At 35 weeks pregnant, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36 years old. After a whirlwind of doctors' appointments, the decision was made to deliver the baby three weeks earlier than originally scheduled in order to start chemotherapy sooner.
Diane's standard of care was above and beyond. It was extraordinary. Diane shared her own personal experience with breast cancer, revealing that her daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, also while pregnant. She indicated her daughter has battled and she and her baby are both doing very well. By sharing her own personal emotional journey, it allowed my wife to lower her guard and confide in Diane by sharing her feelings and asking questions about what to expect. She gave my wife a sense of ease while recovering from the C-section, sitting next to a newborn, with three young children at home, and about to start cancer treatments.
Diane provided excellent nursing care, answering all of our clinical questions and making my wife and newborn very comfortable. Perhaps more importantly, she provided compassionate care by listening to my wife's cancer concerns, questions and provided positive support and advice. She always seemed to be present when we needed her, while not being too overbearing. She went out of her way to inform the other nurses of my wife's preferences in a calm professional manner, which allowed my wife to enjoy the beauty of the birth of our fourth child, a baby girl.
Diane was the star that shined brightest. She established a trusting supportive relationship, provided exceptional care, and treated us like we were a part of her own family. It was truly the gold standard of care. It allowed my wife to enjoy the experience of the birth of our last child. She has made a lasting impression on our family and we will forever hold her in high regard.