August 2023
Ana
Filipa Silva
,
RN
Transplant Unit
The London Clinic
London
United Kingdom
I was so lucky to be nursed by Ana during the first week and intermittently during the next week and a half. Ana was professional, extremely knowledgeable, and kind!
I am 78 years old diagnosed with multiple myeloma. As I am sporty and healthy. I was allowed at my age to have a stem cell transplant after 4 cycles of chemo. The procedure is quite stressful with many side effects. I was so lucky to be nursed by Ana during the first week and intermittently during the next week and a half. Ana was professional, extremely knowledgeable, and kind! She gave me Melphalan with another nurse and the stem cell transplant. She gave me the time to discuss my worries and anxieties. I like to know exactly what might happen and why! She brought me my blood results on paper each day and highlighted the important parts and explained them. She went the extra mile all the time and I don't know how I would have managed without her. My husband was my only visitor (to avoid infections). An example of her sensitivity was when my hair started to fall out in clumps, which was quite distressing. She discussed the options and I chose to have my head shaved. She brought me the clippers, and we selected the length! It only took 5 minutes, but she did it with such care and thoughtfulness, and sensing I then wanted to be alone to get around the result, she left me. In consequence, I accepted being bald wholeheartedly because it meant the treatment was working. I am leaving the hospital earlier than expected, and I am sure that this is down to the care and reassurance I received throughout from Ana, especially and the team. My family and I will never forget what she did in a million small and big ways. I hope that she will know what a difference she made and how much I appreciate her devoted care.