Like the natural light displays which illuminate the dark skies with a fluorescent glow, the Aurora Support Service aims to be “a glimmer of light” for patients with cancer who need chemotherapy, according to the two young nurses who came up with the idea.
The new, nurse-led support service at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital is the brainchild of Abigail Camenzuli, 28, and Elysia Mercieca, 24.
“When patients are standing before their oncologist, receiving news of their diagnosis, they are understandably overwhelmed with anxiety,” Ms Camenzuli explains.
“They would have a number of questions and misconceptions, such as: Can I go to work? Will I lose my hair? Can I have the children next to me? We speak to the patients, see what they understood and reinforce that.”
The two nurses organise weekly classes where all patients about to begin chemotherapy treatment at public hospitals, accompanied by their relatives, are invited to attend.
They explain the process of chemotherapy and the units to which each individual patient would be assigned to.
They go through each and every side effect of the treatment and familiarise the patients with the terminology they would soon be hearing, such as anaemia and low haemoglobin count.
They patiently respond to all the questions and listen in empathy when they are unable to give a definite reply.
“There are some questions we cannot answer,” Ms Farrugia says. “Sometimes, in such moments, it helps to just listen and be there for them.”
The group discussion helps them feel that they’re not alone
Each patient is given a personalised booklet.
The classes also provide an opportunity for the patients to speak to each other and share their thoughts and feelings.
“No one but the individuals themselves can truly understand what they’re going through,” Ms Camenzuli says.
“The group discussion helps them feel that they’re not alone. Sometimes, patients fear knowing what’s about to happen. However, having the right information will help them cope better with treatment and side effects.”
Ms Mercieca adds that they help the patients realise that, for every setback, there is something they can do. For instance, tiredness can actually be countered by getting out of bed and taking a short walk while lack of appetite can be helped by taking six small meals a day as opposed to taking three large ones.
There is medication which helps quell nausea and in those instances where chemotherapy will not cause the patient’s hair to fall, pH-balanced shampoo should be used and any dye applied should be peroxide and ammonia free.
The nurses explain the importance of oral hygiene to help prevent ulcers and of using mouthwash which is alcohol-free.
“So far, the feedback has been great. They actually motivate us,” Ms Camenzuli smiles.
“One of the last comments we received was: ‘this was very helpful and informative. Group meetings give you courage and awareness that you are not alone.’”
Aurora Support Service can be contacted on 2298 7156, via e-mail at aurora.mhec@gov.mt or on Facebook.