I am so incredibly blessed to be part of a wonderful team here at TFC that changes people’s lives every day. I am awestruck when those same patients can then change my life in a very personal way with their heartfelt gratitude.
Recently, I had a patient who was newly diagnosed with cancer who came in with her husband to learn about cryopreserving their embryos for the future. They made this choice so that their fertility would not be impacted by the chemotherapy and radiation recommended for treating the cancer.
When patients come in to our office, they often times are newly diagnosed with cancer. These patients are going through a whirlwind of emotions trying to process the cancer diagnosis, the treatment for the cancer, all the while trying to consider their options for their fertility in the future.
My patients were scared and unsure of how to proceed. We spent time together discussing the process and what would be involved in the cycle so they would have a full understanding of what to expect. They wanted to take the weekend to decide if they were going to proceed and I gave them my contact information so they could call me with any questions.
As an IVF nurse at TFC, I feel like it is my job to be these patients’ guide and partner in their journey to both beat cancer and preserve their future fertility. It is very important to me to be there to provide support throughout their IVF cycle and be their point of contact while they are patients at our office. I feel as though helping a couple or individual preserve their fertility gives them hope for the future.
These patients did decide to proceed and were able to successfully cryopreserve embryos so that when they are ready to expand their family they have the option to do so.
After the patient’s cycle was completed and on the day this patient had started her chemotherapy, her husband called me to say thank you for everything I had done for them. This phone call stopped me in my tracks. I was astonished that they would take time to call to thank me with everything that they had going on. They wanted to let us know what a huge impact we had played in their lives and that they were thankful they had the opportunity to preserve their fertility for the future.
I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to work with this couple and they made me realize just how lucky I am that I get to change people’s lives and futures on a daily basis.
This is one of the many reasons I am very passionate about the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. It is a privilege to be able to partner with these patients in their journey to preserve their fertility for the future. I am so thrilled to be the co-captain of Team TFC with Wendy and I am looking forward to the Race for the Cure on Sunday, November 4th. We can all Come Together for the Cure and work to provide hope and support for those fighting cancer.