Very informative article (2/27/19) about Wilcoxs Infusion Center. Unfortunately, missing was a shout-out to the folks who run the place daily The Chemo Queens. Thats what they call themselves when they volunteer at American Cancer Society fundraising rallies. As a cancer survivor who utilized that room (My chair was in the center of the front-page photo), Id like to share my personal experience with them about six years ago.
Very informative article (2/27/19) about Wilcox’s Infusion Center. Unfortunately, missing was a shout-out to the folks who run the place daily — “The Chemo Queens.” That’s what they call themselves when they volunteer at American Cancer Society fundraising rallies. As a cancer survivor who utilized that room (My chair was in the center of the front-page photo), I’d like to share my personal experience with them about six years ago.
The Chemo Queens were professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. They treated each patient as family. During each of my multiple visits I felt their warm love and care.
Permit me to share my personal experience of the process which was alluded to in the TGI article. After my diagnosis of nonHodgekins Lymphoma and my primary-care physician’s referral to my oncologist (based on laboratory reports of blood tests), I was scheduled for periodic treatments and trips to Honolulu for PET (proton emission tomography) scans. A dome port was surgically installed by a surgeon. It’s a silicone half-sphere connecting it to a major vein installed under the skin of your chest. Its purpose is to provide a site for the insertion of needles feeding the chemical cocktails during treatment. It looks like a nipple sticking out of your upper chest. Once while reading (shirtless) to my 1-year-old grandson, he put his mouth on it and sucked. The look of disappointment on his face is unforgettable.
Each of the comfortable reclining chairs has a personal television monitor, but I never watched it. After a brief session with a Reiki volunteer, I slept through the several-hour sessions. Awakened by the smiling faces of the Chemo Queens, I felt great after a comfortable nap.
Patients are encouraged to enjoy the treats afterwards. Fruit juices, coffee, tea, fruit bowls, cookies and cake, brought by grateful patients, all sharing the love and gratitude for the wonderful care they received.
Cancer is a horrible disease to have, but the Chemo Queens make the treatment as comfortable as possible. Mahalo, Chemo Queens!
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Jim Jung is a Kapaa resident and cancer survivor.
