Hashe Arulanantham
October 2024
Hashe
Arulanantham
,
RN
8B - Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit
The Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto
,
Ontario
Canada

 

 

 

Her compassion and empathy, combined with her prompt reaction and effective collaboration with the doctors, ensured that V’s allergy was swiftly managed, allowing her to continue receiving the required platelets.  
In April, my daughter was admitted to Sick Kids Hospital, unit 8B, to begin her bone marrow transplant treatments. The chemotherapy sessions leading up to the transplant were challenging, but we were supported by knowledgeable and compassionate nurses throughout the process. A few days later, V was ready to undergo her transplant, referred to as day zero. This is when we met Nurse Hashe, who was responsible for overseeing V’s procedure. Naturally, V was extremely anxious, having never undergone this type of treatment before, and she was fearful of the potential side effects.  

Nurse Hashe’s attentiveness and clear explanations helped put V at ease, providing much-needed reassurance. It was evident that my daughter was in capable hands, which significantly alleviated my own anxiety as a mother. V needed four bags of stem cells for her transplant. However, shortly after the first bag began, it became clear that V had developed an allergy to the preservative, as she started clearing her throat. Nurse Hashe promptly noticed this and inquired if V's throat felt strange. The reaction quickly escalated to a cough, and V expressed discomfort. Nurse Hashe immediately engaged the doctors and halted the infusion.  

The situation was understandably frightening for both V and me, given the critical need for the stem cells and the concern about her body's reaction. Throughout the ordeal, Nurse Hashe demonstrated exemplary clinical skills. She swiftly and calmly administered the necessary care as per the doctors' recommendations while soothing V, allowing the transplant to proceed.  

A procedure that was expected to take only 1.5 hours extended to 5 hours due to V’s allergic reaction. Throughout this extended process, Nurse Hashe remained by V’s side. Her unwavering presence and care were crucial to us, providing reassurance and confidence that V would successfully get through the procedure despite our anxiety. Following this harrowing experience, V developed another allergy during a necessary platelet transfusion. Once again, we were relieved to have Nurse Hashe with us. Her compassion and empathy, combined with her prompt reaction and effective collaboration with the doctors, ensured that V’s allergy was swiftly managed, allowing her to continue receiving the required platelets.  

During our stay, V expressed her gratitude for having Nurse Hashe, acknowledging her as her favorite nurse for the immense physical and emotional support she provided. Hashe exemplifies the excellence of Sick Kids, with unparalleled compassion and leadership. We will never forget Hashe and all she did to help us navigate this challenging journey. Saying "thank you" feels insufficient to convey our appreciation for such an Extraordinary Nurse. I am grateful that other children and families in unit 8B will also benefit from her exceptional care.