I'm up early not only to start preparing a meal with my family (husband and two daughters, identical twins, 22-year-olds). But I am also doing my daily lymphatic drainage exercises and engaging in daily affirmations of positive thoughts. So, of course, I am thinking of Nurse Jimmy!

I am so grateful for nurse Jimmy, who is among all the remarkable nurses at the Van Elslander Cancer Center (VECC). Specifically, Jimmy was my intro to chemo and continues to often be the primary nurse caring for me at my infusions, which are scheduled every 21 days. 

Jimmy first saw me at the cancer center located farther from my home. I am so grateful for the continuity of seeing Jimmy because he predominantly works at the VECC, which is only a 5-minute commute from my house and his. (I loved learning that we live near each other).

Jimmy is top-notch, both in his medical skills and his personality. I praise and brag about the VECC and about Jimmy all the time to my family, friends, neighbors, and members of my church community. I have been excited to introduce my family members to Jimmy when each family member, one at a time, has attended either chemo or infusions with me.

Jimmy understands the importance of cancer patients maintaining good attitudes to help their healing progress. Jimmy is unparalleled in his genuine, upbeat personality and compassion to bolster all patients' attitudes. Nothing about Jimmy would ever come off as faux toxic positivity. Nor would Jimmy quickly and slickly say canned comments of platitudes. Jimmy's positive attitude and warm, supportive personality are something he must have worked on his whole life because they radiate with such authenticity. Jimmy inspires me.

I just saw Jimmy for an infusion. Once again, Jimmy was an incredibly important health care professional for me to interact with because this time I confided in him that I learned one day that I am encouraged to go on Nerlynx pill for a year when my  infusions of Herceptin and Perjeta wrap up.

I had just spent 10 days thinking, I am not going to agree to go on that pill. I had been reading online horror stories by various patients located elsewhere in the USA. But Jimmy talked me down from the ledge. In contrast to the online drama, Jimmy bolstered my confidence, resolve, and courage.

He calmly and quietly conversed with me about my healing journey. He reminded me to write down all my questions about it to speak to my oncologist. Jimmy was extra helpful by being specific in suggesting questions, and he combined it with compliments to me, as well as admiration and respect for my oncologist.

For example, Jimmy said, "You have been a very wise and compliant patient by not eating processed foods or alcohol. So, ask how you can continue to partner with the doctor regarding gaining knowledge of the foods you can consume to help manage the side effects (significant diarrhea). And know that we are always here for you to keep your electrolytes balanced."

Thus, conversing with Jimmy always feels so empowering. And it feels extra great to be around a person such as he, who is collaborative-minded toward other health care professionals. It instills me with such respect and gratitude toward everyone at the VECC. I love feeling in unison with everyone.

Also, Jimmy demonstrates that he is a continuous learner, which is an admirable quality to see in a person of any profession. But with Jimmy specifically, his intelligence to put forth his solid health care training and experience makes me look forward to every infusion!

His training and skills are never boastful. Rather, he behaves with calm, quiet, and smooth efficiency. I feel in such great hands for excellent care. It also feels great as a patient to witness Jimmy's teamwork with his infusion center colleagues.

Jimmy is seamless in corralling a second nurse to join him in order to have two nurses present when they ask me to state my name and birthdate to corroborate the identification on the bag of medicine before they hang it on my IV tree. Jimmy reciprocates this teamwork by making himself available to partner with his colleagues to be the second nurse witnessing the start-up of other patients' IV bags of medicine.

Jimmy always informs me of the specific medicine and how long it will take to infuse into me. Jimmy is a clear communicator. Jimmy is an excellent listener. He actively listens and recalls specific things that his patients tell him.

For example, he asks about my husband and kids. Jimmy helps me keep focused on my blessings. No small talk filled with glittering generalities for Jimmy! But instead, he continues to forge such genuine connections.

Jimmy is a gracious communicator who elevates people's knowledge, which in turn helps us heal because he brings out the best in us. Jimmy always has a spring in his step and a wonderful smile that illuminates his entire face.

I am so grateful for Nurse Jimmy, especially this month, as he bolstered my strength to continue my healing.