able to view it in the clinic room mirror, expressing a sense of
achievement.
Claire had had a good rapport with her local Breast Care nurse so I
encouraged her to contact her to discuss meeting other mastectomy
patients and to arrange to attend a support meeting.
I suggested that psychological support was available to her, which
she declined for now, I offered an information leaflet, which she
accepted.
I met with Claire the following week in the Radiotherapy department.
She reported meeting with her Breast Care nurse and had benefited
from a support meeting. She had also made contact with the
Chaplain listed in the information leaflet and had found him easy to
talk to, however she still appeared anxious and fearful.
I discussed the benefits of therapeutic massage with her and she
agreed to a referral, which I did as an urgent request.
Research shows that massage improves mood, feelings about the
future, concentration and when aromatherapy oils are included,
reduce anxiety ( Corner 1995).
I next saw Claire accompanied by her sister, she had received a
massage appointment within a week and enjoyed it, she had
rebooked further appointments. Most benefit is found to be achieved
after approximately 4 treatments (Corner 1995).
I suggested that there were also courses run by the Occupational
Therapists to teach relaxation methods and with her agreement was
able to make a telephone referral.
At this meeting I became aware that Claires sister, Ellen was tearful
and finding the situation difficult to cope with.
I felt that she would benefit from some support also but I did not know
exactly what services to offer as a relative of the patient, at the time, I
did feel inadequate and frustrated by this.
I contacted the Rehabilitation Unit for advice who suggested the
hospital Chaplain who would be happy to see her at any time.
I also contacted the S.E Cancer Help Centre that is local to Ellen and
discovered that they hold daily informal sessions for relatives of
patients with cancer to which she would be welcome.
This information plus contact leaflet was passed on to Ellen.
Evaluation
Although I was initially disappointed that Claire had declined
psychological support, which I felt she would benefit from, I realised
the value of offering patients the information leaflets. She made
contact with the person she felt was the most appropriate and by
doing this also regained some control.
Despite feeling inadequately prepared to support Ellen, I realise the
need for support that relatives have and have learned where support
is available and would be able to offer referrals and information
readily in the future.
Reference:
Corner J et al: 1995 International Journal of Palliative Nursing. An evaluation of the use of massage and essential oils on the well-being of cancer patients
