Chardele Miller

Jessica Aguilera, RN, is a delightful, full of energy, sweet nurse. Many times, Jessica helped me get from the chemotherapy room to radiation and then back to chemotherapy for a finishing touch. Jessica would patiently and kindly walk me to the restroom and ensured that I was OK. She would always check to see if I needed or wanted a warm blanket, snack or drink, and she would run to get it. She is kind, considerate and truly cares. She is and continues to be a rock and gem every time I go.

Editor’s Note: This is an essay submitted by Chardele Miller for the 2021 Extraordinary Healer Award. 

 to read more about CURE®’s Extraordinary Healer® Award for Oncology Nursing event on April 30, 2021.

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Articles

One patient details how her oncology nurse was the caring energy she needed when undergoing treatment for cancer.

‘A Rock and Gem’ of the Cancer Center

It was my first chemotherapy session. Judith Newcomb, B.S.N., RN, OCN, was the nurse in my group. Apparently, Judi has been doing this job for a long time. She would actually show up to change intravenous bags without needing to hear the alert. Judi also seemed to have a fun sense of humor, which I appreciated. Although all the people I have met at Maryland Oncology Hematology in Annapolis are nice, Judi seemed to be a bit nicer, especially with fun personality even when things might have been hectic.

One patient explains how her oncology nurse’s sense of humor helped her when undergoing cancer treatment, a particularly stressful time.

An Oncology Nurse With a Fun Personality Despite Hectic Situations

Kristina Trafelet, NP, always goes above and beyond my expectations. She has offered many alternatives for me. When my drugs were too costly, she set up a GoodRx card for me and explained how to use the card. When the pharmacy didn't have my prescription, Kristina called every pharmacy until she found one that had it. She then gave me directions where to go to get the medicine ASAP. When treatment affected me terribly, she offered some awesome home remedies when all else was failing. Kristina is so inspirational and caring. Every time I see her, she is positive, and I always feel hopeful and stronger after my visit.

When one patient experienced issues related to costly prescriptions and side effects to treatments, one nurse practitioner helped her navigate the way to make the journey a little easier.

Pivoting Cancer Costs and Side Effects With a Nurse's Help

Karina Wischhusen, RN, is an exceptional nurse and healer. During my aggressive chemotherapy and radiation therapy for my esophageal cancer, she always went above and beyond. Karina would see if I wanted my port sprayed with freeze spray before starting. She explained every step in detail and addressed every and any question or concerns. Karina helped me go to the bathroom and made sure I had my dignity intact while keeping me comfortable. She shared some poignant life experiences with me that eased my mind and brought a smile to my face. Karina’s bubbly personality with her caring, loving attitude made the hard moments a piece of cake.

One oncology nurse helped a patient with esophageal cancer throughout treatment by keeping her comfortable and maintaining her dignity. 

Chardele Miller

‘A Rock and Gem’ of the Cancer Center

An Oncology Nurse With a Fun Personality Despite Hectic Situations

Pivoting Cancer Costs and Side Effects With a Nurse's Help

Making the Difficult Moments ‘a Piece of Cake’

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