Debra Rhodes, cancer survivor
When a cancer diagnosis enters your life, everything changes in an instant. For Debra Rhodes, former teacher and longtime Hastings resident, that moment came in June 2023 when her primary care physician delivered news that would alter the course of her future: ovarian cancer.
“Our family’s world was rocked,” she recalls.
Following the diagnosis, she was referred to a gynecologic oncologist in Omaha for surgery. While the procedure was only moderately successful due to the extent of the disease, her physician quickly helped guide the next steps, connecting her with the care team she believed would be the best fit moving forward.
That recommendation led her to Nebraska Cancer Specialists and medical oncologist Dr. Ryan Ramaekers.
For someone still teaching full-time and balancing treatment with everyday responsibilities, receiving care close to home was invaluable. Rather than traveling regularly to Omaha or Lincoln, she could receive treatment at Nebraska Cancer Specialists’ Hastings clinic.
“That was incredibly important to me,” she says. “At the time, I was still working as a public school teacher and couldn’t afford to take any more time away from work than necessary.”
From their very first meeting, she and her husband felt confident they had found the right physician.
“Dr. Ramaekers is one of the most caring, compassionate and personable physicians I have ever met,” she says. “He is attentive and listens more than he talks. He genuinely cares about our lives outside of the clinic.”
She appreciates his straightforward approach to care, never minimizing the challenges ahead but always ensuring they understood their options.
“He doesn’t sugarcoat anything,” she explains. “He honestly and directly lays out treatment plans, protocols, options and advances in oncology that may be worth considering. We always feel informed and involved in the decisions.”
Equally important was the support he provided not only to her, but also to her husband.
“Dr. Ramaekers listens to and reassures both of us. He understands the fears and anxiety that come with a cancer diagnosis. He takes all the time we need to answer questions, and we never feel rushed,” Rhodes says.
That trust became even more important when she experienced a severe reaction to one of her medications. Dr. Ramaekers and his team responded immediately.
“He knew exactly how to handle the situation,” she says. “I have extreme sensitivities to many standard medications and treatment protocols, and he knows when to stop a drug, when to pivot, and what options may be available next.”
Throughout her treatment journey, she found herself supported not only by her physician, but by an entire care team.
“Dr. Ramaekers and the whole team of physician assistants, nurses, phlebotomists and support staff have become like family,” she says. “I am treated as much more than a patient.”
That holistic approach became especially meaningful during a particularly difficult season when the emotional weight of cancer became overwhelming.
“When I experienced severe depression, Dr. Ramaekers recognized what was happening immediately,” she recalls. “He paused treatment, prescribed medication, and connected me with Jane Gundrum, one of NCS’s mental health practitioners.”
Debra Rhodes, cancer survivor
The support she and her husband received through counseling became an important part of their journey.
“I am so grateful for Jane’s support and insights. She helped both of us navigate a very difficult time,” Rhodes says.
The team’s commitment to caring for the whole person extended beyond treatment and mental health. As her diagnosis changed her perspective on life and priorities, Dr. Ramaekers became an advocate as she considered early retirement from teaching.
“He helped us work through the details and encouraged us to reduce the stress in our lives,” she says. “Looking back, it was the best advice and one of the best decisions we’ve made.”
Today, Debra is embracing life in new ways. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends and focusing on the moments that matter most.
“Has this road been tough? Absolutely. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone,” she says. “But I give thanks every day for the medical professionals and services that have been part of my journey.”
While cancer remains part of her story, she believes the care she has received at Nebraska Cancer Specialists has helped her handle the challenges with confidence, dignity and hope.
“There are many quality cancer centers in Nebraska,” she says. “But Dr. Ramaekers and the entire NCS team were the right choice for us. Their comprehensive services, expertise and compassion have made a significant impact on how we’ve dealt with this journey and how we’ll continue to navigate whatever comes next.”
For Debra, cancer care has meant much more than medicine. It has meant having a team that listens, supports, advocates and walks alongside her every step of the way, allowing her to focus on what matters most: living life fully.
Visit NebraskaCancer.com to learn more.
