I was diagnosed with rectal cancer. I was on chemo and after the 2nd session I had to be admitted for stoma. AnneMarie came to my bedside, I thought she was a ward nurse. We chatted for a little while and I asked her to help me get washed. I was in a lot of pain. She did help me, and the doctors came to give me the results of the tests- she stayed and held my hand and gave me the courage and confidence to ask the questions. When everything had settled down, she told me why she was there, to measure my tummy for the stoma. She explained everything, and I felt that she really took the fear away. I got the stoma bag the next day, and each day, AnneMarie came, and gradually, she had me change the bag myself. Her kindness and care to me was unbelievable. She not only showed me how to physically change the bag but also and most importantly, how to mentally deal with the whole thing. She was at the end of the phone or e-mail every time I needed help. Every time I was admitted for different problems, she would pop in to see how I was coping with stoma, etc. 

When I went in to get the stoma reversed, she came down before I went to the theatre to wish me well. She gave me such a big hug, as I cried with fear or relief. I don’t know which.
 
I saw a lot of suffering and pain on my journey, and people like AnneMarie made my journey so much easier. I cannot put into words how much she did for me, both mentally and physically. I know the stoma department was really busy, but when you were with AnneMarie, you felt as if you were the only patient.

I think she was like this with all her patients. I feel she started as my nurse but ended up as my angel and friend. I will be forever grateful to her for everything. 

Each and every single nurse was so good and kind to me, but AnneMarie was just so special. Loved all the staff.