Krista Haugen, RN

As a very healthy and active 65-year-old man, my cancer diagnosis came as a shock. It required a very aggressive chemotherapy regimen, along with surgery and radiation treatment, all of which started almost immediately. My head was spinning and my wife of 37 years was slightly stunned.

Krista was a remarkable island of caring, kindness, and common sense that we came to rely on over the course of seven months. She was an incredible source of information and problem-solving, helping me adjust the timing of required home medication and working through the reduction of anti-nausea drugs, which caused severe migraines. She made many useful suggestions around diet and adjusting to the loss of taste sensation.

As the therapy took its toll on my physical and psychological condition, she was a constant source of reassurance and positive attitude that made each visit for therapy easier and more comfortable.

We may have been able to get through this experience without her, but I’m not sure how. While my treatment is now complete, her impact remains as a permanent bright moment in our lives. We are forever grateful.