I started my breast cancer journey at another hospital but was recommended by my PCP to come to UCSD because "I would go if it were me". From the moment I got into the doctor's office, a light in the form of Bev Nuanes came my way. I had to literally blink several times to understand what was happening. Bev came in with an aura of happiness. She introduced herself swiftly and then told me a little about herself. She reassured me that I was in the best hands and told me she was a cancer survivor herself; she even showed me her port! I knew that I had not only found professionalism but empathy and care. I didn't need somebody to tell me the hard, cold facts only, but somebody to give me hope and, in a weird way, happiness. Bev does that for all her patients.

She is always happy and with a huge smile. Reassuring but not in a wishy-washy kind of way, but in a matter-of-fact and full-of-empathy-and-understanding kind of way. She knows what she is talking about, and one thing that is super important is that she will answer messages swiftly and with the truth.

Strangely enough, going through this ordeal, I found myself looking forward to seeing her and her great big smile, empathetic and not condescending sincerity, and professionalism and knowledge that made me feel that I had made the right choice by delaying my care to be in the best place in San Diego. UCSD should be very happy and feel fortunate that they have a nurse like Bev. She goes above and beyond every time in the worst times that a patient can ever be going through.