I was in a most difficult and confused state. I was fighting off another bout of pancreatitis “caused” by the colon and liver cancer. I had had an ostomy surgery about two weeks previously and that added a whole new set of challenges: dehydration, bag output, every two hours so real lack of sleep and a regime of 8 glasses of Metamucil a day that had my tummy so upset and full I could not eat. And the doctor had asked that I not eat for 12 hours to give my bowel a rest. Needless to say I was tired, cranky, hungry, frustrated and at my last nerve. I did not want to be in the hospital and felt as if no one had a good answer. In comes Mo!

Like a whirlwind, Mo did not ask for vitals, look at the computer, or offer me another glass of Metamucil. “How can I help you?” She looked right at me and was truly interested. What did I need? What did I want? Why so much Meta? Why wasn’t I eating? What about the ostomy bag? We talked, I talked, she really listened. She took time and effort to come up with a real solution that sounded doable, tolerable, and even comfortable. Then the vitals and all the necessities. Then she went and talked to the doctor for me.

It is harder for the patient to convey all the concerns and needs. We do not know what the procedures are and often feel like no one has time to listen or already has plans regardless of our feelings. Mo just listened and spoke for me so the doctor had a better understanding of the problem. The doctor came in and we (Mo and I) had a plan, and he agreed! And it worked! The diet has really changed things. I sleep through the night. Drink only 3-4 glasses of Meta a day (not 8) and no pain of Pancreatitis!

What makes Mo “special?” She listened! She cared about me! She sought a solution that would work. She cooperated with the doctor for me, and she laughed, joked, and made me smile. She was special and I shall always remember her as that Clara Barton who found me on my battlefield.