I am writing to, first of all, express my sincere gratitude for the excellent care I have received from the Vacaville Valley Cancer Treatment Center since my diagnosis of breast cancer. From the onset, I was immediately contacted by the Surgery Department to schedule a consultation appointment with the doctor. The doctor was able to coordinate an appointment in record time. Because this was an unexpected diagnosis, I was overwhelmed, afraid, and could only think of a fatal outcome.
After my surgery, I was attentively cared for. When I met with the doctor again, he discussed and clarified the need for chemotherapy to enable me to understand the seriousness of my cancer. He explained the chemo regiment/process I would need to undergo the following month. I was given a tour of the Infusion Department by a nurse practitioner; still not really comprehending what everything entailed and all that was ahead.
On my first treatment day, family members accompanied me. Even I did not know they were all coming! My nurse had to be on assignment from Heaven. Her name is Kareen Goloyogo-Ferrer. She did not overreact seeing all of my family. She explained she would check with the CMA to ensure a family room was available to accommodate my family and me. Once she got everyone settled and situated, she began to get me prepared. She politely explained every step (where, when, why) she was doing certain things. She was very patient with my family, as they were all asking questions but because I was overwhelmed, I could not think to ask. Kareen was so attentive to my needs, as well as my family.
After several chemo sessions, an issue developed with my port. Kareen mastered how to start my IV. She always explained what she needed to do. Whenever I was assigned another nurse and they had difficulty, I would say, "You may want to ask Kareen. She knows how to start my IV!" My nurse would look for Kareen and she would always come smiling and explain to my nurse what they needed to do since I had a "tricky port".
Kareen always displayed a cheerful, helpful, professional attitude with all she encountered. I have witnessed four nurses waiting to ask her expertise back-to-back. She did not become frustrated or agitated, but only smiled and answered their questions. She is highly respected and very knowledgeable in her job. The entire Infusion Department staff is phenomenal but for the reasons above, I wish to nominate Kareen Goloyogo-Ferrer RN for the DAISY Award.