In June 2022 I was diagnosed with a breast cancer recurrence after having undergone a double mastectomy in November 2019. I was devastated. Words you never want to hear. My treatment plan was chemo, surgery, and radiation. A LONG journey. I was working full time and proposed to my employer (I had just started in April 2022) to allow me to go part-time and hourly since treatment and doctor’s appointments require a lot of time away from work. They agreed but I was responsible for weekly payroll which required a full day Monday, Tuesday, and half day Wednesday. I wanted my treatment days to be Friday if at all possible so I could remain working easily. I had met with my Oncology Nurse Navigator, regarding the Dignicap and decided I wanted to use the Dignicap to hopefully maintain some of my hair during treatment. One less thing to deal with in a world turned upside down by cancer for the second time.

My nurse navigator was working with Kimberly Perry, the lead nurse in the infusion center. Unfortunately, when they looked at the schedule, Fridays were unavailable. This through a curve ball into the plan. Obviously, my health is more important than my job, but this was not ideal. How do I keep working? Well, I still do not know how Kim did it, she moved mountains I think, but she arranged for me to have my treatments on Fridays. This meant I could work, have a daybreak, and get my treatments on my 1st choice of day. It was a miracle for me.

In June, I started treatment. I was terrified, to say the least. Other people went through chemo, not me. Not only did Kim move mountains, but she was also my nurse taking care of me on my first day! Someone is looking out for me because she has taken care of me for every treatment so far. Kim has been my “angel”, my person, sharing stories to keep me entertained, and getting me anything I could possibly need. This would include more than the allotted warm blankets because the Dignicap is so terribly cold. She explains the steps of my infusion and answers my many never-ending questions. She curbs my fears and is always reassuring me this is a journey, but one that can be won. She encourages me to take care of ME.

Now I realize that I may not have her for every treatment. Sixteen is a big number. I am hoping and praying that my guardian angel will do what they can to make this possible. I rely on Kim for a smooth, flawless day. We work well together even though I do none of the work! If there is a nurse worthy of The DAISY Award, I have found her. She is a leader. She is a team player and works hard every minute of the day. She has a kind soul and truly cares about the care she delivers to her patients and it is obvious. I, personally, will forever be grateful for the care she has given to me!