Knowing the routines and preferences of the patient up to the moment cancer is diagnosed and checking if he has a caretaker are also concerns of the oncologist specialist and nurses, when establishing the plan of treatment. “These precautions are equally or more important than all the medication we prescribe the patient”, as explained oncologist Sónia Rego on Porto Canal, during the TV show “Consultório”, she participated in together with nurse Isabel Novais. Along the show, the two Hospital da Luz Arrábida professionals approached the precautions concerning the oncologic patient at different levels. “Oncology has been evolving from the point of view of treatment, but equally or even more important is that the patient feels the best way possible. We cannot merely focus on treating the disease, we must also ensure the best quality of life possible. As doctor, I have the obligation of knowing the potential toxicities for the patient and assess aspects such as the possibility to stay at home, if there is family or friends support, how are the meals, etc.”, stated Sónia Rego. “We aim to attain balance between chemotherapy treatments and their effects on the quality of life of the patient. We try to maintain the routines and daily activity, always adapting the fulfilment of the treatment protocol ”, explained on its turn Isabel Novais. “We have to treat the patient, while adapting any side effect to the patient himself and those who take care of him”, and that implies “creating an empathetic relationship, knowing how to listen, being mindful of verbal and non-verbal communication, and developing coping strategies for the patient at this stage of life”, she added. Watch the TV show “Consultório” with Sónia Rego and Isabel Novais .
