I am writing this letter to tell you about an exceptional experience that I had with nurse Suzanne Spivak one morning before my infusion.

I hope you know how much the team in the infusion suite means to me. Everybody. That is why l fought so hard to be able to keep my treatment there. Nothing compares to how hard all of you work to treat everyone who comes into the infusion suite for care.

I wanted to share with you a morning that Suzanne's dedication and compassionate care came at a critical moment for my health and her impact on my life has been profound.  She not only provided excellent nursing skills but also imparted invaluable wisdom about the importance of prioritizing my health and listening to my body.

This is what happened that brought me to writing this letter. I am still working through the effects of years in an abusive marriage. Although I should know better, I still walk on eggshells when it comes to my sons.

I was packing for a trip down to DC to visit my sons and granddaughters for Mother's Day. The night before, as I was packing for the train trip I began to feel like I was possibly having a heart attack. It felt like my heart was beating so fast that I could hear it in my ears. I was too scared to cancel the trip and go to the emergency room, so I took my medicine and went to bed.

I was more worried about being judged by my sons than my own life.  Needless to say, I woke up, finished packing my bags, and went. Never mentioning any of what happened to my family.

When I came in for my infusion the following  Friday, Suzanne brought me in and got me situated.
 
I now know how important it is, to be honest with your healthcare providers so that they can properly treat you. That is why I had to tell her that this incident happened, and I also told her why I handled it the way I did.

I was moved to tears, literally, at Suzannes's forthright and compassionate response. She kind of hugged my knees (I was sitting down in the chair) and she said "you have to promise me that you will put yourself first and never ever ever ignore some thing like that again ever?" She said, "And you must go to the emergency room if it happens again and you have to get checked by your doctor."

The transformative nature of nurse Spivak's care became even more apparent when I took her advice and decided to see a cardiologist. As a result, non-life-threatening abnormalities were found upon further testing. This vital information would not have been uncovered had it not been for her attentiveness and commitment to my well-being. Suzanne's ability to genuinely hear my concerns and fears made me feel seen and understood. Her compassionate approach truly made a lasting impression on my physical well-being and mental health, so much so that it led to a major break through with my therapist.

To that end, I wanted to ensure I shared my experience with you.

I am eternally grateful for the entire infusion healthcare team, and I am glad that Suzanne is a part of that team.