‘I’m so thankful:’ Nebraska family reflects on care, second chance

By Noah Johnson

Each time Bruce Sheffield, M.D., enters the University of Nebraska Medical Center, he is reminded of a second chance at life and a deep friendship formed from difficult circumstances.

The story begins in 2013. Dr. Sheffield, a ’73 UNMC alumnus, began experiencing persistent flu-like symptoms. Muscle and joint aches, along with severe pain, left him unable to function.

“We all thought it was just some weird viral thing because it just hit me like a truck,” said Dr. Sheffield, a retired pediatrician who worked in Hastings, Nebraska. “My wife, Margaret, even had to lift me out of my chair. It was so painful.”

A year and a half later, Dr. Sheffield’s condition seemed to improve. However, he would soon discover a lump on the side of his neck that would ultimately be diagnosed as lymphoma.

After his diagnosis, Dr. Sheffield was referred to Nebraska Medicine’s Dr. Matthew Lunning. Within days of his referral, Dr. Sheffield met Dr. Lunning to begin his lymphoma treatment.

After four months of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant in early 2015, Bruce won his battle against lymphoma. He’s remained in remission ever since.

In the years that followed Dr. Sheffield grew closer to Dr. Lunning, becoming good friends over the course of his biannual check-ups.

The relationship between Dr. Lunning and Dr. Sheffield played an important role in Bruce’s cancer journey. Throughout Bruce’s treatment and recovery, Dr. Lunning said their bond continued to deepen.

“With the transplant and the subsequent follow-ups our bond has continued to grow,” Dr. Lunning said. “I’ve looked forward to seeing him.”

Dr. Lunning said his relationship has evolved beyond a patient-physician relationship thanks to Dr. Sheffield’s background in medicine.

“We’ve helped each other through other parts of our life that weren’t cancer-related between visits,” Dr. Lunning said. “As I grow in my career, I’ve leaned on him for questions about what he went through as a physician and that has also been really helpful to me.”

Bruce and Margaret now have the chance to cherish the next stage of their life in Raymond, NE alongside their two children and five grandchildren, thankful for a second chance at life together.

Through the Hope Fund for Cancer Research, the UNMC Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center can provide life-saving cancer research. To continue providing this crucial support, please consider making a gift to the Hope Fund for Cancer Research today.