Heart of Oncology Nursing

Saving the Best for Last

Samatra C. Doyle

Amy Silverman Berkowitz

end of life, end-of-life, self-care
CJON 2012, 16(3), 321-322. DOI: 10.1188/12.CJON.321-322

Attending a patient's wedding was a career first, to say the least. The groom, an older gentleman, and his bride of a similar age had known each other for 35 years—and been in love for the last 10 of those. The couple came to Seattle initially for the surgical management of neurofibromatosis, which unfortunately had transformed into metastatic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. He was admitted to one of the university's hematology/oncology floors. Unfortunately, no curative interventions were available to this gentleman, and plans were being made to discharge him home. His amazing fiancée was his advocate, friend, companion, and source of humor and levity during this tragic and horrible situation. She made him laugh, held his hand, kissed him, and took care of his personal needs, all while being remarkably put together and kind hearted. It was a sight to see—that selfless commitment and love.

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