November 2014
Stephanie
Fleming
,
RN
Stem Cell Transplantation
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

Clinical skills, patient advocate, and excellent assessment skills and decision making capabilities. I was admitted for a Stem Cell Transplant. A few days after the transplant, I began to swell. My feet were so swollen and painful that I was afraid the doctors would have to amputate them. It was at this time that Stephanie played a huge part in both my physical and emotional health. Both scared and emotional, I called for my nurse. I showed her my feet and expressed my fear of amputation. She carefully and calmly checked my feet. She explained to me why my feet were swelling and that this is a common side effect of my treatment. She noticed that my clothes were becoming tight on my legs, so she helped me change out of them and into more loose fitting clothes. She elevated my feet and made me comfortable. She never made me feel silly for being emotional. She was supportive and listened to my fears. After speaking with the doctor she came back to my room, sat on the couch and explained everything, taking control of the situation with ease. I am so lucky to have her as my nurse.