This patient with cancer found support during every step of care at Providence Swedish

September 9, 2026

Swedish Cancer Team

Nancy Thompson has been an oncology nurse at Providence Swedish Cancer Institute (PSCI) for 20 years. A cancer diagnosis and a recurrence taught her about the array of resources at PSCI that support patients as they move through treatment and healing.

When Nancy Thompson went in for her annual physical in 2016, she did not expect the appointment to change the course of her life. She had been feeling a little tired and hoarse, but nothing seemed unusual enough to raise concern. Then her primary care doctor found a large lump in her neck.

“I had not noticed it myself,” Thompson said. “Once she found it and pointed it out, then you wonder, ‘How did I ever miss this?’”

Nancy Thompson, shown above with pal Doppler, is Director of Quality at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute. Thompson was honored as the Seattle Storm’s Honorary Coach during the “Storm Out Cancer” game. A respected leader in oncology nursing, Nancy is a strong advocate for nurses and a dedicated community volunteer, especially in support of homeless and marginalized adults.

The discovery led to more testing and, in July 2016, a diagnosis of stage 4A papillary thyroid carcinoma. As an oncology nurse for 40 years and a Providence Swedish Cancer Institute (PSCI) caregiver for more than 20 years, Thompson understood cancer and the healthcare system. Still, she said she was a cancer patient and survivor — like everyone else.

“Even though I knew a lot about cancer, it’s still very hard to hear all of the things that you are told correctly,” recalled Thompson, who is currently director for quality at PSCI.

Thompson knew it was important to have medical specialists who understood the latest cancer research and evidence. She also knew healing would require more than treatment alone.

“The clinical team treats the cancer, but it’s the supportive care services that help you heal,” she said.

Thompson used as many of PSCI’s supportive cancer services as she could, including massage therapy, cancer rehabilitation, art therapy, and the survivorship clinic. She decided she would not know which services would be helpful unless she tried them.

In 2021, five years after her initial diagnosis, a change in her blood work led to a CT scan that showed the thyroid cancer had spread to her lungs. The second diagnosis, she said, was harder emotionally.

“The first time, you think, ‘This is really rough, but I’m going to get better,’” she said. “The second time, you’re not sure.”

After monitoring the cancer, Thompson sought a second opinion from a medical oncologist at Providence Portland Medical Center who specialized in thyroid cancer. She enrolled in a clinical trial and has been on treatment for three years.

The oral medication, which she takes three times a day, has helped shrink the cancer in her lungs by about 75%, she said. The treatment has also brought fatigue, weakness, skin reactions, hair changes and aches and pains. What surprised her most was how debilitating fatigue could be.

Again, supportive services helped her through each phase, but what she needed changed over time. Massage therapy and rehabilitation helped after surgery. Reflective journaling and art therapy helped her process the emotional weight of metastatic disease. Later, cancer rehabilitation helped her rebuild strength.

Today, Nancy is happy, healthy and back to work. People are often surprised to learn she had stage 4 cancer, and she credits her medical team and Providence Swedish Cancer Institute’s supportive care services for helping her through her cancer journey.

“Use the support that’s available to you,” Thompson said. “Cancer brings fatigue, uncertainty and worry into every appointment, so ask questions, speak up and remember you don’t have to navigate it alone.”

Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)

If you or a loved one have questions about cancer diagnosis, treatment or care, the experts at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute are here for you. We can accommodate both in-person and virtual visits. To talk to someone or make an appointment, call 1-855-XCANCER.

You can also learn more about available clinical trials. Our physician investigators and researchers are involved in hundreds of ongoing trials involving most types of cancer.

Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Swedish Virtual Care connects you face-to-face with a nurse practitioner who can review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. If you need to find a doctor, you can use our provider directory.