I had surgery to remove cancer from my tongue and a radical neck dissection. This is quite possibly the scariest thing I have ever gone through; especially since I am only 30 years old. When I was 17 years old I had an ACL replacement. I was in the hospital for two of the most agonizing days of my life. That is the first and last impression that I had of being in a hospital. Having that as my only experience to go on, I just convinced myself that I would be strong enough to handle the pain from my cancer surgery and that this was a short period in my life. When I woke up from the eight and a half hour surgery, the first nurse I met was Meaghan. Due to the nature of my surgery I was not able to speak, but she was patient and kind. Knowing that verbal communication would be a major issue for me, I brought a notebook in to help me communicate. I can remember the first thing Meaghan said to me was "everything is going to be alright". Then she asked me if I was in pain. I know it had to be frustrating for her to wait for me to write each answer, but her understanding and compassion was nearly overwhelming.
One of the side effects of going through a major surgery is the possibility of panic attacks. Needless to say, I went in one day, from being able to walk and talk to not have either of these functions. I went through several panic attacks. Looking back, I distinctly remember the first one I had. At the time, I had no idea it was a panic attack. All I knew what that I was terrified for no apparent reason and that I was having a hard time breathing. Both of which I could not verbally communicate. All I wrote down in my notebook was "Meaghan". She was not my nurse at the time, but she came and helped me and this was a great source of comfort for me. I know she was busy with her own assigned duties, but when I needed her the most she was there. She took the time to come in and hold my hand. She helped me calm my breathing and helped me figure out that what was happening was a panic attack so that I could get the correct medication. I know to most this might seem like such a small and insignificant gesture, but for someone that had associated hospitals with very little compassion and a whole lot of pain this was an overwhelmingly compassionate act that was completely unexpected and extremely appreciated.