My mom has been battling Lymphoma and after 6 treatments, we thought we were home-free, but it came back very aggressively. Mom was so much sickerthanwe even thought she was. We got the news from the doctor that the treatments were not working and there was nothing else that could be done. Of course, it was devastating. I have a large family with 2 sisters and 2 brothers, as well as many nieces and nephews and friends. The room was full most of the time with very caring family members - except during the night. I stayed with mom day and night while she was in the hospital. It was during this time, I met an "Angel" of an RN named Katalin. She was so compassionate and caring for my mother, but what I didn't expect was how much care she took of me. We became a team at night, working hand-in-hand to help my mom. I had moments of panic because the doctor put my mom on heavy pain meds, but we thought she was over medicated at the time. She wanted to be somewhat coherent so she could still talk to us a little longer. I realized on Thursday before she was discharged that my mom might have a UTI. Katalin and the care provider helped me get mom on the portable toilet for a sample. Katalin went out of her way to get an order approved to test the sample. Sure enough, she did have a UTI. Then Katalin took the extra step to get a doctor's order for the antibiotic. I believe with all my heart that these actions are what allowed my mother to become coherent again long enough to communicate with all of her children, grandchildren and other family and friends before she passed very quickly and peacefully.
There were so many times I was so scared and so overwhelmingly tired, but then my Angel Katalin would have the night shift. She was so comforting to me and so reassuring that I was doing well for my mom as we worked together to help my mom be comfortable. I cannot express my appreciation enough to Katalin for not only providing care and comfort to my mother who was a great patient, but she also provided so much care and comfort to me. I feel like she and I became good friends with each other during such a difficult time for my family and me. We were so glad to be going home, but I knew I would miss Katalin.
Thank you from the bottom of my whole family's heart. Katalin will forever hold a very special place in my heart!