I picked up this DAISY pamphlet on my most recent visit to OSF Moeller Cancer Center. When I saw it was asking me to nominate an extraordinary nurse. I knew I had to submit my story. The only problem is I can’t pick just one nurse from the Chemo or Radiation units. It would be like a parent being asked to choose their favorite child. Every nurse at the Moeller Cancer Center has become like a member of my family.

My story started a year ago with a routine mammogram. Like most women I know, we go for our yearly screening not expecting anything different since last year’s visit. Well in my case, that’s not what happened. I was called three days later asking me to come back for some additional screenings. In my mind, I told myself I probably moved during the mammogram and everything will be OK. On the second visit, I was told I needed a biopsy. Which led to a call from my gynecologist telling me I had breast cancer. Of course, I was in shock, me of all people. I work out 5 days a week and try to take care of my 66-year-old body as best as I can.

In May of last year, I had a lumpectomy and the results revealed. I had developed Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, spreading to surrounding breast tissue, HER 2 Positive. I was blessed it had not spread to my lymph nodes. After a scheduled family vacation and meeting with the doctor, I started my chemo treatments at Moeller in June. My first treatment didn’t go so well. I went into anaphylactic shock. That was the first time I saw how compassionate and caring all the nurses were. Needless to say, I didn’t want to try again. With the doctor’s assurance, the new Chemo she had prescribed would not affect me as the first one did. I came in for my second treatment. All the nurses were either taking turns holding my hand or watching over me like I was part of their family.

As the treatments continued, I started to develop neuropathy. Once again, the nursing staff was right there giving me ice packs for my feet and hands to slow down the effects. While I sat in the cubicle receiving chemo week after week. I would watch each nurse attend to their patients with care and concern. Always with a smile and a positive comment.

At the end of September, I finished my chemo treatments. And started radiation. Once again, the same held true. The nursing staff in the Radiation department were so accommodating. They came in early so I could be the first patient of the day. As well as making sure I was comfortable during my treatment and had a kind word for me on my way out. Always counting down the days with me.

Fast forward to March 2022, I am in my last trimester of treatment for the HER 2 part of my diagnosis, which is an infusion every third Friday of the month. But it never fails as soon as I walk into the unit, each nurse greets me with a warm smile. And you know what they say about a warm smile, it’s the universal language for KINDNESS. The Moeller Cancer Center has an atmosphere of love and compassion. Not only due to the nurses, but because of the entire staff.