For nearly four years, Emily Koval experienced recurring episodes of burning pain in her abdomen, which she initially chalked up to a mild ulcer. The symptoms would flare up suddenly, last no longer than a couple of days, and then disappear just as quickly. She talked to her primary care physician but, like many people, did not follow up with a specialist because of her busy schedule.
Then one night, the pain grew much more intense, and she went to the ER. A CT scan revealed not only a small anomaly in her liver but also a significant lesion in her pancreas. They gave her medication to manage the pain and advised her to follow up with an oncologist—a doctor who specializes in cancer.
“They had initially referred me to an oncologist that my mom had had a negative experience with in the past,” she explains. “I went with my mom to one appointment, met this oncologist, and I did not like her, either.”
Koval decided that she needed to find a different doctor and sought assistance in navigating the healthcare system given her serious condition. Happily, as a benefit of her employment, she was able to engage Guardian Nurses. Soon, Lindsay Aliano, RN, BSN, was accompanying Koval to critical appointments, helping demystify complex medical information, clarifying lab results, and coordinating with various specialists.
Nurse Aliano proved to be an invaluable addition to Koval’s team, as there were several miscommunications and complications that needed to be resolved along her journey. On one occasion, Koval’s scheduled surgery had been moved up without proper notification. A sudden early-morning call forced her to change plans at the last minute, highlighting a lack of patient-centered communication.
Despite signing digital consent forms, Koval was blindsided by the unexpected news that her spleen would be removed during surgery. Such surprises deepened her sense of vulnerability in a system where she was meant to be the central focus. She experienced an anaphylactic reaction during surgery and also suffered from a painful fluid buildup afterward. In these moments of crisis, Nurse Aliano’s unwavering support and guidance provided the reassurance and clarity that Koval desperately needed.
Emily Koval’s Advice for Other Patients:
- Don’t accept information passively. Insist on detailed explanations and seek second (or even third) opinions.
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, speak up!
- Having a dedicated advocate, like Nurse Aliano—someone who understands both the medical jargon and the patient’s emotional state—can make all the difference.