Teaching Positivity: An Oncology Nurse Helps a Patient Embrace the Good

My journey began November 2013, when I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. At that point, my world felt like it was crashing down. Cancer? Not me — it wasn’t possible! I was shocked, as we all are at one point when we we’re told we have cancer.

I knew I was at a crossroad and felt blindsided, but I dug down deep and found positivity and confidence due to the support of the Cancer Institute at St. Francis and nurse Rose Francucci, RN, OCN, CCRN. I had a choice to let this cancer define me or embrace it with positivity. I chose positivity!

Upon arrival at the hospital’s infusion unit, my anxiety disappears because of the confidence and professionalism of the entire team. Everyone makes me feel comfortable in the infusion chair and will bring me or my family anything we need. I am so fortunate to have met Rose because she’s become one of my biggest supporters. She is an exceptional nurse and an extraordinary person.

As soon as I arrive, she takes the fear of receiving chemotherapy away. She never leaves my side and monitors my treatment every second. Her care doesn’t stop there: She’s also concerned about making my family comfortable throughout the day.

Rose stands out from the rest because she has an amazing personality, and even when my fears are overwhelming, she finds a way to make me laugh. I have learned many life lessons from Rose — first and foremost, to be thankful for each and every day, and second, that a negative mind will never give you a positive life.