Alec has been a great strength to me in ways I cannot begin to express. Not only is he knowledgeable (a clinical expert) about all aspects of my cancer care, he demonstrates honesty, respect, compassion, and understanding for the patient and their families.
Alec has supported me since day one (6 months ago). He has been a bright spot in my care for all seven months. He always takes the time to sit with me and explain questions I may have which lessen my fears and encourages me to keep going. For example, my next step for treatment would be a bone marrow transplant in Boston and I don't know if I want to go down that long journey. Alec knew I was scared so he sat with me. He heard my concerns and just listened to me, I never felt rushed telling Alec my story. After that he looked directly in my eyes and told me all about what a bone marrow transplant is and the risk/benefits, he's just always there for me.
I don't need to ask for Alec, he knows me so well, and when I'm down or sick he appears, and my spirits are lifted again, and I can continue on; I feel I can tell him anything. I trust him so much. One evening we talked about the quality of life vs. quantity of life. Alec sat with me and we talked about both ends of this topic. Many people don't talk like this and patients need to think about it. Alec allowed me to express my concerns and never said a word, he just listened.
An example of Alec's humanity is the never-ending beeping from my pumps. One evening my pump was going off for a very long time and I was losing it. I was going to put the pump in the hallway. When Alec opened the door to fix it, I knew I could say anything, so I let out a good swear. I knew Alec would appreciate a good swear and it made me feel so good. We both laughed, but it made me feel good and I knew Alec was ok with my choice of words.
Another example was when I needed to go to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Alec would check in with the nurses every night to see how I was doing and did they have any oncology questions he could answer. I became delirious, I was pulling at all my tubes/lines and the nurses downstairs could not control me from removing them. Before they would sedate me, they always called to see if Alec was working. When he was, he would come down to see me. On his breaks I could feel his presence, he would hold my hand and say, "Don't pull at your tubes, you're going to be ok," I could not fully hear him, but I knew he was there.
After I came through, the nurses in the ICU told me how every night Alec would come down and hold my hand and talk with me, telling me I was going to be ok and not give up and that he "would see me upstairs." Those are words of encouragement and love. I returned to Gibson because of Alec and his commitment to oncology patients. He's made such a difference in my life and I can't imagine my life at Gibson without Alec. I know he's a leader because when other nurses take care of me and they are unsure of something, I hear them say, "Let's go ask Alec."
One night I needed another IV. Numerous people tried and then they went to get Alec and he put in an IV with an ultrasound machine, life was better instantly. He runs a tight ship on nights, and I know all the patients have eyes watching over them, the respect he gets from the other nurses is amazing.
He makes me laugh and encourages me to keep going. Alec is a great and important part of your team and you are lucky to have him. I can't imagine being here and not seeing his smiling face poke through my door. Alec would always pop his head in my room at the end of his shift and tell me to, "Have a great day," or "I'll see you tonight." Those words allowed me to rest peacefully knowing I would see him again soon.
Thank you, Alec, for all you do and for the person you are.