Sue’s Gift Blog
Supportive articles for the newly diagnosed, those currently in treatment, survivors, caregivers, and loved ones. Written by our Patient Services Director, Sherry Martin, a licensed clinical social worker with over 35 years of experience in the field of oncology social work.
Negatives And Positives
I’ve never been fond of deserts, but then I don’t have much experience with them. My view of deserts is excessive heat during the day and freezing cold temps at night, no water and unusual vegetation, if there’s any at all. And then there’s the dangerous animals: rattlesnakes, bats, bobcats, vultures, Gila monsters, scorpions, tarantulas, and black widow spiders. It sends chills down my spine just thinking about those creatures. I see a lot of danger in the desert.
Beginning
There are feelings of adventure, excitement and unimagined possibilities when thinking about the beginning of a trip, a new project, relationship, or new job. Beginnings can also elicit fear of past failures, challenges or difficulties. The beginning of anything might be experienced as something to eagerly look forward to or something to be dreaded.
Against All Odds
Some people need to know the odds, but knowing “the spread” of a football game doesn’t ensure a win or a loss. My favorite team learned that lesson recently. Some people want survival rate statistics following a cancer diagnosis, but those numbers don’t guarantee survival or death.
About The Author
Sherry Martin, LCSW has served as Patient Services Director at Sue's Gift for the past seven years. A licensed clinical social worker with over 35 years of experience in oncology care, she brings deep expertise and compassion to patients, survivors, and their loved ones.
She is also the author of Beginning Again: Tools for the Journey through Grief a step-by-step guide for grief support group facilitators. Based on a proven model with low attrition rates and overwhelmingly positive participant feedback, the book provides practical tools for those feeling stuck in grief or seeking guidance in their healing journey.
Throughout her career, Sherry has specialized in medical and oncology social work, with experience spanning in-patient hospitals, outpatient cancer centers, hospice, skilled nursing facilities, case management, counseling, program development, educational workshops, and group facilitation. Her work is dedicated to supporting individuals and families through the challenges of cancer, grief, and loss, helping them find resilience, connection, and hope.