. The support of people who have been through it or have supported patients with this disease cannot be overstated. It matters!
- Kirkland brand tissues are soft enough when you are going through a lot of them. 😢
So, in the season of gratitude, let me add this.
I am grateful to…
… have the love of my family, who, even when shaken by my news, have been incredibly supportive and still make me laugh with their often dark humor.
… my teams at The NemetzGroup and Corval, who, also shaken by my news, have been so supportive and have stepped up even more to ensure no balls are dropped, and I can take the time I need to prioritize my health.
… the circle of women who have provided me with just enough guidance and empowerment to help me find my own strength and needs in this situation.
… be in an industry where patient focus is central to what we do. I felt that way before and feel even stronger gratitude now.
… live in a community where healthcare is available to me, and the quality of that care is exceptional.
… have the opportunity to learn from this experience and collaborate with my incredible teams across the industry to continue to make a meaningful difference.
What can you do for me (if you were asking)? Of course, support my team members at Corval and The NemetzGroup, if you know them, because they matter to me and to all of us for the incredible work they do in supporting biopharma leaders navigating the commercialization path to patients with innovative therapies. We are open for business as usual and would love to hear from you if we can help.
In addition — and even more important — is to support those in our wider community who don’t have the same good fortune, resources, and healthcare that I have and that many of us take for granted. Life Science Cares Boston has posted many links to support people in our community. When you support LSC’s Together for Good campaign, you help meet locals’ immediate needs while investing in long-term initiatives that foster economic stability.
As you contemplate holiday shopping and gift giving, please take a moment to give to those who hope for the best for their families and their health. They deserve access to the same quality of life that we all strive for each day.