Not Just My Oncology Nurse, But My Friend

By: Debra Snell

Samantha Bologna has been my oncology nurse since I received a diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2009. She has helped me so much with my medications, and she always lifts me up when I need it most. She calls me to see how I am doing, and I know she is very busy.

She calls me when I am due for my medications, and she helped me when my insurance company was not sending the right amount. She called them for me and had to call them several times before they gotit straightened out. It was finally resolved and I am getting the right amount — they have everything they need thanks to Samantha.

I see how my oncologist and his physician’s assistant rely on her, too. They have called her numerous times when I was in the office to make sure things were correct.

I consider her a friend, not just my oncology nurse. She is so nice and personable. After we get our business out of the way, we talk about our kids, baking and life in general! When you have cancer, it’s always on your mind, and it’s nice to talk to Samantha and forget about it for a while. She always goes above and beyond with me. I tease her all the time and tell her that if she ever left I would follow her.

There really aren’t enough words to say how wonderful and special she is. I feel so blessed and lucky to have her as my nurse. I’m sure there are going to be a lot of nominations, but I truly believe Samantha would be the best candidate for this award.

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