First, a little history of my condition and why I had the procedures. I have stage 4 lung cancer. I was a strong and healthy 74-year-old prior to it. On this date, I had a catheter placed to drain the right lung. I had thoracentesis two times before that. Each time, Alyssa was there for me.

The three procedures were very painful. Alyssa held my hand and talked to me throughout. She explained what was happening, which truly helped. I can't say enough about her care. She never discounted my fears and concerns. She put me at ease with her compassionate care and confidence. She made me feel safe and comforted.

Alyssa made it a point to spend as much time in my room before and after the procedure as possible. She wasn't even assigned to me, and yet she was there. She truly cared and respected me as a person. She explained thoroughly what to expect and how to deal with any circumstance. After I was released, Alyssa wheeled me down to be picked up by my husband.

As we waited, she gave me spiritual and emotional support. She said all the right things to me during a most difficult time. I've never had a nurse who showed me love, compassionate care, and support as she did. She is a professional nurse with that special capability of making me feel special and cared for. I am so grateful I had the privilege of meeting Alyssa and for her loving and professional care.