ONS Connect - September 2008 - (Page 15)

upClOSE&prOfESSiONal Special Patients Touch the Lives of Oncology Nurses [By camille A. Servodidio, RN, MPH, CRNO, OCN®, CCRP, Contributing Editor] Lynne Rossier, RN L ynne Rossier, RN, oncology staff RN for Cancer Care Associates in Royal Oak, MI, remembers many patients with cancer who have touched her life in a special way. “I remember Mr. A, the former professional wrestler. He was a large, formidable man and a self-proclaimed gambler and fighter. However, when he faced the worst opponent of his life, head and neck cancer, he proved to be the kindest, gentlest person I’ve ever met. I keep a picture of his ‘wrestler persona’ at my desk to remind myself of his ‘fighting days.’ He has taught me that kindness comes in many shapes. “I’ll never forget Ms. B, who bossed me around and demanded all my attention during her weekly treatments. This woman has stepped on each and every nerve of mine and left me in a state of complete frustration, yet I know when the first Thursday arises and she is not there for her treatments, I will shed a tear. I have come to look forward to her visits. She has taught me about patience. “Ms. C, a teacher, is a tiny, soft-spoken, kind woman who on the inside battles her lung cancer with the fierceness of a pit bull engaged at a dog fight. She likes to talk about southern Indiana and its beautiful hills. We discuss poetry, the silence of the night, and other observances she has made. We discuss our favorite books. She has taught me there can be great peace in silence, even in the middle of a busy chemo room. “Our volunteer, Ms. D, a breast cancer survivor, shares her stories, listens to others, brings coffee to someone without being asked, and just sits with someone who needs a friend. She touches everyone. She teaches us all compassion. “The day after Ms. E found out that her breast cancer recurred in her spine and brain, she sent a fruit basket to the nurses. She is thanking us for our support and encouragement, yet I don’t think she realizes we are the ones who learn from her. “Ms. F was sent to the ER last week but insisted on returning home to make sure her cat was ‘settled in with a friend’ before she went to the hospital for what could be her last time. Some of the staff were baffled by this choice, but as an animal lover, I completely understood. “There are the families and friends who are there every day with their loved ones. There are tears, there is laughter, there is joy, there is courage, and there is fear. I have taken something from each one of them and for that I am grateful for this opportunity to be a part of all their lives. I have learned from them all.” ✱ Contributing Editor Camille A. Servodidio, RN, MPH, CRNO, OCN ®, CCRP, is an RN coordinator/project director for the Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and RN manager for the Hartford Hospital Cancer Clinical Research Office. September 2008 ONS CONNECT 15

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ONS Connect - September 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In Advances in Prostate Cancer Treatment A Year in the Life - Month Nine Web Connect Capitol Connection Manage Infusion Reactions From Cetuximab Notice Nursing Now Caregiver Care Oropharyngeal Cancer in Men Associated with HPV Working for You Calendar of Events Staying on Top

ONS Connect - September 2008

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