Each month, I have an appointment to either get my infusion port service or to get my Rituxan infusion.  Today, I had the port serviced.  Helen was the nurse who worked with me to get this vital job done.   During the course of doing so, she noted that the port would not permit a draw of blood.  She talked over the options with me and was very reassuring about the impact of this problem and my options. She invited my involvement in the decision as to what would be the best way to handle the situation. We decided to go ahead and clear the blockage today rather than postpone things. The necessary medication was infused in about 30 minutes, and the port was providing a brisk return.   

What a relief!   It is very satisfying that Helen was able to clear up this issue and I have the relief of knowing that this will not be an issue should I have an emergency procedure in the future. 

Some observations that I made today while Helen was tending to my needs:  

Helen cares about her patients. 

She is a consummate professional.

Her work ethic and compassion are exemplary.

I really appreciated the way that she explained each step and asked my permission to proceed. 

I have a problematic port, and I always explain to the infusion specialists the nature of the problems with it.   Helen listened carefully to my suggestions and carefully studied the situation before proceeding.  As a result, the injection into the port went flawlessly. 

You have many dedicated and wonderful personnel in your Oncology Clinic.   I just wanted to end this day by calling our Helen as someone who is very special.