I was diagnosed with breast cancer last December and embarked on a journey that I never imagined I would be on. By the time I got to the radiation portion, I had already been through a double mastectomy, bilateral PEs, and chemotherapy. To say I was in a dark place is an understatement. The encouragement I received from the whole department was exemplary. They cared for not only my cancer but for me as a whole. Sarah always returned my calls promptly, answered all questions and at my visits asked about my children, family, and my mental well-being. She made me feel valued as a human when I felt so devalued and worn down from my journey.
I completed radiation had reconstructive surgery this month and thought I had finally reached the end. When I noticed unusual swelling and pain and presented to the radiation oncology department, my situation quickly escalated and after being examined by the physician it was determined that I needed to go to the ED. Sarah moved quickly, made sure my husband was notified, personally escorted me to the ED and did not leave my side until my husband was present. Sarah was able to convey my long story because of the level of care she had been involved in with me personally. The radiation oncology department was extremely busy that day and she could have easily handed me off to the very able hands of the ER as I know she had many tasks waiting for her but the comfort it provided me to have her there in this scary moment was priceless.
This was truly the worst pain I have ever experienced as a patient and as a nurse, I know that this level of compassion only comes from a rare breed of nurses. I believe that Sarah deserves recognition for going above and beyond her duty as a nurse to provide individual love and care which is what has helped me out of the dark place I found myself in with cancer and I can now see the light again.