Marloe Esch DNP, RN, APNP, AGCNS-BC, OCN, CSC, Author at Elephants and Tea

Posts by Marloe Esch DNP, RN, APNP, AGCNS-BC, OCN, CSC

Survivor

Marloe Esch, DNP, RN, APNP, AGCNS-BC, OCN, CSC, is an Oncology Certified Nurse, AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor, and young adult cancer survivor. An enthusiastic supporter of sexual health and wellness, she is making it her mission to bring sex into the survivorship spotlight. She has published scholarly works addressing issues pertaining to Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) survivorship and has also had the opportunity to present regionally and nationally on psychosocial and sexual health in cancer survivorship. Marloe is an Associate Editor with the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing and serves on the Board of Directors for The Scientific Network on Female Sexual Health and Cancer. She graduated with her Doctor of Nursing Practice in May 2024 as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Marloe lives in the Bay View neighborhood with her husband and their cat, Princess Leia, in a fixer-upper that has “a lot of potential.” When she’s not at work or supervising her husband’s house projects, you’re likely to find her reading, writing, running, playing guitar, or enjoying a cold beverage and contemplating life. She’s also fairly competent at crochet, which comes in handy during the cold, dark Wisconsin winters. Feel free to give her a shout-out at marloe.esch@uwalumni.com and let her know what questions you’ve got about sex, intimacy, and cancer!

Dating After Cancer: The Disclosure Dilemma

by Marloe Esch DNP, RN, APNP, AGCNS-BC, OCN, CSC October 26, 2020

The idea of getting close to someone new after a cancer diagnosis can be nerve-wracking. I mean, cancer has changed so many things already; what if it’s also changed what a romantic relationship could look like?

Speaking of Sex: Be H.E.A.R.D.!

by Marloe Esch DNP, RN, APNP, AGCNS-BC, OCN, CSC June 29, 2020

But often, such conversations are an important and necessary part of addressing any worries, concerns, or questions you might have about your sex life. Cancer can change how our bodies look or how they respond to sexual touch, how we feel about our appearance, and our interest in being sexual. And yeah, bringing up any of these sensitive topics with your partner can feel really awkward. But is it impossible? Of course not!

Running

by Marloe Esch DNP, RN, APNP, AGCNS-BC, OCN, CSC April 21, 2020

I was on my way to work one morning when a news story on the radio caught my attention. Apparently, a 70-year-old woman ran seven marathons in seven days on seven different continents.

Sex Ed for Survivors: Safety First!

by Marloe Esch DNP, RN, APNP, AGCNS-BC, OCN, CSC March 2, 2020

Safer sex practices are an important part of staying healthy, regardless of your age, gender, sexual orientation, relationship status…or cancer status! But what does “safer sex” mean in the context of a cancer diagnosis?

A Goodbye Letter to my Breasts

by Marloe Esch DNP, RN, APNP, AGCNS-BC, OCN, CSC December 16, 2019

I guess I owe you an apology. I’m sorry it took me so damn long to love you for what you were.Remember when I was little, and I ran around with balled up napkins and water balloons under my shirt?

Maybe, Baby? Birth Control After Cancer

by Marloe Esch DNP, RN, APNP, AGCNS-BC, OCN, CSC October 3, 2019

Don’t be afraid to bring up birth control at your next appointment. Your provider can help you understand your risk of pregnancy and what options may be right for you.

Used to Feel So Good, Now it Feels SO Baaaaad…

by Marloe Esch DNP, RN, APNP, AGCNS-BC, OCN, CSC June 14, 2019

Healthy blood vessels, nerves, and hormones all play a role in the genital changes that happen during sexual arousal. Unfortunately, certain cancer treatments can disrupt any part of this complex process. For example, pelvic surgery or radiation can alter the blood or nerve supply to your genitals, or cause tissue damage and scar formation.

Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy

by Marloe Esch DNP, RN, APNP, AGCNS-BC, OCN, CSC March 14, 2019

What we put in our bodies can have a major impact on how we feel throughout treatment, so it’s important to think of good nutrition as part of your treatment plan, and to make it a priority.

Saying Something: We Survivors Don’t Need Excuses, We Need Support.

by Marloe Esch DNP, RN, APNP, AGCNS-BC, OCN, CSC February 8, 2019

There are definitely wrong things to say to people with cancer. Take, for example, the comment I received as a chemo patient from a stranger who insisted that I watch a YouTube video on her phone.

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