Janice Ghaster serves each of her patients as unique individuals. She recently cared for a woman who had just been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving a port for chemo treatments. In a two-week period, this patient had visited the emergency dept. with discomfort, been diagnosed by biopsy, seen the oncologist, had a PET scan, and was seeing the radiation oncologist.
Upon arrival for her port placement, she was stressed and tearful. Her husband was "overwhelmed" by the whirlwind of activities and the devastating news of her cancer in multiple locations. During the pre-procedure teaching, the patient began crying and asked that Janice stop talking to her. The patient told Janice of the previous two weeks' activities and how frightened she was. She was terrified that she may not be able to raise her three grade-school aged children. She said she was so emotionally exhausted with sadness that she didn't know how she could get through this day, let alone the days to come.
Janice remained with the patient. She was compassionate and attentive to her need to express her fears and grieve the potential loss of her future as a mother to her kids. Janice was patient and accepting of this woman. She did not attempt to talk her out of her grief, nor did she rush the process to keep pace with the procedure's timeframe.
When the patient was interested in learning about the port, Janice skillfully gave her the most important information. During the procedure, the patient expressed gratitude that Janice was with her and that she listened to her. She asked Janice's advice about what she should do next. Janice explained the treatment options available to the patient and answered all her questions.
As the patient was leaving IR to go to the CTC for a chemo treatment, she told her husband that she was ready to fight her cancer. She now had hope for her future. Thanks to Janice Ghaster.