Waking up after major lung surgery was nothing like I expected. Between intense pain, sleepless nights, and moments of feeling forgotten, I found myself experiencing healthcare from an entirely different perspective. After more than 26 years as a nurse, I was reminded just how important communication, compassion, and having someone by your side can be.

After more than 26 years as a nurse, I found myself on the other side of healthcare—this time as the patient. Facing major lung surgery brought restless nights, countless what-ifs, and a whole new perspective. Sometimes, even when you know what to expect, nothing quite prepares you for experiencing it yourself.