Our Guardian Angel in Cancer Care

Mary Lou Carrington, RN, OCN, has been our guardian angel and guiding light since my 81-year-old husband was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on Dec. 21, 2022. At first, we were so overwhelmed by this diagnosis and did not know how to manage this new phase in our lives. We knew we would be going on a very difficult journey with lots of twists and turns.

With help and advice given by Mary Lou, we were able to schedule my husband's chemo injections, port insertion, blood draws, transfusions, bone marrow biopsies, saline IVs and CT scans. Mary Lou made this process work efficiently and effectively by "navigating" the process with the oncology staff. In addition, Mary Lou provided us information regarding the availability of financial help, free classes through the Institute for Health and Healing, and the Cancer Wellness program.

Moreover, she helped me with self-care by recommending weekly Zoom meeting for caregivers: Mindfulness Meditation Classes and a Caregiver's Support. These two weekly meetings made a world of difference in helping me with our acute myeloid leukemia journey.

Whenever I had questions or concerns regarding my husband's symptoms and side effects, Mary Lou was always available by telephone, email or in person. Her beautiful smile and handy note pad were always there when we needed her most at the infusion center. Recently my husband had a terrible toothache, and Mary Lou helped to expedite the process with our dentist, by confirming that my husband could take the required antibiotics. And she helped schedule the appointment for the extraction.

Mary Lou consistently saves the day with efficiency, effectiveness and expertise. We have repeatedly told our oncologist that Mary Lou is such a wonderful oncology nurse, and he replies, "I wish I could clone her."

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