Michael Parrish, Pancreatic Cancer Patient, Grateful Patient
Almost five years ago, Michael Parrish had the first of what would be many conversations with oncology nurse navigator Holly Griffith. Like most newly diagnosed cancer patients, Michael arrived to that appointment feeling scared and uncertain; just weeks earlier, a trip to Fairfield Medical Center’s Emergency Department for severe stomach pain had led to a pancreatic cancer diagnosis and Michael had a lot of questions about what his future looked like in terms of treatment.
“I didn’t know a lot about the role of an oncology nurse navigator, so I was completely surprised with how immediately invested Holly was in my care from that very first visit,” Michael said. “One of the first things she did was give me her contact information so I could get in touch with her whenever I had a question. That simple gesture alone immediately made me feel like I was cared for and in good hands.”
Holly is one of two caregivers at Fairfield Medical Center’s Cancer Care and Infusion Center who has been by Michael’s side from the very beginning to guide him down the long, uncertain road of cancer treatment. Rhesa Guess, an infusion nurse who frequently administers Michael’s treatments and has seen him through both good days and bad, has also been one of his strongest supporters.
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