What happens when a nurse's intuition and caregiver's dedication intersect to shape the recovery path for bladder cancer patients? Join us on Cancer Clear and Simple as we welcome Dr. Brandon Sterling, an advanced practice registered nurse with a heartwarming journey from Houston, Texas, to earning a PhD in nursing from Texas Women's University. Learn how the influences of his grandmother and mentor, Dr. Michelle Robinson, steered him toward a career dedicated to the intricate and emotional world of urologic oncology. Dr. Sterling reveals insights from his dissertation on caregivers of cystectomy patients, shedding light on the unseen heroes in post-surgical care.

Navigating the pandemic brought unique hurdles for caregivers and patients alike. From restrictive hospital visitation policies to adapting communication methods with phone calls and video recordings, find out how caregivers innovated to ensure continuous support and education. Dr. Sterling provides practical advice for post-operative comfort, including the use of recliners and silk pajamas, while emphasizing the critical role of online platforms like BCAN's Inspire. These forums connect patients and caregivers with reliable advice and specialized healthcare professionals, essential in a landscape where access to quality care can vary greatly.

Our conversation culminates in appreciating the often overlooked yet vital role of caregivers in patient recovery. Dr. Sterling shares poignant observations from his research, highlighting how caregivers are crucial monitors of their loved ones' health, capable of detecting subtle changes that medical tests might miss. From monitoring hydration through urine color to recognizing variations in appetite and activity levels, these informal assessments can prevent severe complications and hospital readmissions. Dr. Sterling’s journey into nursing, sparked by childhood experiences and inspired by the nurses he encountered as a teenager, underscores his commitment to advocating for caregivers and advancing the nursing profession.