I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2014. Two weeks later my son-in-law was diagnosed with brain cancer and then in December 2015, I was admitted to the hospital with stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to my back. Needless to say, we were a little more than shocked to face another challenging diagnosis. I remained in the hospital for nineteen days on heavy narcotics to control my back pain. I had excellent care from every physician, nurse, PCA, charge nurse, physical and occupational therapist, and everyone else that cared for me and checked in on our situation. I wish I could personally write a commendation letter for every single person I met. From all of them, not one negative experience did we have.
The best memory we take from the hospital has to be our nurse, Rosanna Benson. She burst into our room with an infectious giggle and uplifting spirit that brightened our rather sad room. She was a ray of sunshine and plethora of helpfulness. There was not one incident that captured our desire to request her every night. She just cheered us up. Our kids started requesting her on my behalf because they saw how her attentiveness put us all at ease. This nurse knew my case, my needs, and specifically the course of medication that worked best for me daily that impressed us so much. She offered so many alternatives to me for any issue that arose no matter what time of the day, including getting an antacid ordered for my heartburn. My whole family felt as if we left a family member behind at the hospital.
Rosanna contacted my family on her personal time to check on my nights as she knew how I struggled to sleep. She made embarrassing medical challenges funny and took all of my inhibition away for easier treatment. She would be so careful to try not to disturb me throughout the night as she took my vitals. My husband and I would feel her wrap us in warm blankets at night as if she were our mother. It was so touching. On my discharge day, Rosanna stayed hours in my room and reviewed with my oncologist the medications she felt I needed upon my discharge. I was never with it enough to process all of the medications I was taking. Rosanna always had me covered and I trusted her completely with my treatment.
We were all so appreciative she took her personal time to make sure I understood which medications I was taking and the reason they were ordered.
I am now home and Rosanna has continued to check on my status. Due to my lengthy stay, we developed such a relationship with her that I miss my penthouse in tower 5 in Mercy Hospital but feel I have gained a friend forever, one who genuinely cares for my family and my health.