Alchemists

We’ve talked a lot about nurses within these “pages.” Singing the praises of their compassion, knowledge and support. But the specifics of their role in the treatment process deserves special mention. No two cancer patients are alike; diagnosis or treatment. So it would logically make sense that their reactions to any given therapy would be equally diverse.

We all know and respect that in the pecking order of a cancer journey, the doctor is in charge. Prescribing the drug and developing a comprehensive course of integrated treatment (cocktail) is the critical responsibility of the Oncologist. However, they can't possibly be at every infusion session for every patient, every day. We also understand that the nurse is the front-line “soldier” in this battle - they are the ones carrying out the orders. Overseeing the complex and fragile administration of that "plan" is the magic that goes on behind the scenes, in the clinic - and the nurses are the true magicians who bring the doctor's formula to fruition.

The nurse may not be as aware as the physician is about the science of the drug’s mechanism of action (the pharmacology), but they are acutely attuned to watch for any negative effects that may occur during the process. It was recently explained to me so eloquently by a nurse during one of my routine visits: Their professional focus is on what’s happening to “their” patient in the chair right in front of them - right now. Is this working as expected? (based on their knowledge and training of the given drug interactions). How is the patient feeling? (are there any obvious side effects or subtle anomalies). Should the procedure continue? (is there ANY reason whatsoever to pause or stop; making sure that the patient's reactions are being monitored/managed).

They seek no praise nor credit, rather they understand their essential role in protecting the patients and protecting the process - a delicate balance of modern scientific sorcery necessary for treatment success while always putting the needs of their patient first. As a regular recipient of that rigorous review, I thank them!