About the Author
The Silver Pen (formerly brooksidebuzz.com) began as a way to discuss my journey with breast cancer. I believe that breast cancer happens within the ecosystem of family, friends and community. Consequently, I decided to take the holistic approach and write about breast cancer with style, humor and Silver Linings.
My Work and Teaching
The Silver Pen is unique because of my candidness that incorporates my personal and professional experiences. I am a Pediatric and Adult Palliative Care Nurse and Social Worker with graduate degrees in Bioethics and Child Development.
I have worked as an educator, clinician, trainer, and consultant at the City of Hope National Medical Center, the University of Chicago Children’s Hospital, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. My areas of expertise are in the field of pediatric palliative care, ethics and health care decision-making.
My Speaking Program
I have extensive experience speaking nationally on a family centered approach to working with families facing life-threatening illnesses, bioethics, and grief and bereavement.
Please contact me at hollye@thesilverpen.com if I can contribute as a speaker or educator to your workshop, seminar, panel or conference.
Speaking topics include:
• How to talk with children about a cancer diagnosis in the family.
• Grief and bereavement after the death of a parent.
• Grief and bereavement after the death of a child.
• How to help a loved one diagnosed with cancer.
• Ethical and Legal issues in health care.
• Navigating the health care system: from the time of diagnosis throughout the trajectory of care.
• Introduction to hospice and palliative care.
• Introduction to pediatric hospice and palliative care
My Publications
Harrington Jacobs, Hollye. (2011). Pediatric Palliative Care Ethics and Decision Making. In Altilio, T. & Otis-Green, S. (Eds.), Oxford Textbook of Palliative Social Work (pp. 637-650). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Ferrell, B.R., Virani, R., Harrington Jacobs H., Malloy, P., Kelly, K. (2010). Arts and humanities in palliative nursing education. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 39(5), 941-945.
Harrington Jacobs H. & Fewster-Thuente, L. (2010). Moral Code: Ethical issues in pediatric palliative care. Hope 2010, 25.
Harrington Jacobs H., Ferrell B.R., Virani R., Malloy P. (2009). Appraisal of the Pediatric End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium Training Program. Journal of Pediatric Nursing 24(3), 216-221.
Malloy P., Virani R.M., Kelly K., Harrington Jacobs H., and Ferrell B.R. (May 14, 2008). End-of-Life Care: Improving Communication Skills to Enhance Palliative Care. Published Online.
Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/12632.
Malloy, P., Virani, R., Kelly, K., Harrington Jacobs, H., and Ferrell, B. (2008).Seven years and 50 courses later: End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) continues commitment to provide excellent palliative care education. Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing, 10(4), 233-239.
Harrington Jacobs, H (2005). Ethics in pediatric palliative care: A nursing perspective. Journal of Pediatric Nursing (20)5: 360-369.
Thank you for reading The Silver Pen!
Hollye,
This is absolutely gorgeous, and I can’t wait to follow you on your new adventures – all my love to HOTY and FF, and cute little Buzz (and Kimmy too!) – always in my thoughts!!
xoxo
Catie
Congratulations on your stunning new site, Hollye! It’s a beautiful backdrop to your beautiful writing. I look forward to enjoying the Silver Pen!!
Thanks so much for your note, Maureen! I hope that you enjoy it!
As a fellow FBC suvivor, psychotherapist, writer, and friend (thanks to Rebecca – classmate of yours and my daughter, Allison – both former girlscouts in my troop) I salute you and your new site, The Silver Pen! I, too, will soon be starting a new BLOG on “Touch” – so important for our development in utero, infancy, childhood, and beyond – for our evolution towards the kind of human beings we want to become. You are ever an inspiration and intelligent voice in the wilderness. XO Pat Dunn
Love your new look
I just discovered your website. I have been through this ordeal twice in the last 11 years and I’ve always wanted (and was encouraged) to write about it. You’ve done it for me! I share your attitude about FBC and your handling it! I’m going to read all you have to share. You are my SL!!!
Thank you and I know your strength will get you through!!
Thanks so much for your comment, Toni. I really appreciate it and look forward to hearing about your experiences.
Love the elegant new look, and the ever-inspiring content:)
I so enjoy reading your blog. I finished chemo in June 2010 and radiation in August 2010. I am now ready to read others experiences and revisit feelings and reflect. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thanks so much, Mary. Congratulations on completing your treatment. Wonderful news! I’d love to hear about the things that helped you cope from the time of your diagnosis through your treatment. Thanks, again.
Hi,
Im just curious. How long did it take your hair to grow out to the length it is in that picture. I just finished up 4 dd cycles of AC!! Moving on to 12 weekly cycles of Taxol/taxotere dec 14. I had about 1/8 inch come back in, but its stopped. I know everyones different. I like the way your hair looks in the pic.
Have been reading some of your posts. So good for me not to totally not always obsess and read about FBC.
Thank you for your note and compliment, Fran. In that photo, I was about 12 weeks out (and had had 1 haircut). Bummer that your hair stopped growing. I also used (at that suggestion of my Oncologist) Men’s Rogaine twice a day. I think it contributed to my growth. Best wishes to you on your next round of chemo. Thanks, again!
As a bc survivor, currently undergoing radiation treatment, am curious to find out more about your use of Rogaine.
Finished chemo (4 dd di Adriamycin & Cytoxin + 4 dd di Taxol) 8th Nov, & started radiation this past Mon; 12th Dec (radiation regimen 180 cGy/day; last radiation treatment 20th Jan if I can stay “on sched!”). Radiation start delayed to enable participation in San Diego 3-Day & Thanksgiving in AZ.
Hope to trek back to the Midwest 6th-19th Feb, & will spend part of that trek visiting my cousin’s family–specifically reconnecting with her 17-year old son JC (Senior in High School). His Mom, my cousin Gloria, passed 14th Feb 2011, after a 4 year Leukemia battle–which also included a bone marrow stem cell transplant.
After 2 unsuccessful “wig attempts” (one Raquel Welch & one Gabor), I feel wigs ARE the equivalent of wearing a dog or cat on top of one’s head (i.e., hot & uncomfortable, at best!). Am going to try for ONE more “styling session,” with the guy who’s the “Wig Master” at the SF Opera (via UCSF’s CCC-”Friend to Friend” website)! While my, rather extensive, collection of berets, hats & scarves translates to matching my personal head-comfort-quotient-level (& “Yes, at times I wonder if I’ll ever tolerate a full head of hair again!”), am wondering if Rogaine, between now & 6th Feb, would help me grow enough hair so as not to “freak out” JC, my cousin’s son. (If at all possible, want to avoid invoking JC’s memories of his Mom’s “hair status,” & right now I’m her twin, hair-wise anyway! I have the barest layer of peach fuzz!)
In your experience, if I was to use Rogaine, for the 7 weeks before I leave, would that foster enough hair growth to go “bare-headed” (with some modicum of hair)?
Thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide!
Ana Banana
P.S. Love your attitude (find it a close match to my own) & especially LOVE your quotes!
Hi Ana Banana,
Thanks so much for your note! So sad to hear about Gloria’s death. So awful.
With regard to Rogaine, I started using it upon the recommendation of my oncologist. Yes, I know that there are lots of chemicals in it; however, my oncologist felt comfortable with it and therefore, so did I. My hair came back thick and full and great. I’m very happy that I did. I would recommend talking with your doctor. If you get the go ahead, I used MEN’S Rogaine twice a day on my bald, bald head. I know that it works. Amazingly well, as a matter of fact.
Please keep me posted!
All my very best,
Hollye
I was diagnosed with stage 2 BC in April; finished chemo mid August and radiation mid October. I have been using Nioxin shampoo and conditioner since then my hair is growing back thick and curly. It’s about an inch and a half long. You can get Nioxin from your hair dresser.
Yaaaah that you are done! I’m so happy for you, Cathie. All my best wishes to you!
What a beautiful website!! My friend referred me to your site after hearing about it from her sister-in-law. Can’t wait to visit it again soon. I too was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy in Dec. I am currently undergoing chemo and thankfully doing great. Bald is beautiful I have discovered. And liberating!!!
P.S. I can tell you’re a beautiful lady inside and out (that was obvious).
Thanks a million for your kind note, Lynn. I really appreciate it. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you! In the meantime, take good care!
You are a very special woman . Educated and a gifted writer I cheer your fight and the journalistic way you can give hope. A true example of a silver lining yourself,. Your story has inspired me to write about my granddaughter. who turns five this month and has been tested so many times for any form of genetic or chromosonal abnormality. The sliver lining is every test has come out clear, all test given by a doctor come back normal of what is making this beautiful otherwise healthy inspiring joy of girl have developmental problems, So far we know its affected her with muscle tone and therapist tell us she has severe Apraxia( difficulty in speaking),( she waked at two and three month) now can speak a few words but understands everything listens and learn.,Its been a long struggle for her parents especially what with speech therapy physical therapy and occupational therapy. The testing that went on for two years,. took a tool on her wonderful parents adding stresses on married life the schooling and activities of her son who is brilliant and gifted all around young man. Included all that she still works as a social worker at our biggest hospital here Morton plant . Our beloved grandchild is now in school a blended class doing wonderfully. She not up yet to her age but her teacher explained five is huge in a child life, as far as intellect and so is eight. They have hope and so do i. I want to keep a journal of her journey and the feelings associated with parents of children that have any special need. I and her mom and dad are in this fight together .. My hope is to offer other parents a silver lining, grandparents who share a love for a child with undiagnosed complex problem,.who struggle with the emotions of their children going on this complicated struggle, to find out how to better educate themselves. A story of bravery, hope and hardship. This is what you have shared, you have touched me, thank you so very much,
Dear Alina,
Thank you for your note. I am thrilled to hear the Silver Lining of a clear test after a long, long ordeal. Wow. 2 years. Amazing. I think that it would be a great idea to keep a journal. Journaling can be so helpful in so many ways. Sending you all of my very best wishes!
Take good care,
Hollye
I LOVED reading your story, it is so similar to mine. I too was diagnosed with stage 2 with one lymph node involved. I had a double mastectomy and have just finished with chemo. I was so down and scared to be through with chemo, I felt like it was keeping my cancer from coming back. It is weird to say, but I felt chemo was like a security blanket. Your story has given me the courage to not look back and concentrate on the good times ahead. Your positive energy is contagious. Keep up the great writing and I look forward to seeing how you are doing on your journey. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for your comment, Becky. I really appreciate it. CONGRATULATIONS on finishing chemo! Yah! I also felt like chemo was a security blanket. I absolutely get it! Please stay in touch and let me know how you do in your recovery!
Hi Hollye,
I have just read you blog nd find it a source of I inspiration. I am 37 and have been diagnosed with breast cancer. My hair has literally started coming out this weekend. I was interested as to see ho you dealt with things. Oh and I love the dress in your photo.
Rae
X
Thank you so much, Rae. How are you doing at the end of a long weekend of hair loss? Thinking about you and sending my very best wishes.
I came across your blog through Kiss the Groom and I have been up late reading it for the past few nights. I don’t know what really kept me coming back (aside from your incredible story) because I don’t have FBC or know anyone who does. I think it’s in part to the fact that my dad has been dealing with a serious illness called “Polymiositis” that has no FDA or otherwise approved cure, and I have been entirely unable (unwilling perhaps) to deal with my emotions about it. He has had 2 different rounds of chemo-type infusions (1 of which insurance claimed they would cover and then rescinded, and we’re paying the price) but simply hasn’t felt better. How do I even for a second fathom this whole thing? I have no idea, and it has me lost, sends me into convulsive tears at random and unexpected moments, and is a large reason why I left college and haven’t returned. I guess what I’m saying is thank you, in a way, for sharing your story. In some strange and unexplainable way, it is helping me process what crazy, terrible, and confusing things I’m feeling and being okay with feeling absolutely awful about it. Nobody really understands what it means or how it feels to go through or see someone you love go through serious illness except for the people that have done it. I don’t like being in this club, in fact I’d rather never be in the club at all, but I’m glad that there are people like you who can extend a hand, and say “yeah, it’s shitty. and that’s okay.”
Dear Kate,
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful note. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. I’m so sad to hear about your dad. Each and every person has pain in his or her life, whether it is Polymiositis or FBC. Pain is pain. And it’s so terribly hard to fathom. I am honored that my story is helping you. You’re so right that, until you’re thrust into a circumstance, it’s impossible to truly understand what someone goes through. I wish that this club didn’t exist. For sure. However, the Silver Lining is that there are people to help, in small ways and in big ways. One day at a time, Kate.
Please take care of yourself during this period.
All my very best wishes to you!
Hollye
Holly,
I would like to share some sad new I recieved today. My nephew Christopher Zimmerman was killed in a freak of nature accident. He had gone out to shut the windows in his new truck and as he was doing this two tree landed on his truck and he was killed. My family is very sad today. Chris was a wonderful human being and loved his family very much.
I didn’t know him very well because he lived in Holland, OH, but even though I wasn’t closes to him, I love my all my nieces and nephew the same. My daughter Samantha and Chris were very close friends, she is very upset about this accident. She visited Ohio at the age of 12 and her and Chris become really close. I would like your prays and please keep these two in your heart. Donna Sylvester
Dear Donna,
I’m so, so sad to hear your sad news. What an incredible tragedy. I’m sending you and your family my prayers and best wishes.
Warmly,
Hollye
Dearest Hollye,
I am beyond thrilled to reconnect with you! I am so proud of you. You truly are the consummate survivor. I look forward to keep up with your progress and to continue to grow with you on our journey. Thank you for reminding me of all of the silver linngs in life. Much love, peace and happiness to you and your family. Fondly, Angela
Thank you, dear Angela! I am so happy to be reconnected with you as well!
All my best,
Hollye
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I just came across your website through a recipe search and ended up clicking through topic after topic. It sounds like you make silver linings accessible to so many, through sharing your recovery and throughout multiple facets of your life. Your blog is uplifting and unique, as the most inspiring page I have ever come across. I will be praying for your continued recovery often and look forward to reading more of your inspirations! Thank you so much for sharing!
All the best,
Meaghan
Wow, Meaghan…what a wonderful comment. THANK YOU so much! I sure do appreciate the kind words and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for writing and for reading The Silver Pen. Please stay in touch.
All my best,
Hollye
I too have been through breast cancer. As you said; there are sliver linings through this journey.
It is a SHOCK when the results are cancer especially when you have had biopsies that have always been normal. Then——————- when you least expect it the “C” word comes. I was sooooooo thankful that I was in the right place with the right medical Drs who advised me what to do and I did it. They told me it was no time to put off. Mine was a very small invasive ductal cancer. Mine was triple negative which I understand can return but I am trusting God to keep me cancer free. I have been cancer free for 3 years now. Thanking HIM daily. May you have a blessed future and cancer free. Janet Fuller
Dear Janet,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am so happy to hear that you are three years out. I wish you continued good health and, of course, many Silver Linings. Please stay in touch.
All my best wishes,
Hollye
Hi Holly,
I’m really enjoying your blogs both here and on Huff Po. I am wondering if you’d like a copy of my 2012 book The Trauma Tool Kit: Healing PTSD From the Inside Out to review for your blog. I worked in oncology as a medical social worker and understand the level of trauma for both patients and staff. This award winning book is a holistic compendium of ways to heal from traumatic stress.If you would like a reader’s copy, please let me know!