Yesterday was my first iron desensitization appointment, and to say I was nervous is an understatement. My previous 3 reactions to the infusion were anaphylaxis, so I had no reason to believe this experience would be a more pleasant experience. The difference is that the other infusions are immediately discontinued upon the reaction. This infusion would be different...we were in it for the long haul, and we'd keep going until it became too dangerous to do so. The moment Kristen smiled and walked into my room, she immediately set my spirit at ease. I was alone this day as my family lives across the US, so I was soldiering solo. But not really, because I knew Kristen was there and would guarantee my best interest.
As expected, I did experience a negative reaction, 4 or 5 in fact, before it was all said and done. Each time Kristen made me feel as if nothing I was feeling was TOO small to share, and even the mildest symptom was something she wanted to know about. With each reaction, she was calm and measured. She explained what would happen (i.e., many people would soon converge upon my room and ask questions), but that it was good I spoke up. I never once felt silly or as if I was overreacting, and that was because she made me feel comfortable enough to speak up. Kristen was with me from 7:20 am till 6:30pm. What a long day for her!! Yet she was happy and comforting the entire time. If she wasn't in my room with me, she was outside my door, where I could see her and visually check on me at least every 2 to 3 minutes. She was simply amazing.

Everything a nurse should be!! Every person I encountered that day was wonderful, and I truly wish I could nominate all of them!! I'll need this desensitization at least every 10 to 12 months for the rest of my life, and all I can say is I hope I'm lucky enough to have Kristen as my nurse for as many of those as possible! MGH should be so honored to have incredible and compassionate nurses such as Kristen, and every other nurse and staff on Yawkey 8. I wasn't there for chemotherapy like most other patients, but I can say if I ever find myself in that position (God forbid), I know where I'll go for treatment. Nowhere but MGH. When people are experiencing what is likely the most devastating situation of their lives, these angel nurses are there, giving everything they can to help. Again, I'll say, MGH should be so honored to have nurses such as Kristen, who are truly the foundation of why they're the leader in health care.