During this journey for treatment of myelodysplasia and the subsequent bone marrow transplant, we (my wife, my son and I) have been blessed to have the love, care, and support of family, friends and The University of Kansas Health System community. Let's face it, cancer sucks, but because of it, we have interacted with so many really good people. Never would we have guessed Kate Johnson would walk into our lives and make such a difference in the journey. We always look forward to seeing Kate. While every single member at the BMT clinic really goes out of their way to make us feel as comfortable as can be, Kate is special. Even when she's not my assigned nurse, she pops in to check on me, to joke with my wife and I and to give us hugs. We feel like we've gained another family member. She even sent me an email wishing me a happy Father's Day. She's given me her phone number in case I ever need anything. Kate really is one of the most caring nurses I've ever known. No one wants to take this cancer journey, but since I am, I am so grateful to have Kate as one of my nurses. Her compassion and excellent nursing skills are attributes which every nurse should have. The world needs more Kates.
During the week before the transplant, I woke up one morning with what I thought was a Charlie horse in my right calf. I had them before, but none quite this painful. Even though I tried walking it off, it didn't help. I finally asked my wife to try rubbing it. That didn't help. When I arrived at the Bone Marrow Clinic later for my chemo treatment, Kate was my assigned nurse. She was her usual charismatic self and along with all the other litany of medical questions, she, of course, asked how was doing. I told her about the Charlie horse that I've had and that is still hurt. Kate asked a few more questions and commented that the Charlie horse might not be actually a Charlie horse, that it was possible that I had a blood clot. She said that when the doctor came in, I should be sure to tell him what was going on. I did, and he ordered a sonogram of my leg. Kate addressed the multitude of questions we had, and, calmed my wife's anxiety about a possible blood clot. Even though it was the end of her shift, and we had to wait for a while for the radiology department, Kate insisted on taking me down for the sonogram in a wheelchair. Her concern and care for me made me feel as if I were her only patient. As it turned out, she was right about the blood clot. We now know because of Kate, no one should never rub a leg with a blood clot! We'd like for Kate to know how great we think she. It really does take a special person to be a nurse who treats cancer patients and Kate was made for the job. She's found her calling - or it found her.