I had surgery with a diagnosis of Adenocarcinoma. I was terrified due to my previous hospital experience: a pyeloplasty at a different hospital. My post op pain had not been managed properly. Additional extensive testing was negative, and I was readmitted because of the excruciating pain. I told my nurse, Cass, about this. She took the time to look at my face and concentrate on what I was telling her. She was a grounding force in whose presence I felt her compassion. She encouraged me to call on her for help. I felt she believed in me, which made me think I was going to get through it. We were going to get through it together. She continued to be present and checked in with me during the course of my medical stay. I was ever so grateful because she was there for me when I needed her. This, to me, was priceless. I could heal without the terror of being overwhelmed with pain. Her professional expertise and attention, letting me know she was there, allowed me to heal without the exhausting stress of being in constant pain and fear. Her calm demeanor made me feel I was going to be okay. And, I was. I owe this to Cassandra. Cass knew my hypervigilance and sensitivity were on overload already. I had many alarms continuously going off as I tried to simply get a wink of sleep. Cass arranged for me to have a different monitor that would not go off every 5 minutes, which helped my nervous system, so that I could get some real rest. Because of Cass, I could heal and get through it. Her devotion and expertise in caring for me will never be forgotten.

Thank you so much, Cass.