Most nursing students go into nursing because they have always wanted to help and care for people, or because they had an experience from a family member with a chronic illness. As future nurses, we try to get into the mindset of “What can I do for my patient and how can I guide them to a better quality of life?” This semester I had two identities: SAC nursing student and patient. I was having right sided pain for a couple months and I mentioned it during a physical exam for nursing school. Luckily, I was on summer vacation so I was able to do follow up imaging and examination for the pain. It was only the beginning of the semester when I was informed, “Your liver biopsy came back hepatocellular carcinoma. I’m sorry, it’s cancer.” I was flabbergasted and immediately thought, my career path is over. I thought I would have to drop out and find a way to pay for treatment. I went to clinical the next day distraught, wondering what my plan would be. I had a patient that day with cancer and wondered if that would be me, undergoing chemotherapy. We had just gone over cancer in lecture so I was well aware of the chemotherapy side effects and how cancer destroys the body. Over the semester, I became more aware of how it really felt to be a patient in the hospital and how unsure the future could be. But I also saw how the simplest of acts such as getting blankets, bringing a food tray, or just conversing with the patient impacts recovery on most patients. I could secure some kind-hearted doctors and surgeons to take my case and opted for a resection of my liver. I finished the semester strong and within that weekend after the final, I was going into surgery. I awoke a day later due to complications, but the nurse who took care of me while I was unconscious in the ICU came to visit me while I was on the medical-surgical floor. She said not to give up since I was given another opportunity to continue nursing. The med-surg nurse and the CNA’s were just as compassionate and caring as I strive to be. I felt motivated during my hospital stay, determined to give other patients and their family members the same compassionate touch. I know not all my patients will have positive outcomes like mine, however, I know that I have the empathy to give them exceptional care. After all, who are we? We are Santa Ana!
