Of Angels and Patients

Of Angels…

In therapy yesterday (just 3 hours this week, for Cetuximab) - and saw the chemo nurses prove they are Angels…  their computers went down, and they did not!  Yes, it clearly caused them problems (all chemo treatments need verification in real time), but did it affect the care they gave and their demeanour to us?  Not a jot.  OK, there were some delays, but only in the name of best practice.

And something else struck me.  There is, of course, a rigorous procedure they must follow with each and every one of us – the same basic steps, but always with specifics associated with each and every treatment.  For example, because I have Paddy (the Portacath), I need specific “preparation” that’s different to other devices, followed by particular “pre-meds” (different on odd Thursdays to even ones), then either one drug (even Thursdays) or multiple drugs with intermediate “flushing” (odd Thursdays), then finally a “flush” to leave Paddy in good shape for next time.

And everyone’s treatment follows the same formally defined procedure… except we’re not “treated the same”.

Every single one of us is treated uniquely.  The way each nurse interacts with us is wonder-fully different, so “right” for the way each of us “is”.  They seem instinctively able to blend the formality of a carefully controlled, potentially harmful treatment with an ease of presence that always fits the needs of the patient.  Truly angels!  Frazzled angels sometimes, but always angels.

…and of Patients

How different we are!  Some, maybe quite a few seem to have the sort of support network you’d hope for, supporters (family, friends, colleagues) “witnessing” their journey; which in some cases is heart-rendering.  We are the positive, cheery ones, who seem able to engage and “banter” with the nurses and each other, and (almost) always have someone with us throughout the session.  Some simply need to be quiet, coping in their own private way, usually with someone “close by” walking gently with them on their journey.  But it’s sobering to see others, and it’s not a few, who are always alone, who rely on Hospital Transport to ferry them in and out, and who appear to rely on their own wits and strength.  That’s tough – and the nurses know it; caring for those who need more, more.

Whether they take a “conspiratorial” approach, bantering with those who cope “mischievously”, a respectful style to those who need space, or an overtly caring manner to those suffering their disease, often alone, our nurses always seem to know how we are and what we need; while always making sure our treatment is exactly right.