We found ourselves in an awkward position when our team of doctors did not include a representative from the oncology team. We are from the mid-coast area and see doctors up in that area. We were told by our oncologist that we would be seen by the oncology team at Maine Medical Center. We were sent to Maine Medical Center for a newand advanced oncology diagnosis. I told them that my kidney is fine when we met the transplant team. I don't know why but they were our doctors. I questioned the doctors why them not an oncologist. We were told by the kidney transplant team, you are ours because you are a kidney transplant patient. I tried to explain that I'm 6 years out and I'm here for a new cancer diagnosis, they did not listen to me.
Jillian was our day nurse from day one and several days after, she also questioned why I was not covered by the oncology team. My counts were in the toilet. I had no white blood cells to fight infection or platelets, my wife was scared because she knew I could bleed out at any moment. My room was right outside the nursing station and I could hear Jillian calling the transplant team, inquiring why they were the primary team, not the oncology team. I am here for the progression of my cancer. She did not like the answer she received from the transplant doctors, and she did not stop there. She called her resources and got the outside provider who sent me involved. I was so shocked when my mid-coast doctor showed up in the evening. Jillian came into the room when he came in to make sure she knew what was going on. Before Jillian left that night she and the mid-coast doctor had a plan for my cancer treatment. I honestly believe if I did not have Jillian as my nurse I would have fallen through the cracks. I say this because I heard the kidney team rounding outside my room, then they came in and told me what was going to happen. My wife and I were in shock, we did not know what to say. Jillian read our minds. When they left the room Jillian asked them a few questions but she was really educating them about signs and symptoms of a side effect I had from my cancer. My wife and I knew she was looking out for us, we heard it all. She was so darn amazing, I truly believe if it was not for Jillian I could be dead. The only reason why I did not lose faith in Maine Medical Center was because of Jillian, my nurse.
Jillian being the professional that she is answered all our questions about treatment plans and made us feel comfortable with our concerns. When we asked for guidance to find a solution she did not hesitate to put us in touch with the proper individual within the hospital. Jillian treated us like family members, not just a patient or another number. Her knowledge, caring nature and willingness to help eliminate the additional stress this was causing.