We were in a pretty terrified state coming off my husband's 4th and last chemo drug for his CML leukemia. On our way to Moffit Cancer Center, he shared his chest pains had intensified and he had had them for four days - all news to me! (He's a Marine).
The cardiologist put in a stent and then he had a serious reaction to something. We waited for clearance from infectious disease and the EP physician put in a pacemaker on late Monday, after 6 days of waiting. Several nurses rotated but Deana took extra time to explain and define all these new terms and implants. We asked a myriad of questions which she graciously, knowledgeable, and patiently answered.
Her previous Marine experience resonated with my hubby and seemed to calm yet strengthen him. Whenever he needed something, he told me to go get her because "She got things done."
Deana went out of her way to check on him on numerous occasions, and on me. He described her as kind, competent, and really on the ball. She also said the difference was that she was sincere in her care and did not just treat him as a patient. She shared about her family too, which made it seem so much more genuine here.
He also wants to commend Deana for being so diligent when we first got here. For goodness sake, we thought his heart was the one good organ he had. Who knows how much damage was also caused by the chemo drugs, when heart damage and heart death were possible outcomes on each? But we were in the right place with genius doctors and outstanding nurses. You were a great first line of defense. Thanks!