CU Nursing - Fall/Winter 2020 - 17

COLLEGE

The " Right Stuff "

WIFE'S BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS LEADS TO
NURSING CAREER By Dana Brandorff

n 2015, Josh Simpson's world stopped. Soon
after the birth of his youngest daughter, his
33-year-old wife received an earth-shattering diagnosis - breast cancer. Originally
misdiagnosed as clogged milk ducts, the
diagnosis came after she switched doctors,
and a subsequent biopsy. " I can't tell you
how many times people have said that you
don't typically get breast cancer while breastfeeding. One thing I learned is that there is no normal
with breast cancer, " said Simpson.
After undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries, and reconstruction, the couple thought she
had beaten it. Within months, cancer spread to her
brain and spine. The prognosis was grim. She fought
hard but realized she wasn't going to get better.
" During that time, I learned that people deal with
these situations very differently, and you need to
let them handle it in their way, " said Simpson. His
wife's family did not believe what was happening.
They wanted her to keep fighting and didn't want
to hear that she was dying. " I learned to advocate
for her and her wishes, " said Simpson.

FOCUSING ON THE RIGHT STUFF
Consequently, " We tried to plan for the kids and
focus on all the right stuff, " said Simpson.
The " right stuff " included making videos for their
three young children so they could have them when
they got older. The " right stuff " included talking
about death, making sure they completed all paperwork, and were prepared. The " right stuff " also
included Simpson taking Family and Medical Leave
from his computer job and becoming his wife's fulltime caregiver.
" We had a lot of time together as a family, " he said.
Juggling her care as well as that of their children was
challenging. " But one that I wouldn't change, " said
Simpson. " Being able to be there and openly talk about

hospice and death was so important. I learned there were many
things you can do to ease suffering - monetarily and emotionally. Not talking about death is not one of those things. "
Before her diagnosis, his wife did something that would have
a tangible impact on her family after her death. She had the
forethought to put insurance in place and raise the limit.
" We didn't talk about it at that time, " said Simpson. It was
fortuitous, as it allowed him to semi-retire, throw himself
into school, and pursue a different career.
" As far as I could remember, I wanted to be in healthcare, but
had followed several different paths including firefighting, law
enforcement, and real estate software. " For Simpson, nothing
felt like he wanted it to be until nursing - specifically hospice
care. " That's my path. If it changes, I'm okay with that. But I'm
not willing to be sidetracked now, " said Simpson.

REMOVING THE TABOO OF TALKING ABOUT DEATH
His personal experience solidified a long-term desire, which
led him to CU Nursing's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Today, Simpson is in his first year at CU Anschutz after
completing his prerequisites at the Community College of
Denver. Excited by the prospect of being a nurse, Simpson
said, " I'm a little older. I've seen a lot of things. I want to get
rid of the taboo of talking about death. "

CU Nursing - Fall/Winter 2020

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