I came to the DUH 9100 unit as a transfer from another hospital. I arrived on Sunday afternoon. Rachel was my nurse beginning Monday morning for the next three days. I have a complex case of lymphoma where over the past 5 year years I have received 3 immunotherapies including Ibrutinib, Rituximab/Venetoclax, a clinical trial involving CAR-T, Chemotherapy and finally a stem cell transplant back in March. Much to my and my doctors surprise and disappointment, I relapsed, presenting with a cracked rib that wasn't healing properly.

From day one Rachel took charge of my care. She was cheerful and fun. We laughed about silly things. She helped change my whole outlook on my situation, I hated to see her shift end and I looked forward to seeing her come in the next day. She was timely with my medications, which included a couple of pain meds. I have not always gotten this kind of attention. She is a master communicator. She explained when and what was going to happen regarding my infusions and several transfusions. She took to time to listen to my story. We laughed and cut up. The bottom line was she made me feel normal like I wasn't in the hospital with a life-threatening disease. Duke Hospital needs to do whatever is necessary to retain her services.