Forum Discussion

Gabrielle's avatar
Gabrielle
Member
15 years ago

Who will fight for you best

As an oncology nurse could I just put it out there from the last session here at the BCNA Summit, there was a comment about the role of the Breast care nurse being able to challenge/re-educate the doctor's bedside manner: 

I would also like to let you know that any  oncology trained nurse specialist should be able to do this as part of patient advocacy, it is part of their professional responsibility, it is part of the great privilege of caring for their patients. All doctors, nurses only have their jobs because of the patients. I, as an oncology nurse and past breast cancer patient,  am in the fortunate position to be able to inculcate the above philosophy to nurses whom I am training in oncology in a new course. This advocacy role is somethingabout which I feel passionate.

Just had to say if you can't find the breastcare nurse then find an oncology nurse, we are there for you too! 

10 Replies

  • sandycee's avatar
    sandycee
    Member
    14 years ago

    Thanks Gabrielle,

    Yes, one down then three

    Then 13th September - two down...then two

    Then 3rd October - three down...then one

    Then 24th October - four down ...none more!!!!! :))))))))))

    Time to celebrate - another luncheon at my favourite Maurizio's restaurant...dinner with the gals...maybe a movie, then some more....hey, am I dreaming...

    After all...it is only 4 and four is a number less than 10.

    How bad can it all be, huh??? Yes, I am thinking positive and wanting to do more visualisation. Have been updating my little music stick with guided medtiations to take with me, just to get over the hurdle of the canela.

    Then, just waiting...filling in my journal from the "My Journey Kit" and perhaps a little reading while I am at it.

    Yes, no real problem at all.....

    Let you know how I go later in the week.

    Sandy xx

  • Gabrielle's avatar
    Gabrielle
    Member
    14 years ago

    I am sorry it is so confusing. I suspect that it is human nature as well as so many decisions around to make at such a difficult time. 

    Hope all goes well tomorrow. After tomorrow, one down! 

    Take care Gabby

  • sandycee's avatar
    sandycee
    Member
    15 years ago

    Thanks for your thoughts Gabrielle, I think the same - Blow the Doctor!! Her assistant was more helpful and had a much better bedside manner. Though the inconsistencies were there with what can and can't be done. I am finding that all of us have differing doctor's points of view. Some do, and some don't. My sugeon for instance had a very different opinion to another friend's very similar diagnosis and her surgeon did not recommend a mastectomy.

    So all in all, It is rather confusing. I will do my Chemo Tomorrow and hopefully have my bcn with me as well as my partner for moral support, just while I am getting it put in, then I should be right for the rest of the time.

    Sandy :)

     

  • Jo_L_'s avatar
    Jo_L_
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hey Gals

    If you have the BCNs details contact her! As a BC gal and now a BCN it all depends on her 'job description'! I only see women surgically as a BCN but follow up throught my BCNA/ volunteer job as a group facilitator... The BCN may not have a regular gig to follow each woman up. I know some nurses do follow you through. As Gabrielle said though all nurses will go in to bat for you. My oncology nurses were a great source of info and support throughout my chemo. They are the experts in thir area!! Take Care Hugs Jo

  • Al's avatar
    Al
    Member
    15 years ago

    My sentiments exactly, Julia. The diagnosis and operation are only the start. I'm finding this more stressful and harder.

    Al xx

  • Julia44's avatar
    Julia44
    Member
    15 years ago

    I was thinking the other day that the BCN was great throughout the diagnosis/operation stage but now chemo is happening, there is no contact and it would be good if they could follow up occasionally with a how are you doing during this stressful part of treatment.

    Julia

  • Al's avatar
    Al
    Member
    15 years ago

    I agree with what you are all saying. I think the level of care I'm getting at the moment is largely due to the wonderful nurses and support staff at my treatment centre. If it wasn't for them I'd be very scared and alone. They are easy to talk you and only a phonecall away if I need them. My oncology nurses have been more of a support to me as I feel the whole process - surgery, follow up appointment etc was so rushed that I didn't get a chance to get to know my breast care nurse and feel now that the moment has past. The oncology nurses seem to have more relevance at the moment. My oncologist is great but very busy but I do get to see him just before every chemo treatment as a matter of course to air any concerns I have.

    Great advice, Gabrielle. Thanks

    Al xx

  • Al's avatar
    Al
    Member
    15 years ago

    I agree with what you are all saying. I think the level of care I'm getting at the moment is largely due to the wonderful nurses and support staff at my treatment centre. If it wasn't for them I'd be very scared and alone. They are easy to talk you and only a phonecall away if I need them. My oncology nurses have been more of a support to me as I feel the whole process - surgery, follow up appointment etc was so rushed that I didn't get a chance to get to know my breast care nurse and feel now that the moment has past. The oncology nurses seem to have more relevance at the moment. My oncologist is great but very busy but I do get to see him just before every chemo treatment as a matter of course to air any concerns I have.

    Great advice, Gabrielle. Thanks

    Al xx

  • Gabrielle's avatar
    Gabrielle
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hi Sandycee, 

    don't worry about the needle phobia. It is very common and entirely understandable. LIke you I have had my fair share but wierdly I find that if I watch it going in, it is over really quickly and of course it all depends on how good the person is giving the needle. So blow the Doctor!

    You will probably find that the onc nurses have the same opinion of him as well!

     Use the oncology nurses if your bcn is not avaiable. There are more of them! Why not have the onc nurse there with you when the Doc starts talking. You can then clarify things with the doc and having her there will diffuse things or you can at least clarify things with her later. 

    Good luck thinking of you this week. 

     

     

  • sandycee's avatar
    sandycee
    Member
    15 years ago

    I just want to say that sounds like great advice. Perhaps I haven't made use of my friendly BCN. I ran into trouble with my Oncologist who approached me with the utmost arrogancy all because of my needle phobia.

    I have spoken to other BC survivors and have been told that I should have been able to discuss my options about needles in more depth, yet had to contact my BCN in order to get some more information and then it was her assistant whom I spoke with.

    Yes, if it wasn't for my BCN I stil would be wondering what is going on. As she is new to this area of work however, she is not as experienced in what to do and I am finding some shortfalls between the oncology doctor and me in communication. I am hoping it will be all fixed once I start my chemo this week.