April 2022
Abigail
Reitz
,
RN
Tower 14 Medical Oncology
UPMC Altoona
Altoona
,
PA
United States
Abby came around the desk and hugged me and put my pieces back together.
My son and I took my husband to the ER in Altoona because he was very weak. He had a blood clot (which I assumed was from his covid shot days before) and had lost 37 pounds because he hadn’t eaten much for 2 weeks. He just said he was full. The doctor just said that they were going to admit him because he was dehydrated and his calcium was high. My son went home, but then the doctor came back in and said he had a mass on his pancreas, liver, spine, and rib. I had the doctor repeat it again. I said, “Are you saying cancer?” My world around me started collapsing. I was barely able to function. I don’t remember much, but they took us up to his room. I just felt like I was going to fall apart at any time and die right there. Abby came around the desk and hugged me and put my pieces back together. She said that they would keep him safe and take care of him. She said that the doctor would be in around 6:30-7 and that if anyone stopped me on my way up, to have them call and she would verify that it was ok. I left that night feeling ok, like I knew she was going to watch him. I said a prayer to God to give me strength and to give Abby the knowledge to handle my husband. Abby was a true angel, I don’t know how I would have survived that night without her. Everyone on that floor was excellent with us. I am forever grateful for the level of care he received during his stay.