I had a mastectomy and then exchange surgery to implants. Long story short it has not been an easy road and I was unable to save one of my implants due necrosis of my skin. I came out of surgery and my shoulders were literally up around my ears as I was very tense and stressed. Denise immediately said, "Oh honey you look so uncomfortable, here let me get something to help you." She provided a wonderfully soft warm pillow right behind my neck and I almost cried because she was clearly paying attention to every detail. I continued to wake up to her soft voice and continued reassurance. She was so incredibly empathetic to all that I had been through even though we had just met.
My pain meds were not working, and I felt bad telling Denise that, but she immediately responded, "Oh my gosh, please don't worry we will find something that will help you," and she did. At this point, I was able to engage because I was more alert and she was so sweet and genuinely concerned for my care, from her body language, tone of voice to the care I could see in her eyes. I have had many surgeries and it is truly such a vulnerable position to be in and having someone like her by my side during such an emotionally and physically draining process was an incredible gift.
It was late probably around 7 pm and I'm sure Denise was tired, but I would never have known that. The staff was amazing at Edward that day, but she truly stood out as an individual that is able to balance professionalism with humanity, empathy, and genuine caring; something that isn't always easy to do in her profession. I happened to come across the DAISY Award on one of my mastectomy support groups on Facebook and I was so glad I did.