Tips on optimising the treatment experience
Mairead Ni Chonghaile, Specialist Nurse
I’m a specialist cancer nurse. The role of specialist nurses varies in different countries and different hospitals. You may be assigned a specialist nurse who will become your main point of contact. It’s usually a nurse who will give you your treatment but your specialist nurse will be around to answer your questions and reassure you about any worries.
Most people are nervous about their treatment before it starts, probably because cancer treatments have a reputation for terrible side effects. It’s true that some people don’t feel well on chemotherapy, but today we have lots of medicines that can minimise the effects and there is also good advice available about how to cope with them. At our hospital, we have produced a range of advice leaflets and we make sure we’re always up-to-date on the latest ways of managing side effects.
I usually talk to patients about what they might like to bring along for their first treatment. If they are staying overnight, I tell them to pack an overnight bag including nightclothes and toiletries. I also suggest that they bring some of their favourite snacks and drinks, and plenty to keep them occupied. Looking around the treatment room there are usually people knitting, doing puzzles, writing letters: it can be quite productive!
Patients also ask me for advice about other services, and for this reason communication with other departments is essential for everyone in the lymphoma team. I am always in contact with the doctors and other nurses, but on a given day I will also talk to many other people such as radiographers, dietitians, wig fitters, occupational therapists and counsellors.
Of almost equal importance to the welfare of the patient is the welfare of their family. When a patient is going through treatment it can put a strain on their loved ones; usually a husband or wife will have as many worries as the patient, but often they try to hide their feelings, which can put them under stress. I often have calls from relatives of patients and I try to make myself available to answer any questions and give support.
In summary, the biggest piece of advice I can give about the treatment experience is to remember that help is out there. If at any point you are unsure or worried about something, ask. Don’t think that you need to wait until your next appointment. It’s better to avoid unnecessary worries and set your mind at rest.