Sure felt like fall this morning and dark getting up, that is a tough one for me! I like the sunshine. Sunday was an ordination of a friend of mine and to now call her Reverend Dr. just seems a bit difficult as yet. She worked hard to get there and had a great career before and this is now her second career. I admire her for that. Although I have had various positions in my life, I have always been a nurse. I started as a candy striper and then a nurse's aide and graduated from nursing school in 1972. Wow, that is forever ago. The nursing I did back then is so different than now at least for duty on the floors. I am afforded the opportunity and it is part of my job to know you as a patient so that I can help you in your treatment and transition. Yes, we share stories and happenings and sometimes laugh and sometimes cry. Last week, one morning we were sharing tongue twisters and other times I listen to the concerns you have on this day and moment of time. I work with radiation, chemotherapy and social services, psychology support, support groups, nutritionists, and of course the doctors. I will call to check on you and your day and will meet you for appointments and take notes of the visit if you need. I will help you with wigs and makeup and talk to you about what you can do to be an active part of this process. Having said all this, I know there is more to do and more to find out and more ways to help. So when you ask what I do, it is most everything depending on the day and the need. I do also stop to see you at the hospital if I am in the area and give education and presentations in the communities. I have made so many friends along the way and you have added to my life more than anything I could do for you. I carry you in my heart and in my prayers. Cancer isn't just a disease, it is a whole process that affects not only your body and your mind and with that comes the whole body approach to help in all aspects of your care. It is the connection to another person that may make the difference on how you meet each day. We all need that love and support and acceptance and knowing you are important to someone else that can get you through the day. If you don't or can't reach out, I will continue to try to find ways to meet you and walk beside you during this trial. You are not alone, we are here to help and I look forward to getting to know you better. So I am gearing up for another full week and after a moment to talk to you and my higher power, the day begins. Make it a great day and reach out to someone along the way... you will reap the benefits ten fold. S
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
Categories |