“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36, I had to rely on the people around me for guidance, comfort, and knowledge. Shelley Schaitel was one of those people as she was a part of my Breast Cancer Navigation Team and one of the Oncology nurses that administered my chemotherapy medications. The Chemotherapy floor was full of chairs with other patients receiving their life-saving medications. Still, Shelley always went above and beyond to make everyone feel like they were her #1 priority. She was quick to offer a funny quip, when appropriate, to lighten the mood and was right there by my side when comfort was needed. The thing that stood out most to me about Shelley was her heartfelt care for all of her patients and the way her smile could light up the room...this is a highly beneficial trait to have when working in Oncology. Shelley quickly became someone I held love for in my heart and I carry that with me today...7 years later. She always brought her authentic self to any situation and handled even the most uncomfortable situations with professionalism and grace. I feel blessed to have had her presence through my breast cancer journey and to continue to have her presence in my life today.” — Jessie M.
“Shelley was one of my nurses while I was going through chemotherapy treatments. I instantly loved her! She was so personable, friendly, and comforting. I loved her laugh-we were always joking about something! I also admired her pretty, curly hair, mainly because I had none at that point! We discovered that we are "half" sisters- her birthday is my half-birthday and vice versa! One thing that stands out to me during my chemo is that one treatment was known to cause a reaction in some patients. Shelley explained this to us and said she would stay with me for a certain time if I reacted. Well, I was one of those lucky patients! I'm so thankful she was right there when I started to react and could hardly breathe. I had oxygen in a matter of seconds, and most of the oncology team called to my room!
Toward the end of my treatment, Shelley revealed her diagnosis to me. It was crazy to think she would become the patient in a situation where she had helped so many others get through! As she took time off for her treatments, I missed seeing her. But I was confident that she would kick cancer's ass, no doubt. She's become a huge supporter of the Jefferson County Cancer Coalition and continues to be involved and help raise money for them. I'll never forget Shelley, and can't wait to see what this fantastic lady does in the future!”
— Kelly Q.
“Shelley is the first nurse I encountered during my treatment journey and I am eternally thankful that she was there. The first time that we met, she walked my husband and me through what to expect during and after my chemo treatments, the dos and don'ts, and what to do with all of the medications I was given. We were unsure what to expect and her sense of humor immediately broke the tension and set us at ease. Since she had been through this before, she knew exactly what to say and could relate to what we were going through. She was very straightforward but kind- just what was needed. She stressed the things that needed to be stressed and ensured that we understood what we needed to do.
This same care continued throughout my entire treatment. She cares about her patients and brings fun during a not-so-fun times. Celebrating holidays and birthdays and just made people smile every time she was around. Her energy is amazing!
One specific time that sticks out in my memory is the beginning of my treatment. My first chemo affected my heart. At the time, we didn't know it and I had come in not feeling well. The doctor thought it was a normal chemo reaction and that I was dehydrated. I felt like he thought I was crazy. Shelley never made me feel that way. She listened and asked questions about what was going on. She always advocated for me and told me to listen to my body. If there were issues, small or large. She wanted to hear about them and spent time looking into what could be the issue and whether it was normal. There were many times that I had strange symptoms and she always tried to help. It felt good to know that she was on my side. She truly cares about her patients and I am delighted to know her and to have been in her care.” — Gail L.
“Shelley is an exceptional nurse who makes you wish all nurses were like her. I’ve come across many nurses in my lifetime; she is one of the best! Shelley goes far beyond “the job”. She is kind, competent, compassionate, funny, friendly, and cute. When the day is rough and long Shelley still smiles and is ready with a hug and kind words for a patient going through tough treatments. I am always amazed at her positive attitude while working in a stressful position. Even when she was experiencing chemotherapy, she reached out to help others.
There aren’t enough words to explain how I feel about Shelley and all the good things she brings to her patients and co-workers. We are lucky to have her.” — Ann V.
“Cancer sucks. Anyone who has gone through it, or watched someone go through it knows that it’s tough to find joy, to find the positive, and to look forward to each day. It’s very rare to see someone surviving cancer treatments looking forward to things, smiling, and laughing. Shelley (and her team) made the process so easy. From our first ‘education session’ to the last treatment, she was there - every step. Always checked in, and always made sure I was comfortable.
She was always decorating for the next season – and making sure things were fun. I got engaged in my 2nd week of treatment - and she gave me a sparkly blinking crown to wear. Each week was a different fun thing to look forward to. She made me feel like we were just hanging out. I would often forget how awful things were for a few hours while in her company.
She genuinely cared about me, my life, and how I was after leaving. She even gave me her cell number if I needed to talk about anything. Luckily I didn’t need it - but I do make sure to stop by now and then to say hi - and make sure she knows how much her care impacted my treatment.” — Pam L.
“Almost a year ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Shelley. (Not under the best circumstances, you see, because she became my oncology injection nurse.) But, from that first uncomfortable day in the oncology department, she has become a professional friend and a ray of sunshine in my life. She is professional/wise, comforting/reassuring, good-humored, and one of the biggest Packer fans you will ever meet.
She is like a warm hug whenever she enters the room and missed when she is busy with another patient or on time off. Such a beautiful, sincere person inside and out, performing one of the most difficult, emotional jobs I can imagine; but currently, every month, she helps stretch out my life. She is JOY personified, and I am so grateful for meeting her and having her as part of my life.” — Kathleen L.
“I had a family member diagnosed with lung cancer that went into remission and it had returned. This person wasn't immediate family they were my daughter's mother-in-law. Connie was an amazing person who tried her hardest to continue with her daily things. Unfortunately, things started happening that were hindering that. I know how hard getting answers from doctors is and how timely it can be.
I called Shelley, knowing her from high school, her cancer journey, and her expertise as an oncology nurse. I asked her not for a diagnosis but for her experience and advice. Connie was confused and couldn't stay up straight. Was this a sign of the treatment or something more that needed to be addressed?
Shelley gave me her thoughts, which made things so much more comfortable knowing she cared and took that time to talk with the family and me about what may have been going on and gave us a solid direction on how to proceed. I believe I called on her a couple of times in situations that were not emergent but just needed advice. It was always met with care and concern and led us (the family) in what we needed to do next.” — Nichole P.
“I’m the mother of a special needs adult that requires treatment in the oncology department once a month or more often as needed. When Shelley is with my daughter, she treats her as if she’s her one and only patient. She goes out of her way to make her laugh and feel comfortable while having treatment. Shelley has a very confident, knowledgeable, compassionate, and professional attitude!
She does a wonderful job taking care of my daughter. As a mother, it’s nice to have someone I know I can trust to take care of her. Shelley keeps everyone’s morale up during the day. Her team and patients all love her. Shelley gives 100%. I can’t say enough great things about her. I appreciate her and everything she does for my daughter.” — Denise F.
“I met Shelley right before I started my chemo. She explained the port I would have implanted and how that worked. I watched her work with the team during my treatments for about 5 months. She has a compassionate, empathetic bedside manner. She is very sharp, listening to what is happening in the treatment room with multiple patients. I witnessed her avert a life-threatening situation with one of the patients she was not caring for at the time. Just by overhearing the situation, she was able to diagnose an emergency. I highly recommend her as an excellent nurse and a wonderful human being!” — Tina N.
“I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in June of 2014 at the age of 46, and shortly after, I began chemotherapy at Mercy Hospital Janesville, where my wife Wendy and I met Shelley. She was one of the great nurses that would take care of me on my treatment days. I can’t say enough about these ladies’ compassion for their patients!
Shelley and her coworkers always seemed to know how to make you feel better and make treatment days easier to deal with. Definitely made my stressful time a lot easier! Their smiles and genuine caring actions made you feel like you were talking to an old friend. It’s been over five years since I’ve had Shelley as a nurse or had chemo treatments, but I still feel a closeness to her and all the people that helped me.
When I learned that Shelley was fighting her own battle with cancer, my heart went out to her. One thing I did know is this positive, outgoing young lady had a lot of family and friends that cared about her and were her support group. After witnessing her treat all her patients as well as she treated me, I know the list of friends she has made is endless!” — Bill K.
“Shelley Schaitel is an outstanding nurse who is very knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate. She is a teacher and a friend to anyone she encounters. Shelley is always positive and motivating, not only to her patients but to her co-workers. Her presence brings a positive vibe and makes you want to be a better person. All the patients lucky enough to have Shelley care for them cannot help but walk away feeling upbeat and hopeful.” — Sue M.
“Where can I start with Shelley? She was amazing to me! 8 years ago, during my sophomore year of college, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and had to undergo chemotherapy treatments. I was nervous in the very beginning, as anyone would be. I did my first treatment in the hospital and began regularly going to Mercy Hospital in Janesville, WI. This was when everything became fun!
I met Shelley during my first chemo treatment in the chemo unit, and she made this life-changing, even fun. (Yes, I said it, and often say how much fun I had during chemo!) Shelley knew that I was a silly, goofy, fun-loving person. While my mother would come in and see the serious side of things, I would always laugh and giggle with Shelley. She would come over to ensure I was comfortable and had ample snacks!
For most chemo patients, you are not usually hungry and lose appetite from the chemo and cancer, that was NOT my case at all. She would have snacks, chips, soda, whatever I wanted to snack on. When chemo was over, the week of my 21st birthday, Shelley and some of the nurses got me a mini birthday cake and sang happy birthday to me! We had a little birthday party in the chemo unit, and as with any treatment I did, we had a photo shoot, giggled, laughed, and this time, had cake!
From the moment I started there, and even still today, Shelley has been a part of our family, and we still keep in close contact. When I felt as if I wanted to give up and didn't have the strength to keep going, she would always give me an encouraging word and a warm hug. When Shelley went through her cancer battle some years after mine, I would make sure to check in on her.
I am sure I could say a ton more about how amazing this woman is! She is the best nurse I have ever encountered, and I am thankful to God that there are people like her in the world who can make even the scariest situations fun and memorable.” — Lexi P.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to show the world what an exceptional person you are in your professional career and life. I feel blessed to have received your knowledge of nursing and empathy. You are compassionate, extremely knowledgeable, and very passionate about your commitment to your patients. The training and education you have incurred over the years are valuable. Your energetic personality comes out when I see you multitasking multiple patients while still being able to give them excellent one-on-one care. I am thoroughly impressed and thankful to know you as a friend and nurse.” — Marjorie W.
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