Kathleen Forbes
March 2021
Kathleen
Forbes
,
RN
Infusion Center
Houston Methodist West Hospital
Kathleen gave answers to my doubts very calmly and patiently. Sometimes I used to feel very low and she would ask me what happened and she always boosted my morale. She became my friend.
My journey with Houston Methodist started in the month of April 2018 when I got diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I met with 2 doctors. They discussed my cancer type and treatment plan with me and my husband. It was decided that I should go for chemotherapy first followed by surgery.
Then came the day in May, early morning I got ready for the first day of chemo. There were so many thoughts on my mind regarding chemo, hair loss, side effects, my future. We arrived at the registration desk. The whole staff was so nice. I did not have to wait for getting my name tag. We (me, my husband, and my mom) were waiting in the lobby and within 5 minutes, we were greeted by this nurse. She greeted us with such warmth and a smile. She explained all the things we should expect as a chemo side effect. She made me comfortable. The first 4 cycles of chemo were tough. From that day, my relationship with this nurse started. Whenever I used to come for chemo, I never thought I am going for the treatment but I was always looking forward to meeting my friend. She always used to ask me about my health and my daughter. In the entire period of my treatment (almost 5 months) not a single day passed that I did not see a welcoming smile on her face. With all the patients she sees with the same questions every day, I never saw frustration on her face. She gave answers to my doubts very calmly and patiently. Sometimes I used to feel very low and she would ask me what happened and she always boosted my morale. She became my friend. I still remember, on my last day of chemotherapy, I was so emotional. On one hand, I was happy that I completed all my chemo cycles successfully but on the other hand, I was sad that I won't be able to see Kathleen.
As I was done with my last chemo, I hugged her. She had tears in her eyes and so did I. I think this explains everything. I know it has been years since I finished my treatment but I can never forget this nurse and her warm smile. I know I am late in writing this, but I guess better late than never.
Thank you so much, Kathleen and the entire staff at Houston Methodist West.
Then came the day in May, early morning I got ready for the first day of chemo. There were so many thoughts on my mind regarding chemo, hair loss, side effects, my future. We arrived at the registration desk. The whole staff was so nice. I did not have to wait for getting my name tag. We (me, my husband, and my mom) were waiting in the lobby and within 5 minutes, we were greeted by this nurse. She greeted us with such warmth and a smile. She explained all the things we should expect as a chemo side effect. She made me comfortable. The first 4 cycles of chemo were tough. From that day, my relationship with this nurse started. Whenever I used to come for chemo, I never thought I am going for the treatment but I was always looking forward to meeting my friend. She always used to ask me about my health and my daughter. In the entire period of my treatment (almost 5 months) not a single day passed that I did not see a welcoming smile on her face. With all the patients she sees with the same questions every day, I never saw frustration on her face. She gave answers to my doubts very calmly and patiently. Sometimes I used to feel very low and she would ask me what happened and she always boosted my morale. She became my friend. I still remember, on my last day of chemotherapy, I was so emotional. On one hand, I was happy that I completed all my chemo cycles successfully but on the other hand, I was sad that I won't be able to see Kathleen.
As I was done with my last chemo, I hugged her. She had tears in her eyes and so did I. I think this explains everything. I know it has been years since I finished my treatment but I can never forget this nurse and her warm smile. I know I am late in writing this, but I guess better late than never.
Thank you so much, Kathleen and the entire staff at Houston Methodist West.