I want to credit Nurse Rebecca Hubanks for getting me past “port trauma,” for which I am very grateful. She spent the time to understand why I was traumatized (an unfortunate experience during which two technicians each stuck me five painful times without success), and then patiently explained to me the whole port access process. She was so caring that by the time it was time for the “stick” I didn’t even feel it thanks to her expertise. I can truly vouch for the fact that she is an experienced and expert “stick”. I was so nervous, but Nurse Rebecca carried on such a pleasant conversation about her family and her history and experience as a nurse, that I became engrossed and forgot about the port – for once!!

Nurse Rebecca has been a special nurse for me, and I feel bonded with her during my chemotherapy treatments. I have noticed how comfortable she is -- a sure sign of experience and practice -- as she goes through all the phases of my treatment. She always informs me what is going on – such as detailing the pre-meds and also, even though she is busy, she takes the time to give them to me very, very slowly to avoid side effects. My cold cap has been difficult to get on to my head, but Nurse Rebecca is always helpful and has taken the initiative to reach out to other nurses with expertise to help me.

I would like to say a special word about Nurse Rebecca’s great communication skills. She always talks to me about the treatment and is there to answer my questions. Regarding my medical questions, she will either answer them or reach out to the provider to get an answer. Nurse Rebecca tells me stories about her family, which help make the chemo treatments go faster, and as she and her husband have four young children, you can imagine that her stories are fun to hear, including her children asking her where she goes during the day and Rebecca saying something about putting band-aids on people -- stories that decidedly lighten the mood.

In sum, I would like to recognize Nurse Rebecca for the superb chemotherapy treatments she has administered to me. I believe that Nurse Rebecca is committed to her nursing work and that it is a testament to her commitment to her profession that she balances a busy schedule and that we have the benefit of her great skills at Mayo Clinic. Thank you, Nurse Rebecca!