Caryn Spanos, RN

Caryn has been my nurse from I believe the third infusion on. I am a cancer patient of triple-negative breast cancer and had a total of (4) family members pass away in their 40s from cancer, so naturally I was extra scared. Caryn always answered any questions I had, and if she didn't know the answer, she sure found out for me and my husband. I was so scared of chemo, the horror stories you hear and read put your mind in a very fearful place. Nurse Caryn always brought me out of that place as I was on some pretty hard chemo including Red Devil, but Caryn always managed to explain the side effects and helped me be aware of what to watch for. (I had a phobia of hospitals and ambulances). One instance is I was home after 12 weeks of 3-4 different kinds of chemo, getting ready for the next series of new chemo, I was not feeling well and Caryn asked me to come to the infusion center, long story short, I ended up in the hospital with toxic kidney failure (my GFR was 6-7). Thank you, Caryn, for talking me into coming in. More importantly, taking Red Devil gave me very bad brain and out-of-body experiences. I hated it. I cried and got stuck in one spot for not wanting to move (very hard to explain the feelings) except I did know I had enough, and I was done in my head taking chemo. I called the kids; told them I can't do this anymore because I felt like I couldn't control my brain. I told my husband I was done, and I drove to the infusion center, walked into Caryn, burst into tears, and told her I can't do this anymore. Caryn, a beautiful and caring nurse, gave me the biggest hug while whispering in my ear that I can't quit. She kept telling me I got this. Caryn took the time to let me explain to the best of my ability how I was feeling and took her time to reassure all this is normal and to please continue my treatment because these feelings are temporary. Needless to say, I made it through with Caryn's help. I am currently still in chemo and honestly believe I am alive today because of Caryn. Today my family considers Caryn along with my doctor "FAMILY". We are forever grateful to MetroHealth, particularly to Caryn.