Page 10 - Inspire Autumn/Winter Edition 2017

Information Days

An Opportunity We’d Never Otherwise Get

Our Lung Cancer Information Days give patients and “They hear the word ‘cancer’ and everything else falls
their families the opportunity to hear from lung silent. They are scared – scared about what this could
cancer professionals such as oncologists, thoracic mean for them and for their family – so it’s no wonder
surgeons and lung cancer nurses. There is also the they can’t focus on any practical advice.
chance to ask questions and share experiences with
other patients and carers. “However, after the initial shock subsides, there is a need
for this kind of information and therefore a need for
Lung cancer nurse specialist, Liz Steven, attended our these information days. On the Aberdeen day I attended
Aberdeen Information Day in August. She spoke to with some of my patients, so many areas were covered.
Inspire about the benefits of the day for healthcare
professionals, and patients and their families alike: “We heard from thoracic surgeon, Mr Keith Buchan,
who explained the advances in curative surgery and how
“Days like today are these less invasive techniques improve the patient’s
really important because experience and recovery. Oncologist Dr Marianne
they give healthcare Nicolson spoke about and answered questions on
professionals, patients treatment for lung cancer including targeted therapies
and families time and immunotherapies.
together. We never get
this opportunity in the “There was also a Q&A session, which featured lung
hospital or at the clinic. cancer nurse specialist – me(!), thoracic nurse specialist,
Although we try our best research nurses and specialist dietician discussing all
to give our patients all the matter of topics, from superfoods to research updates.
time they need, the reality is we
may only have 15 minutes, so the information days
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation organise are very
welcome. It’s like giving us all the gift of time, and quality
time at that.

“They also give patients hope. Many of the people who
come to these days are living with lung cancer. I
remember when I first became a lung cancer nurse,
around 12 years ago. When people were diagnosed with
lung cancer back then, the prognosis was never good.
Doctors would say – ‘Lung cancer, there’s nothing we can do
for you’.

“Thankfully, that is no longer the case - there is always
something we can do. It may not be to cure the cancer
but it may be to treat it, manage symptoms or improve “We also heard from patient, Tom Simpson, who is
quality of life, and these information days are an living with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. Listening
excellent way to get those answers across. They are a to someone else talk so openly about what they’re
way to provide realistic help. going through is priceless. As healthcare professionals,
we can talk about lung cancer, we can answer questions
There is a need for this kind of but there is nothing more powerful than the words of
information and therefore a someone who is going through what you’re going
”
” “The charity’s information days may be a patient’s only
need for these information days. through.

“From my experience, patients only remember about opportunity to meet and talk to other people living
25% of what is said to them in their first meeting after with lung cancer. They can share experiences and offer
being diagnosed. That’s not surprising considering what support. But, above all, they can provide inspiration to
they’ve just been told. one another in a way no one else can.”

10 Inspire 2017