Jillian's cancer journey has been full of challenges, but it’s also a powerful reminder of the impact compassionate care can have. From her first visit to the ER to receiving life-changing news about her brain, Jillian’s story is one of survival, thanks to the incredible doctors, nurses, and caregivers who never left her side. In this blog, she shares her experience and the lasting difference her care team made in her fight for life.
Continue reading to learn more about Jillian’s journey and how her healthcare team showed what it means to truly be there for a patient.
The First Encounter with Leslie: A Lifeline in the ER
I remember walking into the ER one night, and there was Leslie, a nurse who had been orienting when I was inpatient. I’ll be honest—I hadn’t been kind to her during that time. But there she was, ready to take care of me. When I saw her, I instantly remembered her, and I yelled, “THANK YOU JESUS, LESLIE IS HERE!”
That night, I was rushed from the ER to the cancer floor, then to the ICU, and straight to the helipad for transport. I had 17 grand mal seizures and died twice. Through all of it, Leslie never left my side. She was physically attached to me, never leaving, even when she couldn't get the hospitalist on the phone. I remember hearing her voice, frantic but focused, saying, “If he doesn’t answer the phone, I’m pushing another Ativan. She’s dying!”
Leslie was there for every moment. She held my mother’s hand after having to call her and wake her up to get her permission to transport me three hours away. She was my rock during the most terrifying time of my life.
The Heartbreaking News: Learning About the Tumor in My Brain
Another time, I found myself in the ER again, but this time the news was even worse. My cancer had metastasized to my brain. There were about 10 people in the room, so I knew it was bad. The doctor was on one side of me, and my nurse was on the other, with her hand on my shoulder.
The doctor sat down at my eye level, held my hand, and calmly told me the devastating news: I had a 3 cm tumor in my brain with so much swelling that the CT scan was nearly all black from edema. He explained that we had to make some drastic decisions, but that he would wait for me to process the information before getting my family involved, if I wanted.
"I was cancer-free just a month ago," I sobbed, still in disbelief. I had just finished chemo, radiation, and a double mastectomy. I was even a week away from finishing my reconstruction with implants, having had expanders put in. It was overwhelming, and everyone in the room began crying, except for my doctor. He never wavered. He held my hand, looked into my eyes, and said, “I know this is not fair, but we are going to do what we need to do to get you help.” His calmness and steady support were exactly what I needed in that moment.
The Compassionate EMTs: A Moment of Comfort in a Critical Situation
My transport to another hospital was only about 25 minutes, but it was critical, with sirens blaring all the way. The doctor from my first ER had given such a detailed report to the incoming ER team that my waiting nurse was crying when I arrived. She stayed with me all night, providing comfort and care. The next day, I had to have my expanders removed emergency-style so my neurosurgeon could perform an MRI. The nurse who had stayed with me the night before came up to the neurosurgery ICU with a room temperature Coke at 10 PM because I had mentioned I wanted a Coke but couldn’t have it until later. She made sure I had it before my surgery.
The Neurosurgeon Who Prayed Over Me: A Surgeon With a Heart of Gold
My neurosurgeon was amazing. He was so confident that I knew I would be okay. He prayed over me before my surgery. We are both Catholic, and it was an incredibly comforting moment, given the circumstances.
Gratitude for My Care Team: Angels on Earth
I know that if it weren’t for my incredible care team—my surgeons, oncologists, and nurses—I wouldn’t have survived. Their care, treatment, and confidence have meant everything to me.
One of my breast surgeons, the one who first diagnosed me, called me personally to get me an appointment as soon as my cancer diagnosis posted to my chart. Within 45 minutes, I was in his office, and he explained everything in detail. He even called my oncologist right then and there to get me an immediate appointment. They moved so quickly that I was on chemo just two weeks later. His quick action saved my life.
My breast surgeon and plastic surgeon also called me at home to check on me, and my neurosurgeon did the same, being incredibly patient with me and rewording things so I could understand him, especially since I had speech impairment. I’m grateful for their commitment to my well-being and their emotional support during some of my most difficult times.
The Importance of Compassionate Care
The nurses, doctors, and surgeons who have been with me every step of the way have saved my life, not just through their medical expertise but through their empathy, patience, and emotional support. I wouldn’t have made it through this journey without them. Their ability to see me as a whole person, not just a patient, has made all the difference. They are truly angels on earth, and I will be forever grateful for them.
Follow Jillian on Instagram to learn more about her journey.
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