Inside Story
A day in the life of Jacquetta - the first Prostate Cancer Charity specialist nurse based at Charing Cross Hospital
9am
This morning, I was running a ‘PSA follow-up’ clinic. This is largely for men who’ve had treatment for prostate cancer, but includes those who have decided against active treatment. I discussed the results of the blood tests taken the previous week with every patient, answered questions and taught pelvic floor exercises.
You might expect men to prefer to see a doctor rather than a nurse, but no one has asked to. I think it’s because we have shorter waiting times, longer consultation sessions and I know their case history. And as a specialist employed by The Prostate Cancer Charity, my time is dedicated to their recovery.
12pm
At midday, I updated nursing staff on treatments for prostate cancer. There were plenty of questions and I handed out information sheets. This was great, as we need to spread awareness of the cancer throughout the NHS. If more doctors and nurses recognise the symptoms, we’ll be much better placed to combat it!
2pm
After lunch, I attended the histopathology meeting. This is where the urology team are informed of men who’ve been newly diagnosed. We examine their biopsy slides under microscopes and discuss each case. We’ve four new cases next week, so I checked their follow-up appointments and handed the information to the data manager.
4pm
It’s always great to see patients recovering after treatment and I was really chuffed when I went to the ward. The gentleman I went to visit had undergone a radical prostatectomy three days ago. But when I saw him, he was sitting up in bed smiling. It’s so special because I remember his face when he was first diagnosed.
5pm
I finished the day by reading through my emails. There were several from The Prostate Cancer Charity updating me about the latest research and one from a patient seeking my opinion on brachytherapy. I think it is important to keep in touch with patients as it reinforces our commitment to their care.
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