After having breast cancer over eight years ago, Ida DeLeo took it upon herself to schedule a CAT scan to make sure she was in good health. The results of that test prompted Dr. Rosen to schedule a PET scan, which showed Ida had early stage lymphoma. Under Dr. Rosen’s care, she began treatment for the lymphoma with chemotherapy.
It was then that Ida first met Oncology RN Marilyn Whitley. Marilyn immediately became a source of support for Ida. “She explained everything to me; how the chemo would work and what kind of medicine I would be taking. After I had a bad reaction to my first treatment, Marilyn stayed with me and she was very supportive.” Ida’s experience with the other Oncology nurses was similar to her relationship with Marilyn. “They would ask me how I was doing. They were constantly supervising me.” Even with the physical challenges that came with her initial chemo treatment, Ida was able to attend her granddaughter’s wedding one day after being released from the hospital. “They took excellent care of me after that first round of chemo so I was able to go to her wedding.” After a year of chemotherapy, Ida is now in remission and still remembers her positive experience with the Oncology staff. “I go and visit Marilyn and the nurses on the 7th floor whenever I get a chance, especially during the holidays. I keep in touch. The nurses are just great. They are wonderful.”