I’ve been going to the same infusion clinic now for over five years. During that time period, almost all of my visits have been on Saturday mornings. The weekend staff is comprised of Overtime RNs from this liquid cancers center, and floaters from the solid tumor infusion clinic across the street.
Despite the alternating roster of the nurses, most of them recognize me (even behind a mask) and always greet me warmly; with genuine interest about my health. The compassion that they “dispense,” is equally as important and beneficial as the chemicals they infuse.
A first-time patient (and their accompanying family member) can be understandably scared and overwhelmed by the disease (as well as the mechanics of the process), so the nurses’ comforting explanations and continuous checking along the way, are calming and reassuring. Every patient is different, and their physical or emotional reactions can be as unique as a snowflake, so the staff's attention is appreciated and more than ceremonial. And nurses' participation along the journey (in partnership with the Oncologist) adds another caring set of ears and eyes to the patients’ treatment team. Even after all these years of my regular treatments, it’s never a routine for them; neither me nor my stable status is ever taken for granted.
I genuinely feel like when I’m here I’m like family and that has made the past five years of needles and side effects and time, incrementally more bearable. No unlimited breadsticks, but amazingly humane otherwise. Thank you!!!
NOTE: This blog received no compensation from Olive Garden or Darden Restaurant, Inc. for this gratuitous product placement.
