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Cancer survivor thanks her caregivers with a song

Suse Skinner, 70, is fighting her second battle with cancer. In 2005 she was diagnosed with breast cancer, then in August 2016 she was admitted to OHSU for her first induction chemotherapy session for acute myeloid leukemia, where she underwent 24/7 chemotherapy for six days followed by six weeks of recovery.

A born performer with a beautiful voice, Suse wrote and performed the song, “The Good Ship OHSU" to demonstrate her gratitude to everyone on her care team: the nurses; her physicians Uma Borate, M.D. and Rachel Cook, M.D.; the cafeteria staff; and the people who keep her room “comfortable and clean.”

Singing Patient
Suse Skinner, 70, who is receiving treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia at OHSU, talks with Dr. Brian Druker. Suse wrote and performed a song to thank the staff who have helped her during treatment, December 7, 2016.(OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

“The nurses were angels to me. The team knows just how to care for you, and you know you are in good hands,” says Skinner.

“Suse has a way of exuding love and hope regardless of what she is going through,” says Shelly Belknap, R.N. “We hope that we can provide that in return for our patients as well.”

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