Linda Ackerman, R.N.

Caring.com Expert

About

Linda Ackerman, R.N., has clinical experience focused in oncology, women's health, and medical nursing. She has been practicing for more than 20 years and is a licensed RN in both Florida and Wisconsin. In addition, she serves as a board member of Breast Cancer Recovery and the Wisconsin Cancer Council.

Ackerman currently works full-time for a nonprofit insurance company. She manages a staff of seven medical professionals who consult by telephone with clients to help them acquire the most accurate information about standard treatment options.

She and her staff educate clients about their diagnoses and help clarify interpretations of medical services and tests provided by their physicians and other health care providers. She and her staff support these people throughout treatment.

Ackerman is committed to enhancing patient advocacy both in her professional role and as a community volunteer, helping elders and others get the information they need to make informed decisions regarding their health.

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Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Wednesday October 28, 2009

    1. What tests can be done to diagnose cancer early?

      Answer - Based on your description of your family history, you may benefit by arranging an appt to see a certified genetic counselor. Genetic counselors provide information, education and support to individuals who may have a genetic condition or may be at risk for developing a condition...

  2. Tuesday October 20, 2009

    1. What is the prognosis with stage 4 invasive ductal carcinoma after chemo?

      Answer - Many physicians reference a five year survival rate when discussing the prognosis for stage 4 breast cancer. These statistics are always backward looking, based on survival rates of individuals treated in the past. The five year survival rate for someone that is being appropriately treated today is approximately 20% in the United States...

  3. Tuesday October 13, 2009

    1. What foods can improve a white cell count?

      Answer - To my knowledge there are not specific foods or supplements know to increase white blood cell counts. However, trying to continue to eat a well balanced diet with adequate calories to maintain your weight and adequate protein through out treatment is valuable to maintain your immunity. Cancer treatment increases the nutritional demands of the body...

    2. Will cancer treatment help at this point?

      Answer - Based on your description of your father, chemotherapy may sometimes help in what is considered palliative treatment, where the chemotherapy may help slow down some of the rapid cancer growth you have described. The chemotherapy does sometimes help control pain. However, chemotherapy does come with many side effects as you have noted in your question...

  4. Sunday September 27, 2009

    1. My dad was dx w/ sqamous cell ca of the parotid gland. This...

      Answer - To answer your question, yes, adjunctive chemotherapy is sometimes recommended for the type of cancer your dad is diagnosed with.

  5. Wednesday September 23, 2009

    1. Are loose bowels a side effect of cancer?

      Answer - It depends on whether the person dealing with the cancer has just been diagnosed or is already undergoing treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation. I will offer a response both for someone newly diagnosed with esophageal cancer and for someone undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation treatment...

  6. Thursday September 17, 2009

    1. I went through treatment for stage 3 breast cancer in 2007....

      Answer - Both your oncologist and the doctors who perform colonoscopy procedures have your best interest in mind, however, I think your oncologist is referencing the ASCRS (American Society of Colorectal Surgeons) guideline, which recommends for women with a personal history of breast or female genital cancer to undergo a colonoscopy every 5 years...

  7. Sunday September 13, 2009

    1. What next steps are there for endometrial cancer?

      Answer - Yes, radiation will shrink the nodes. Depending on how well she responds to the radiation, the next steps may be continued CT scans for monitoring or she may have the option of undergoing more chemotherapy. I would recommend asking the doctor for more specific information. Ask what stage her cancer is and what the prognosis is...

  8. Sunday July 26, 2009

    1. How much time does Mom have?

      Answer - Hello, Glioblastoma is well documented as a very aggressive type of cancer. It appears that your mother –in-law has undergone all of the available treatment and unfortunately as you described her condition has deteriorated. I am sure this situation is very difficult for your mother in law and yourself...