Beyond Chemotherapy:
Oncology Nursing Across a Rapidly Evolving Cancer Care Continuum
By Jaime Weimer and Ryne Wilson
Anne, a 38-year-old single mom, is arriving for her next cycle of therapy to treat her stage IV colorectal cancer. She comes every two weeks to the infusion center for treatment and leaves with a continuous infusion running on a portable pump. She then returns two days later to have the pump disconnected.
Her last cycle was challenging. In the first few days, Anne experienced issues with nausea that decreased her appetite and eating. About seven days after treatment, fatigue kicked in and lingered another week, just in time for her next cycle of therapy. In addition to the physical side effects, Anne has been under significant stress trying to keep up with her job responsibilities while caring for her two young children on her own. The challenge of managing her appointments, balancing work deadlines, arranging school pickups, and meeting her kids’ needs while coping with treatment-related fatigue and nausea has left her feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained. She’ s found it hard to enjoy family time because of her low energy levels, and she sometimes needs to rest instead of joining in on activities with her children. The impact has extended beyond her physical well-being, affecting her overall mood, her sense of control, and her ability to participate in daily life.
Anne is worried about how she’ ll do with cycle 2; she is looking for guidance on how to best prepare. She’ s also seeking resources or support that could help alleviate some of the burden she’ s feeling, whether that means practical tips for managing side effects, emotional support, connections to others who have been through similar experiences, or access to tangible assistance such as financial resources, help with childcare, or support at home to ease her everyday responsibilities.
As you make your way through the busy waiting room, you spot Anne sitting quietly, working on her laptop. Recognizing her from her first treatment, you feel a sense of familiarity. You call her name and Anne looks up, her face brightening with relief.“ I was hoping you’ d be my nurse again! I’ m so happy you’ re here. You’ re just who I wanted to talk to,” she says with a warm smile.
For many nursing students, caring for patients with cancer can be daunting. The complexity of pharmacologic agents, advanced treatment protocols, and concerns related to hazardous medications or radiation safety can feel overwhelming. Oncology is often perceived as a specialty predominantly associated with loss or sadness. However, supporting people with cancer offers nurses valuable opportunities to develop their clinical and professional skills, stay current with innovative treatments, and provide holistic care during some of the most challenging moments in a person’ s life.
Not Just Chemotherapy
One of the most persistent
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