Liz Russell has been my infusion nurse for 18 months. From the very beginning, Liz has been thoroughly organized in her treatment routine, has created an atmosphere where I feel safe and well taken care of, and has established a more personal relationship with me.
My treatment plan has changed multiple times as we've tried multiple chemo drugs to fight my multiple myeloma. She coordinates correct dosages with my providers and stays on top of any additional monthly or random drugs needed. She ensures I'm aware of each medication I'm receiving, and we discuss side effects if any. We certainly both have the routine down now after 18 months.
I actually look forward to and enjoy going to the infusion center every Wednesday and Thursday in large part because of Liz. She is upbeat and always smiling. She has everything planned out so I know what's happening each day. She also makes my friends and family feel welcome and is genuinely interested in their thoughts about my treatment. We laugh a lot and, as they say, laughter is the best medicine.
To me, "extraordinary" means going above and beyond what's expected. A few months ago, a friend of mine was holding a yard sale and offering shiny, colorful streamers that are woven into hair as a fundraiser for me. Liz took her free weekend time to commute back to Brunswick to attend the yard sale and get the streamers woven into her hair. She did not have to do that but she did and I appreciated that extra effort to support me through my cancer journey. She continues to build that extra personal relationship as she shares stories about her family and listens to me as I tell stories of my life.