Optimism + Nature = Hope: Meet @sepdvm

ROSEMARY: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? 

@sepdvm: Having always used Mayo Clinic’s website as an information source, I was looking for information on the rare location of my type of head and neck cancer when I came upon Mayo Clinic Connect. I believe that I was also given a brochure about Mayo Clinic Connect during my first visit to the clinic.

ROSEMARY: What motivates you to take part in the community?

@sepdvm: Initially, I did not find what I was looking for in the discussions on Mayo Clinic Connect, and very little when looking for information about my husband’s bladder cancer surgery years later. 

Once we were both patients, I felt I had plenty of experience to share on Mayo Clinic Connect to help others who are looking for connection and information like I was in the beginning stages of dealing with cancer. I believe that as patients we need to advocate for our own health care, and I encourage people to do just that. Mayo Clinic Connect offers valuable sources to help.

I have shared my cancer journey openly with friends and family for 11 years. We all need the support and hope that we get from those around us. I can offer my experience, suggestions, and hope for many others via Mayo Clinic Connect. Hopefully my words, my support and experience might be just what someone is looking for.

ROSEMARY: What groups do you participate in?

@sepdvm: I primarily participate in the Head & Neck Cancer, the Kidney & Bladder, the Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT), and the Cancer support groups. I have been tagged by moderators to help members in the Esophageal Cancer and Ostomy support groups, too.

ROSEMARY: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Connect.

@sepdvm: For me, Mayo Clinic Connect has been an amazing source of kind and caring people who offer information and hope to those of us struggling. To think that I might be able to help to reassure another person in some small way, or give them hope in their cancer journey, is very gratifying.

ROSEMARY: What surprised you the most about Connect?

@sepdvm: I think the openness, sharing, and personal touch, as well as the connection between people was more than I expected. I was expecting an information site, but it is much more. This can really be a support system for the members who use it.

ROSEMARY: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@sepdvm: In my forty-five years as a veterinarian, I have always enjoyed keeping abreast of new information through continuing education. I utilize that motivation to learn more about my own medical conditions so that I can make informed decisions. I just love learning. 

I balance that intensity with time spent appreciating nature. After my initial cancer surgery, I made it a priority to spend time outside every day. Nature restores your soul.

ROSEMARY: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@sepdvm: I enjoy all time spent outside: walking with the dogs, hiking, gardening, just being a part of nature. I really miss the horse interaction and riding since we no longer have horses after almost 40 years of being a horse family.

ROSEMARY: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?

@sepdvm: A favorite motto is The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. As a dedicated optimist,Think Positive is how I survive.

ROSEMARY: What food can you simply not resist?

@sepdvm: My favorite food is dark chocolate. I was so thrilled when it was determined to be healthy for you! (In moderation, naturally.)

ROSEMARY: Puppies or kittens?

@sepdvm: I’m a vet, so both puppies and kittens of course! We always have at least one of each.

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