I am a 72-year-old who has been a patient of City of Hope since August 2020. After being diagnosed by Fairbanks Memorial Cancer Center having metastatic prostate cancer. I have experienced an emotional and psychological rollercoaster and wasn’t sure what to expect or how long I had left. After talking with doctors and Fairbanks Medical Center and discussing my options, I elected to call City of Hope and was set up with an appointment and consultation immediately.

After completion of the radiation treatments, I was told that the next phase was chemotherapy because all the other medications weren’t working for me. I had no idea what I was about to face after receiving that news. I was to have a port placed in my upper right chest and receive IV chemo treatments.
I then met a registered nurse in the port unit who observed that I appeared to be nervous and unsure of what would be occurring soon. Her friendly and respectful demeanor put me at ease and eased my anxiety. I believed at this time I was overwhelmed with so much information that I considered stopping all further treatments. She explained the procedure to both my caregivers and me, and it was important to me that she was concerned about my comfort.

Barbara was truly concerned about each of us as we went through our own emotional and exhausting roller coaster rides. We look forward to seeing her cheerful, friendly, and caring face each time I go for a blood draw. She obviously cares for each patient she interacts with by lessening the strife that each patient feels. She was more like family than just a care provider. Her knowledge and skill in the job are impeccable. She kept me informed of the procedure, and she completely put me at ease.

This RN is devoted. Barbara made a great impression on my family and me. She stood out as a nurse willing to go above and beyond the normal call of duty for any patient under her care.