I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, which was completely unexpected as I am otherwise healthy and felt great. Starting chemotherapy for the cancer was daunting. I felt overwhelmed and had no idea what to expect or how to plan to manage it all. I met Erin on my 1st day of chemotherapy treatment, and she has been with me and by my side every moment since. She explained things in clear and practical detail, not only giving me written information, but also drawing upon her experience and knowledge from years of being an oncology nurse.

She was always kind, supportive, encouraging, and my biggest cheerleader. She didn’t sugarcoat the hard stuff, but she made sure I continued to feel hopeful for the best possible outcome, even when things looked rough. When I experienced side effects from the medications, she sat beside me to make sure I was okay. When I had lab abnormalities, she contacted the doctor ahead of time and had answers to the questions she knew I would have.

Erin made me a hand-written calendar with day-by-day instructions to make sure I knew exactly what meds to take and when I had appointments. She communicated with me on an ongoing basis, and she stayed late when my treatments ran long. She was always able to answer (or find the answer and get back to me) for the never-ending questions I asked. I am eternally grateful to Erin. She made what could have been a very dark, scary, and confusing time in my life into a fairly comfortable experience that was filled with hope and kindness. She made a difference in my life, and I will never forget her.

I also know I am not the only one whose life she has touched in this way. I would occasionally overhear her talking with other patients in the oncology clinic, and she was always helpful and kind to all of her patients. She is truly an outstanding nurse and an incredible asset to her profession and to KCVA in particular.

Thank you, Erin!