Nancy Cushing is one of the nurse navigators for the breast program at the Huntington Hospital Cancer Center. I do not know if I can find the words to adequately express the depth of my gratitude for the care I have received from her, but I will try. When I received the diagnosis of breast cancer, I felt as if my life had been turned upside down. From day one, Nancy has been there for me. I talked to her on the phone the day I received my diagnosis. Through my tears, she reassured me that she would help me through it all. She has more than lived up to her words.
I have been through numerous mammograms, ultrasounds, a biopsy, an MRI, surgery, a CT scan and x-rays as well as an EKG, a bone density study, and occasional lab work. Now I am receiving daily radiation treatments. Recently, my life has been full of appointments, after appointments, after appointments. My constant through it all has been Nancy. At every step of the way, she has made it a point to check in with me either by phone or in person. She has answered the countless questions I have thrown her way or directed me to the proper resource if needed. She has literally held my hand, been a shoulder to cry on, as well as someone to share an occasional laugh or just talk with.
Whenever I am at the Cancer Center, which is frequently these days, she greets me with a welcoming smile and a friendly hello. With warmest sincerity, she asks me how I am doing. She makes me feel important and that I matter. She is concerned with how I am responding to the treatments. Her genuine kindness and compassionate ways make me feel embraced and cared for. There is a high prevalence of breast cancer, and I know that Nancy has a large care load. However, when she spends time with me, she makes me feel as if I am her only patient.
From all accounts, I have a very good prognosis. I am so very, very grateful for this. Now as much as I appreciate Nancy's work in cancer care, I pray from the depths of my soul that I will not require her services in the future. For those that will need her services, it is comforting and reassuring to know that she will be there to support them when their lives get turned upside down with a breast cancer diagnosis.
I feel a bond, a sisterhood if you will, with others diagnosed with breast cancer. I know Nancy will take care of these sisters. Could they be in better hands? I think not. I will forever bear the scars of my surgery. I will forever bear the small tattoos that mark the field where I receive radiation therapy. And I will forever bear the memory of the extraordinary, heartfelt care I have received from Nancy Cushing.