All One Nurse | October 2026 Edition
By Shenell Thompkins, MSN, RN
This month, we pause to honor the strength, resilience, and faith of those walking through Breast Cancer, the patients, survivors, families, and the nurses who stand beside them. 💕
On the All One Nurse Podcast, Shenell sits down with Ann Wax, RN, whose five decades in oncology have shaped her into a compassionate guide for patients navigating the emotional and spiritual weight of cancer. Additionally, in her role as the Oncology Douala™, Ann reminds us that healing isn’t only physical, it’s deeply human.
Medicine treats the disease, but people are often left holding their fears alone.” — Ann Wax
Furthermore, Shenell and Ann explore what it means to hold space for others: to listen, comfort, and bring light into some of life’s hardest moments. They talk about survivor-ship, sexual health in oncology, and the sacred role nurses play in helping breast cancer patients feel seen and not just treated.
🌸 Breast Cancer Awareness Spotlight
October is a reminder that breast cancer affects individuals, families, and communities. Therefore, information and compassionate support matter.
By the Numbers: 2026 U.S. Estimates
An estimated 321,910 women and 2,670 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Another 60,730 women will be diagnosed with DCIS. An estimated 42,140 women and 530 men will die from breast cancer.
The five-year relative survival rate for female breast cancer is 91.9% overall:100.0% for localized, 87.5% for regional, and 33.8% for distant disease. However, these population statistics are not individual predictions.
For questions about screening, personal risk, or breast-health changes, consult a qualified healthcare professional. Screening and follow-up depend on individual circumstances.
Whether you’re a nurse, patient, or loved one, take time to:
- Schedule a mammogram or remind someone you love to do the same.
- Offer support to a current patient, or a survivor.
- Reflect on your self care journey.
Most importantly, let’s continue to be present in every exam room, infusion chair, at the bedside, and beyond treatment.
👩🏽⚕️ For New & Aspiring Nurses: Wisdom from Ann Wax
Ann’s message to new nurses is simple yet profound:
“Stay curious, stay kind, and never lose sight of the person behind the diagnosis.”
Her guidance reminds us that nursing is more than a profession. It is an intentional practice of care. Here are a few takeaways from her conversation with Shenell:
- Lead with empathy. Technical skill matters, and compassion builds trust.
- Find mentors who model grace under pressure. Learn from those who’ve walked the path before you.
- Protect your peace. Oncology nursing along with all nursing, can demand emotional resilience. Take time to breathe, regroup, and rest.
- Keep learning. Every patient and experience can teach something new. Let curiosity fuel your growth.
Ann’s story is a testament to longevity in nursing not because she avoided hardship, but because she found purpose in meeting a problem that exists with oncology patients.
Meet Our Guest: Ann Wax, RN
Ann Wax, RN, Oncology Doula™ & Patient-Centered Doula™
Ann serves as an oncology nurse, motivational speaker, and mindfulness mentor, helping people navigate healing with compassion, resilience, and hope. She is the author of Op-Ed on Cancer, which empowers readers to nurture their body, mind, and spirit throughout the cancer journey; Be Your Own LifeGuard, about resilience, healing, and hope; and Mom, Take Me Back to the Woman You Were, a daughter’s heartfelt journey to understand her mother as a woman with her own dreams, struggles, and story. Why you’ll love this conversation: Ann shares timeless wisdom on care-giving, emotional well-being, stress management, and finding purpose through every season of life and healthcare.
📌 Connect with Ann
📱LinkedIn ➡️https://www.linkedin.com/in/annwax/
Listen Now:
🎧 Love, Legacy & the Real Human Experience of Cancer Care: A Conversation with Oncology Doula Ann Wax, RN
🟣 Apple Podcasts → Listen Here
🟢 Spotify →Listen Here
After listening, reflect on this:
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, what is one way you can honor the gift of your health by caring for your body, mind, and spirit with the same compassion you so freely give to others?
Take the Next Steps
🌐 Join the All One Nurse Community: www.facebook.com/groups/allonenurse
🤝 Share this newsletter with a colleague, student, or friend who needs it.
💌 Subscribe to the All One Nurse Podcast on your favorite platform and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review to help us reach more future nurses.
🌿Support the mission: Buy Shenell a coffee☕
🎙️ Interested in starting a podcast? Visit https://riverside.fm
🔗Additional Resources
- American Cancer Society, Key Statistics for Breast Cancer Key Statistics for Breast Cancer | American Cancer Society
- National Cancer Institute, Survival Rates and Prognosis for Breast Cancer Survival Rates and Prognosis for Breast Cancer – NCI
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this interview and newsletter are those of the guest and host. They do not represent the official positions, policies, or endorsements of any employer, healthcare organization, academic institution, or professional board because this content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, therapy, counseling, or crisis care. Also, please seek guidance from qualified healthcare for personal concerns.
Prepared by: Shenell Thompkins, MSN, RN
Nurse Educator | Blogger | Podcast Host
Email: allonenurse@gmail.com | shenell@allonenurse.com
Website: AllOneNurse.com
Socials: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | LinkedIn | YouTube
“Bridging the gap between the stethoscope and the soul.” – Nurse Shenell
Discover more from All One Nurse
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
