I saw this pamphlet while waiting for my husband’s infusion appointment and had to let you know about a nurse who has always been there when we have needed a friend, has never thought my questions or concerns were dumb, and who always keeps me calm, even when things aren't the greatest with my husband and his treatment. 

We came to MD almost 3 years ago, when my husband’s Colon cancer progressed to stage 4 metastasizing to his lungs. We knew of MD's reputation for cutting-edge treatments and compassion. On our first appointment, we met Karly. Her bubbly personality, friendly and compassionate words made me feel safe and that we had made the right decision, even before we met the doctor, who we will always be grateful for.

Over these past years, Karly has been an even bigger emotional support friend for me and has talked me off the ledge multiple times as hubby's cancer progressed

We have been married almost 41 years, and he is my best friend and so much more. Seeing him deteriorate is more than I can handle. His bone scan on Monday showed that his cancer is now in a few of his bones, so treatment is once again going to change when we see the doctor tomorrow. This past Monday, before we had the scan results, he started 10 radiation treatments for a lung issue. Last time, he breezed right through it. This time, since Monday night, he has done nothing but throw up and has barely been able to keep anything down. He looked and felt so sick. When he went for another treatment this past Wednesday, I broke down. I went upstairs and asked if they could get a message to Karly, mainly because of her compassion and understanding of my husband’s stubbornness, and I was hoping she could help. She wasn't working in Voorhees, but the receptionist in Voorhees asked me if I wanted her to send a message. She saw my tears, and I told her I would appreciate it, and honestly didn't want to talk to anyone but Karly. The doctor has several amazing nurses, but we have just never connected with them like Karly.

Even though she wasn't there, I am not even sure she was working, within a few hours she called. I explained to her how sick he was feeling, and about the bone scan results, and our son's upcoming wedding, and what that means. She listened through my tears, told me she was writing the doctor the information I was giving her, and promised she would get him in this morning for fluids and IV meds. She said no matter how stubborn he is being, there is no way he should be this sick. I hung up feeling so much better, and within 10 minutes, "my chart" let us know he was in at 8 am this morning for hydration and meds.

We have been home for over an hour now, and while he hasn't tried eating yet, I can tell he is so much more comfortable. The doctor also had her secretary call and say that she read the reports and Karly's message from me, and we will make a game plan tomorrow. We are not giving up, and the last time we saw her, she said there were still treatment options. Karly had given the doctor a heads-up about my husband, making us less stressed about the appointment with her the next day. Karly is off, but actually said she would touch base later in the day tomorrow to see how we felt. 

Our son’s wedding is in 7 weeks; the goal is for him to be the best self he can and enjoy every minute of it. I know the doctor, and of course, Karly will do everything they can to make it happen.