I met Cheryl Langston on Easter Sunday as my husband was admitted to the ICU. He had first come to Mercy Gilbert by ambulance and was hospitalized in a regular ward. Within 24 hours of that discharge, he returned to the hospital by ambulance and ended up going to ICU for his inability to breathe on his own. I was scared and confused, not understanding what was happening. Cheryl offered reassurance as she explained his condition and the need to be in the ICU for high-flow oxygen. As I am not a medical professional, Cheryl agreed to speak to my sister, a recently retired nurse from Dignity Health in Nevada.
My husband remained in the ICU until his passing. I had received conflicting information about his prognosis from the cardiologist and pulmonologist. He was on a feeding tube, was in and out of AFIB, had a bacterial infection requiring monitoring by the infectious disease physician, and was alternating between Bi-Pap and high-flow oxygen. He could no longer speak, was confused, and slept most of the time. It was heartbreaking to watch his deterioration while receiving more medications and treatments. Someone needed to be realistic with me and stop raising false hope- that person was Cheryl. I could not watch my husband suffer like that, and Cheryl took my hand, hugged me, and, with deep compassion, helped me see what needed to be done. Within 24 hours of Cheryl explaining my husband’s challenges to me and my nurse sister, he was removed from oxygen and intubation and had a peaceful death. I applaud Cheryl’s professionalism, courage, and compassion.