SA国际传媒

Pain surged through Shannon Martin’s back as she drove past four hospitals to get “home” to SA国际传媒CarePlex Hospital in Hampton, Virginia. 

“If I was going to be vulnerable, I wanted to be vulnerable with my team,” said Martin, chief nursing officer at SA国际传媒CarePlex Hospital. “I’ve worked here for 25 years, and I bring my family here because I believe in the care we deliver.” 

A CT scan in the emergency department would reveal that Martin had an obstructed bile duct, which is the tube that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine. She underwent surgery that same day.

For the next two days Martin would stay in her hospital, not as a chief nursing officer, but as a patient.  

“I reassured them I wanted to be the patient. I said, ‘Y’all are going to have to tell me what’s going on, I’m not going into MyChart to interpret my results,’” laughed Martin. “I knew what they were supposed to be doing, and they did it, beautifully and compassionately. That reassured me as a patient and a leader.”

After she was discharged, Martin had an endoscopic biopsy which confirmed that she had Stage 1 pancreatic cancer. She would go on to receive specialty care out of the area.

“I was honestly depressed for a month. It was hard to get out of bed,” said Martin. “But my team took me and said, ‘We’re not going to let you fail.’”

‘A labor of love’

Brandi Davis, nurse manager of the oncology unit at SA国际传媒CarePlex Hospital, knows firsthand the impact of cancer and the importance of support. 

“When I first heard Shannon had cancer, I won’t lie, it was hard. But I leaned into the moment and focused on being there for her,” said Davis. “There was no other option. And that’s why I work here because we don’t just care for the community, we care for each other.”

SA国际传媒CarePlex Hospital has one of three dedicated oncology units in the SA国际传媒system. The other two are at SA国际传媒Norfolk General Hospital and SA国际传媒Virginia Beach General Hospital. 

The unit reopened three years ago after being closed during COVID-19.

“We started with two chemotherapy nurses, now we’re sitting at twenty. We’re also working at increasing our number of certified oncology nurses,” said Davis. “It’s been a labor of love. It has really grown with the support of Shannon, administration, and the physicians at Virginia Oncology Associates.” 

Shannon Martin (fourth from right) and Brandi Davis (left of Shannon) celebrate the holidays during Martin’s fourth month of chemotherapy. 

SA国际传媒CarePlex Hospital is unique when it comes to cancer care. They have radiation oncology and an outpatient pain clinic, and the Virginia Oncology Associates office is located next to the hospital, which allows physicians to easily visit patients who have been admitted. 

“People think oncology is sad but there is a lot of laughter on our unit,” said Davis. “There are hard days when we lose patients, but you are part of moments a family will remember forever. Whether it’s the small patting of a hand or giving them a hug, those things last a lifetime.”

Davis recalled taking care of a man in his 40s. He was very sick, and he made the decision to not continue treatment. 

“I remember sitting with his wife while he was asleep. We talked about what that future looks like, how the nights will be hard because they’re quiet,” said Davis. “But I told her to focus on how she empowered him to make that decision and how that’s an amazing act of love.” 

Davis explained oncology nursing is more than a job, it’s a passion and a privilege. 

‘I’m always a student’

Fortunately for Martin, her chemotherapy from August 2024 to February 2025 was successful and she never needed to be admitted to the oncology unit at SA国际传媒CarePlex Hospital. 

She continued working as chief nursing officer throughout her six months of chemotherapy. 

“I’ve gone through things in life that have given me the strength to face cancer. There wasn’t a question that I’d continue to work,” said Martin. “My physician even said people who work while receiving treatment tend to do the best.” 

Before taking an eight-week leave for surgery in April 2025, Martin was promoted to market chief nursing officer for Sentara’s Eastern Market. She now oversees nursing at SA国际传媒hospitals in Halifax, Hampton, Suffolk, and Williamsburg, Virginia. 

“Whether I’m ill or well, I’m always a student,” said Martin, who returned to work in June after her leave for surgery. “I really used this as a learning opportunity. To understand what patients feel, to give people feedback, and to thank them for taking care of me.”

Martin’s surgery to remove the pancreatic tumor was a success and she will remain on a lifelong surveillance regimen. 

“The stars aligned. I got really lucky—and it makes me want to make it better for the next person.”

June is National Cancer Survivorship Month and we encourage you to visit Sentara.com to learn about Sentara’s comprehensive cancer services—including support, treatment, integrative therapies, prevention and screening, and research and clinical trials.