Crystal Watkins
August 2021
Crystal D
Watkins
,
RN
Oncology Unit
Anderson Regional Health System
Meridian
,
MS
United States
Whenever Crystal entered with her sweet smile, my spirit heightened and I knew things were going to be better.
Two months ago, despite increasing pain in my back and trouble breathing, I was living my normal life, although to a lesser extent, as a legal assistant, my life-long career, and was still relatively active at my church. About 4-5 weeks ago, the pain in my back became so intense that I called 911 and was taken to Rush’s Hospital. My diagnosis was stunning and shocking: Stage IV lung cancer metastasized to my spine. Subsequently, the oncologist diagnosed me as a medical emergency and transferred me that afternoon to Anderson’s Cancer Center. The doctor recommended two weeks of daily radiation to prevent paralysis and reduce pain. Unfortunately, the paralysis from the thigh down occurred anyway, but there was some reduction of pain temporarily. It was there in the 4 East Wing, I found myself blessed to be under the compassionate and kind care of Nurse Crystal Watkins. Her professional perfectionism, calmness, and her ever-patient manner soothed me and never failed to calm my highest levels of agitation and anxiety. Whenever Crystal entered with her sweet smile, my spirit heightened and I knew things were going to be better. I always trusted her to take care of me. I thank God that I was put under the care of Nurse Crystal during the most difficult time of my life. Nurse Crystal is a true DAISY Nurse for her compassionate care of her fortunate patients.