August 2023
Stefanie
Beeler
,
RN
Cancer Clinic
MultiCare Deaconess Hospital
Spokane
,
WA
United States

 

 

 

She explained that my dad was her very first infusion patient, and now she was going to be my nurse and take care of me just like she did my dad so many years ago.
Eighteen years ago, my dad was diagnosed with advanced renal cell carcinoma. He received years of chemotherapy, trying new treatments before losing his battle with cancer. On my dad's first day of chemo, he had a wonderful, brand-new nurse, Stefanie. It was Stefanie's very first day as an infusion nurse. Both my mom and dad adored Stefanie. Over the next few years, my parents got to see her get married, have her first child, and were there for most of her pregnancy with her second child. My dad passed just a week or so before her second baby was born. My mom made her baby blankets and was so excited for her. They had a very special bond with Stefanie. Fast forward thirteen years, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. On my first day of chemo, a really upbeat, bubbly RN came to my chair and asked if I was R's daughter. She explained that he was her very first infusion patient, and now she was going to be my nurse and take care of me just like she did my dad so many years ago. For many weeks, Stefanie was my infusion nurse. We've shared lots of stories and reminisced about my parents and my dad's journey with cancer. Due to the connection Stefanie had with my mom and dad, I feel like I've had extra special care from her. She has treated me with kindness, compassion, and humor. She has made a huge impact on my parents and now my life. She is a blessing!