Enter my Dream Team: Pam Kress, nurse navigator and Dr. Phillip Sutton, surgeon, immediately calmed my panic. You know that saying, “right place, right time”, well it materialized in an enormous and unexpected way today! It was an amazing turn of events. An oncologist was consulting with the surgeon at his office; Curtis and I were invited to come and meet her. Unfortunately she turned out not to be in our medical insurance network of physicians. However, she generously offered to review my case and consult with her esteemed colleague, at no charge, to develop a treatment recommendation for me! She further offered to continue consulting with the new oncologist! AMAZING does not even begin to describe this turn of events. It is not often that we meet individuals who become personally invested, or what I refer to as, dialed into their patients. Next stop, pre-op appointment; the nurse was a native Oregonian from Coos Bay. Her spirit emitted kindness, compassion, a desire to go above and beyond with a twist of Oregon love. Equally, the group of women in the surgery center lab brought a joyful giggle to me and engaged in comforting conversation. Finally, while I awaited a chest x-ray, I had the opportunity to converse with a remarkable woman who shared her journey. As we spoke, we instantly connected!
On the ride home, I remarked to Curtis how comforting it is to be surrounded by so many individuals who are invested in my health and me. Who concretely and authentically desire a positive outcome for my journey through breast cancer. Friends, family, and complete strangers are fighting the good fight with me! The encouraging, kind, and heartfelt words from everyone create a positive environment and I thank you for this. Today was a fantastical day. I am hopeful.