(2) Experiences in oncology training (report of nurse Saher Al Hroub)

I am Nurse Saher Hroub, and I here is a report about my experience in the Oncology Department at Beit Jala Governmental Hospital.

During my three-month tenure in the Oncology Department at Beit Jala Hospital, in collaboration with the LANA Association, I was granted a unique opportunity to work directly with cancer patients, which enriched me both professionally and personally.

This experience followed my attendance at a specialized workshop on cancer patients, particularly breast cancer, led by Professor Tamer Al-Jaafari and coordinated by the director of the LANA Association, Ms. Nivin Odeh.

The workshop was rich in information; I learned about the genetic and environmental factors contributing to cancer and gained a deeper understanding of the medical, psychological, and social dimensions patients face.

The workshop also covered the latest diagnostic and treatment methods and introduced different chemotherapy protocols used for breast cancer patients. We also learned about psychological support strategies and effective communication techniques with patients, which helped improve my skills in dealing with them more compassionately and professionally.

I learned how breast cancer typically starts with genetic mutations in the DNA, leading to malfunctions in the genes responsible for regulating cell growth, resulting in tumor formation. These tumors may develop in the ducts (Ductal Carcinoma) or in the lobules (Lobular Carcinoma). Over time, the disease may spread to lymph nodes and, in advanced stages, to other organs like the liver and bones.

This knowledge helped me enter the department with a solid scientific background about the nature of the disease and the treatment protocols followed.

I worked as a nurse within a specialized medical team, responsible for providing daily care to patients, monitoring their health conditions, and participating in treatment procedures. I worked with many cancer patients, including those with lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers, and more specifically, breast cancer patients.

When I began working in the department, I was able to connect my theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios. I also observed the use of hormonal therapies like Herceptin and how the appropriate protocol is selected based on the patient's condition. I worked closely with around five female breast cancer patients in various stages of the disease. One patient in particular had a special bond with me — she enjoyed my presence and preferred that I provide her care, such as drawing blood samples. She had bone marrow metastasis and was treated with a chemotherapy drug called Gemzar. I constantly checked on her condition and motivated her with encouraging words, telling her she would get better. She often asked whether I was on shift, as she saw me as a son. I cherished this connection and hoped for her speedy recovery.

I faced several challenges, especially since I had never worked with cancer patients before, nor had I studied cancer medications and treatments in university. However, this opportunity allowed me to learn about various chemotherapy drugs during the workshop, and then see and apply them in the hospital.

In addition to breast cancer patients, I also cared for many others with colon, pancreatic, lung, bladder, lymphoma, prostate cancers, and more. I became familiar with several treatment protocols as well as most chemotherapy treatments and administered many of them. One of the more commonly used protocols was FOLFOX. Before starting a session, we gave patients pre-medications like Decort, Pramin, Zofran, and Famotidine to prevent complications. I had to be cautious, as the medication was administered over a specific time using a rate-controlling device.

Working in the Oncology Department wasn’t easy emotionally. I dealt with physical pain and the psychological suffering of the patients. I also witnessed the loss of several patients during my time there. However, the experience taught me patience, empathy, and how to provide meaningful support to the patients’ families.

I greatly benefited from the theoretical knowledge I gained from the workshop conducted by Ms. Nivin and led by Mr. Tamer Al-Jaafari, which I was able to apply in the field.