November 2018
Amber
Cessarich
,
RN, BSN
Neuro A
Saint Luke's Hospital - Kansas City
Kansas City
,
MO
United States
Amber knew how important it was to us and Mom to have this time of “normal” after being in a hospital room.
My mother was diagnosed with terminal metastatic lung cancer (to her brain and spine) and to treat her pain we had to have an intrathecal catheter placed which induced LE paralysis, keeping her awake and interactive but pain-free. Amber cared for mom several times but the story I want to share is about her tireless efforts to get mom to what turned out to be her last meal with our family.
Mom very much enjoyed beer and BBQ with family and friends and we knew we had very little time. Her brother was due to arrive on an emergency flight and would only be here a short time. I was able to get a room reserved in the cafeteria and to get an order for mom to have beer. Unfortunately, the pump we used for the spinal catheter had to be closely monitored. First, Amber was able to get permission for me to monitor the pump (I am an APRN) and ensure that I had direct contact information in case something was needed. Then she was able to get a lift to help get mom to a wheelchair (a tricky thing with a tenuous spinal catheter in place). Minutes before shift change, as we prepared to move her to the WC, she began having diarrhea. I thought for sure we were going to have to cancel our outing! Amber didn’t miss a beat as she cleaned up (3 times, including clothing and lift sling changes) and worked with ICU to get a rectal tube placed so we could still go downstairs. Amber knew how important it was to us and Mom to have this time of “normal” after being in a hospital room and having limited time left. Mom enjoyed her meal (and her beer) immensely, smiling ear to ear. We all got to see mom “In her element” one last time. Amber made this happen.
I could tell you more stories of Amber and her endless smile and positive attitude. She really got to know mom and made sure she always had what she wanted/needed (this was not always easy). Thank you so much from all of us.
Mom very much enjoyed beer and BBQ with family and friends and we knew we had very little time. Her brother was due to arrive on an emergency flight and would only be here a short time. I was able to get a room reserved in the cafeteria and to get an order for mom to have beer. Unfortunately, the pump we used for the spinal catheter had to be closely monitored. First, Amber was able to get permission for me to monitor the pump (I am an APRN) and ensure that I had direct contact information in case something was needed. Then she was able to get a lift to help get mom to a wheelchair (a tricky thing with a tenuous spinal catheter in place). Minutes before shift change, as we prepared to move her to the WC, she began having diarrhea. I thought for sure we were going to have to cancel our outing! Amber didn’t miss a beat as she cleaned up (3 times, including clothing and lift sling changes) and worked with ICU to get a rectal tube placed so we could still go downstairs. Amber knew how important it was to us and Mom to have this time of “normal” after being in a hospital room and having limited time left. Mom enjoyed her meal (and her beer) immensely, smiling ear to ear. We all got to see mom “In her element” one last time. Amber made this happen.
I could tell you more stories of Amber and her endless smile and positive attitude. She really got to know mom and made sure she always had what she wanted/needed (this was not always easy). Thank you so much from all of us.