Alex has the ability to give support and understands that the personal journey towards wellness is unique to each patient. She listens and supports. Alex cares about the desires of the patient and family and assists to meet the individual needs of the patient. She gives hope, she is knowledgeable. She never appears rushed and takes time to listen. She is true to her word, she gets back to you in a very timely manner. She supports patients outside of clinic visits by promptly getting back to them, and assists with symptom management. Her ability to help calm the chaotic world of cancer treatment is invaluable.

In my first visit with her, I left with the hope that this journey was possible. In December of 2018, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer with lymph node involvement. The prognosis is good but the treatment continues for one year. I was facing 16 rounds of chemotherapy followed by radiation. I was worried about how I would manage my life, work, and treatment. I felt hopeless to continue to enjoy my work and life over the next year while seeking treatment. I had been given the recommendation to take more time off from work than I would like, and being disconnected from what was giving me a sense of normalcy was creating anxiety and stress. Then I met Alex. The first time we met she gave me several things that pulled me forward. When you get a cancer diagnosis, people tell you that you are brave and your attitude will not allow you to not succumb to the cancer, they mean well but it is just a wish. Alex gave me two studies that were based in science, that if I went through the treatment I had every hope for a cure. I re-read those articles several times and during periods of fear, I remember that science is my guide.

In our first visit, I shared with Alex that I feel normal when I work, that I can give thinking about cancer a rest when at work. I was worried I would not be able to continue what gives me joy. Alex shared that she was also a survivor and had worked during treatment. She understood my goal and gave me hope that I could work while being treated. I remember leaving that first day we met, I got into the car and said to my wife, “I feel the most hope I have felt in a long time.” Alex helped me believe that what I wanted was possible. That I still had some control in this chaos and that my goals mattered.

Every step of this journey, Alex has helped me succeed to live life to the fullest while getting better. The chemotherapy is difficult, and as I have experienced side effects that seem to impact every aspect of my body, she supports me to combat those side effects so I can continue to live as comfortably as possible. If I write to her about my health online, she responds usually within the hour. She has assisted me with my disability claims, talked with my providers on my behalf, and supported my decisions and autonomy. Alex checks in and supports my wife as she manages my treatment, we have felt cared for and safe. We believe that she has helped manage my care in a way that has only added value to my quality of life and we are so grateful.

I am nearing the end of my chemotherapy. I have managed to work nearly full-time every week since I began treatment. I consider myself lucky, Alex helped me believe that it was possible to continue working. She never discouraged, only encouraged. Alex gave me a spark of hope that really set my mind to thinking, "maybe this is possible." She gave me faith in my own power as a person to live in a manner that supported me physically, mentally, and spiritually. I will always remain grateful, she demonstrated the true power of nursing. She made a difference in my treatment and life.