Katie Schmaderer
April 2017
Katie
Schmaderer
,
BSN, RN
Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center
Nebraska Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women's Hospital
Omaha
,
NE
United States

 

 

 

To be in your early thirties and diagnosed with cancer is scary; suddenly everyone you meet who is involved becomes very important to you and your health. I met Katie right before my surgery to remove my cancerous thyroid and about 63 lymph nodes. Prior to surgery, I had so many questions. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel and I wanted to be prepared for every outcome. Throughout all my questions and visits to the office, she was always very reassuring, but I really didn't get to know her very well until after the surgery, when the scarier complications were happening.
Katie exemplifies the meaning of care because she does care. I trust her and honestly feel like I am her only patient. She spent time discussing solutions with me and if she was unsure of an answer, she always reached out to my Doctor. Even if it was Friday at 5:45 pm, she called me back before the weekend with answers to my questions. Unlike the people we meet on the recovery floor, Katie and I will be in it for the long haul. It was explained to me that due to the nature of my cancer, I would be getting my neck checked for the rest of my life, so as long as Katie is there, I'll be seeing her. So, thank you Katie!