Mary-Beth Proulx
July 2023
Mary-Beth
Proulx
,
BSN, RN, OCN
Milford Regional Campus
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Milford
,
MA
United States

 

 

 

I dreaded visiting the clinic but knowing I had such an empathetic nurse waiting for me gave me a sense of calm and peace.
Being diagnosed with cancer at any age is life-changing and terrifying. Being only 43 years old and a Mom to 2 young children, it was life-shattering for me. From the very first day I visited Dana Farber, Mary-Beth was there for me. She assured me I could do this and that she would be by my side the entire time. We instantly connected, and I felt a sense of warmth, compassion, and reassurance from her. Her calm demeanor always provided me with a sense of hope that it would be okay. My chemotherapy journey wasn’t an easy one. From the cellulitis to my veins not liking the drugs, Mary-Beth always had a plan and made sure I was comfortable before we moved forward. My anxiety would get the best of me during these issues, and she knew exactly what to say and how to help me get it under control. Whether it was holding my hand, giving me a hug, wiping away my tears, or crying tears of her own, Mary-Beth was by my side for ME. I see how busy the nurses are at Dana-Farber, but Mary-Beth took time for me when I needed it. She is a true example of what a compassionate nurse and human being looks like. I know I couldn't have gotten through the last 18 weeks without her by my side. I dreaded visiting the clinic but knowing I had such an empathetic nurse waiting for me gave me a sense of calm and peace. I speak so highly of Mary-Beth that even my children know her name. My 7-year-old daughter was so thankful for the help that she has given me, she made a card all on her own to thank Mary-Beth for taking care of her mummy. Mary-Beth is so thoughtful she took time out of her busy schedule to write my daughter back, which she thought was the coolest thing ever. This journey has been full of sadness, fear, and anxiety, but one enormous bright spot has been Mary-Beth. She truly goes above and beyond every single day to ensure her patients are loved and cared for. Someday when this is all over and I look back on my breast cancer journey, I will never forget Mary-Beth and what she did for me.

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She is the best. Kind, Caring, and Compassionate with me all the time. Any questions that I have she thoroughly answered All. She is full of knowledge and encouragement. Words cannot express my Thankfulness for Mary Beth, who was my nurse from Day one.

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Mary Beth has been my nurse since the first chemo treatment to the last herceptin and perceja. I have so many examples to give that I can only say that I wouldn't have made it through all this without her.