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. Sunday April 10, 2011

    1. Will my partner's chemotherapy affect my pregnancy?

      Answer - I would encourage you and your partner to speak to your partner’s oncologist and to consult with an obstetrician that has experience with this type of situation.

  2. Monday January 10, 2011

    1. What Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia symptoms suggest a patient needs treatment?

      Answer - Thank you for your question. The diagnosis of CLL should be based on a number of clinical indicators beyond a high white blood count.

  3. Sunday January 02, 2011

    1. How can Mom prevent dry skin and scalp during chemo with Taxol?

      Answer - Thank you for this question. It sounds like you are taking an active supportive role in helping your mother manage her treatment.

  4. Wednesday November 17, 2010

    1. How long does it take for my baby hair to fall out because of chemo?

      Answer - Hello,

  5. Wednesday August 11, 2010

    1. Can platelet counts be increased while on chemo without a transfusion?

      Answer - Neumega (oprelvekin) is a drug that is a thrombopoietic growth factor. This drug is sometimes used for chemo induced thrombocytopenia. This drug stimulates platelet production.

  6. Sunday August 08, 2010

    1. What can be done for skin rashes from Tarceva?

      Answer - I am sorry your mom is experiencing difficulties with such a painful rash.

  7. Monday July 26, 2010

    1. What can help Mom with her sleep issues after chemotherapy?

      Answer - The National Institute of Cancer estimates that 45% of people with cancer experience sleep disturbance. Your mom is not alone.

  8. Sunday July 25, 2010

    1. Various chemos have failed. What do we do now?

      Answer - Thank you for the question, the situation you are describing must be difficult for you and your dad. I am happy to hear that he is maintaining his physical strength at this time.

  9. Tuesday July 06, 2010

    1. What can we do to calm mom's coughing due to lung cancer radiation?

      Answer - Based on the description of your mom’s cough and symptoms, it is difficult to establish if what you are seeing is related to your mom’s cancer, the one radiation treatment and or the possibility of an upper respiratory infection occurring in addition to the radiation treatment.

    2. Is vaginal bleeding common after uterine cancer treatment?

      Answer - Unexpected vaginal bleeding is a concern for a woman at any stage of life.

    3. I had chemo two years ago. I've just had my first cold since...

      Answer - It can be typical to feel fatigued after having a cold and depending on the virus some colds can cause more fatigue than others.

  10. Thursday June 24, 2010

    1. What happens if I stop taking Tamoxifen?

      Answer - You have submitted two excellent questions.

  11. Monday June 14, 2010

    1. What does an inconclusive biopsy mean?

      Answer - Inconclusive could mean that there were not enough cells to test, based on the biopsy sample, or something could have gone wrong during the shipping and handling of the tissue, which hindered the pathologist ability to analyze the cells.

    2. How does Chemo cause stokes?

      Answer - Many chemotherapy drugs work on a cellular level by killing cancer cells to prevent the cancer from spreading. However, when these drugs kill the cancer cells they are also interfering with the ability of healthy cells to reproduce.

  12. Thursday June 10, 2010

    1. What are the signs of colon cancer?

      Answer - In most cases, colorectal cancers develop slowly over many years. Because of this slow growth, signs/symptoms of colon cancer may not be noticed until the cancer has spread. Many times there are no early warning signs of colon cancer.

  13. Sunday May 30, 2010

    1. Can chemotherapy and radiation cause a skin rash?

      Answer - Many chemotherapy medications can include side effects related to skin changes. It sounds like your husband’s physician is treating the rash, but as you described it is not working.

  14. Sunday May 23, 2010

    1. Will my doctor have to do needle aspirations on my mastectomy forever?

      Answer - Seroma is a build-up of clear bodily fluid that can appear in a place on your body where tissue has been removed by surgery.

    2. What are my breast cancer treatment options now?

      Answer - In reading your question, it appears that you are well informed with staging information and treatment details related to your cancer diagnosis.

  15. Friday May 21, 2010

    1. Can my adult daughter give herself chemo injections at home?

      Answer - There are many different types of chemotherapy. The majority of chemotherapy medications cannot be given at home due to safety precautions and potential toxicity of the drugs.

  16. Sunday May 09, 2010

    1. What is a breast fibroid and is it dangerous?

      Answer - A fibroid is a benign growth in the breast that is solid, firm, smooth and usually painless or only slightly tender.

    2. What causes any form of cancer in general?

      Answer - There is still much controversy about the cause of cancer.

  17. Monday April 19, 2010

    1. What is fluid in the abdomen associated with bladder cancer called?

      Answer - I am sorry for the loss of your father.

  18. Sunday April 04, 2010

    1. How long does diarrhea associated with chemo last after the final treatment?

      Answer - Congratulations on completing your chemotherapy treatments.

  19. Monday March 15, 2010

    1. Are polyps in the throat always cancerous?

      Answer - A polyp on your vocal cords may cause a breathy voice and or hoarseness.

    2. What else can I do for incontinence after prostate surgery?

      Answer - I would suggest the next step would be to continue to meet with your physician and review your situation.