In 2016, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 gallbladder cancer that spread to my liver. I spent all of 2017 battling gallbladder and liver cancer. I was cancer-free for a few short months when a cat scan revealed several spots in my abdomen. I was quickly sent back into chemo for a recurrence of cancer. I requested to have my chemo at Miriam Hospital and that's when I met Faye Hollander. Faye was so understanding, and we immediately bonded.
At this time, all I could think was, AGAIN! Cancer AGAIN. Cancer once is difficult, but twice in two years, unbelievable.
Faye helped me cope and I came to depend and trust her knowledge and expertise. I was with her for two difficult chemo sessions when my pathology report came back, and it was discovered that I did not have a recurrence of my gallbladder/liver cancer. No, I had a brand-new cancer, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer and I was going to need a new team of doctors and be transferred to Team 2 in the cancer treatment center. The appointments were set for me to meet my new team of doctors. I was devastated to learn I would lose my hair, me bald probably was not going to be a good look. I protested when I heard I would have a new nurse. I said, NO! I want Faye! I need Faye to help me through this nightmare. At this time, I wasn't sure I was going to survive, I needed Faye. I was happy that my doctor listened and heard me when I requested Faye. I sincerely thank the doctor for listening. It meant a lot to me.
Ironically, Faye also fought to keep me. She started as my nurse and wanted to continue as my nurse, I was grateful that she agreed to continue as my nurse.
How did Faye help me? She gave us a room without a window because my mom has a rare eye condition and she's more comfortable with less light.
She used the numbing spray before inserting the needle in my slanted port. She covered the blood during my blood transfusions. Why? Because I hate the sight of blood. She put all the equipment behind me, so I did not see the blood. She always brought the Reiki lady and the acupuncturist over to me even when I didn't make an appointment ahead of time. She answered my endless questions. She truly cared, and we were in this fight together, just to name a few.
The entire staff and all the nurses were fantastic! I found them all to be very professional and caring.
Finally, my chemo ended and I am currently in remission and grateful to my doctors and nurses at The Miriam Hospital. I get to see the sunrise and sunset for one more day.
Faye Hollander will always be my EXTRAORDINARY NURSE!
***
I joined my daughter, who has been battling Stage 3 ovarian cancer, to all her appointments and treatments. Faye helped us each week through the difficulties of battling cancer. She helped my daughter cope with losing her hair, gaining weight, feeling tired, having severe neuropathy in her hands and feet and having cancer for a second time in the past two years. She spoke with us weekly and answered all our questions with compassion and deep concern.