A Strong Admiration for Oncology Nurses

"You can tell she genuinely cares and it’s not an act," Madonna wrote.

The Genuine Care I Receive from My Oncology Nurse

I was diagnosed with both prostate and kidney cancer in 2016. Several years after having surgeries to remove my prostate and a kidney, my cancer came back in 2019. I started immunotherapy treatments with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in April 2020.

I receive my treatments every three weeks. Isadore “Izzy” Rogers is my nurse 90% of the time. She treats patients like family and makes a point to really know them, and celebrates or consoles each patient, depending on what is going on with our lives.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, outside of my immediate family, she was one of the few people that I had regular contact with. I actually look forward to my regular treatments just to catch up on both of our lives. I never thought about cancer while I was there.

Not only does she make me feel special, but I also see that she treats everyone with individual care. When my grandson was born in April 2023, she couldn’t wait to see my pictures. And every time I got my treatment, she asked me about the little guy. You can tell she genuinely cares and it’s not an act.

I hear others going through what I am going through, and their experience is nothing like mine. When we talk about nurses being angels, Izzy is the poster child for that! God bless her.

Someday I may not need my treatments, and while that will be a special day, it will be bittersweet since I will not see Izzy every three weeks.

My Amazing Nurse Fighting for Me in My Lifetime Battle

I have been treated at St. Francis Hospital Cancer Institute in East Hills, New York, for the last 19 years. My cancer was kept stable as I was taking Tarceva(erlotinib), a targeted therapy. I thought I had beaten the odds.

Unfortunately, in 2021, my cancer changed. A large tumor had formed in my lower left lung which metastasized. My oncologist recommended chemotherapy. He felt this was the only way to go. I have always been a fighter, and I have always had a strong positive attitude. I work for Cancer Hope Network and have always shared my positivity with other patients with cancer. I have to say that for the first time in my journey, I was frightened.

Then I met Rose Francucci, a St. Francis oncology nurse. I watched and was amazed at how Rose went from patient to patient, taking care of all their needs. Her smile lights up the room, and her laugh is infectious and, at the same time, comforting! She always talks to her patients and makes sure they are at ease while getting their chemo.

I have formed a special friendship with this wonderful oncology nurse. We share our family stories. I love showing her pictures of my grandchildren, as she shows me pictures of her family. When I am given an infusion, I find Rose comforting. We do not talk about my cancer battle. I feel like I am just having a cup of coffee and sharing a good conversation with this incredible nurse who I now consider a good friend.

I am currently still receiving immunotherapy at this infusion center, and I actually look forward to the visit!All of these nurses are Extraordinary Healers to me, but Rose provides her own brand of tender, loving care, and I feel her genuine interest in my well-being.

At my most recent visit to the infusion center, I was made aware of Rose’s promotion to assistant nurse manager. I can attest that this is a well-deserved position for her! She never misses a beat in putting a smile on everyone’s face she is around, as well as providing top-notch care. Rose is a constant source of support and understanding. She is never too busy to stop and sit with me and I put my faith and trust in her never-ending efforts.

I truly appreciate her and feel privileged to have her as part of my care. I know that if I ever have any concerns, Rose is the person who I can go to, and she will always be there for me. I want to express my sincerest gratitude to her for not only her excellent care, but also the kindness and compassion I receive every time I walk through the door to the cancer institute. Rose truly makes a difference in my life. She is the heart of oncology nursing!

Nominations are open for the 2025 CURE Extraordinary Healer award.

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