Oncology Nursing

[MilanMiller]

We lost my step-father August 30th to cancer.  His battle began last October.  I've watched him go through 4 rounds of chem, over 15 radiation treatments, I was there when he had an Ominvor Resovoir put in his brain to deliver chemo directly to the spinal fluid after the cancer spread further, a peg tube was then put in place when he could no longer swallow...  I watched his neuro doctor draw a large plunger syringe of spinal fluid off his brain becuase the cancer in his brain was spreading so fast, it was displacing the spinal fluid and leaking through the resourvoir.  

The past several weeks have been the longest and most painful.  I stayed with my mother sharing rounds at the hospital.  Through this experience I have developed a great appreciation for the special nurses who cared for him.  In the end, we were forced to send him to a hospice - where we stayed beside him around the clock until he drew his last breath.  The people who cared for him are indeed the most special people I have ever encountered.  They not only helped to comfort him, but us as well.  Now that this is over, I feel a strong need to help others.  I want so much to help those that have no family and are in need of care.  I know that I wouldn't have the ability to "cure" or diagnoise, but if I could help others in any way - I would feel so grateful.

I only second guess  myself becuase I'm 37, and have a degree in architecture.  I've been practising architecuture for 12 years now - but have never really liked it.  Architecture is a very self-centered profession where most of my days are spent in front of a computer.  Is it crazy to consider nursing and start over?  How would I know that I would do a good job and be a good fit?  Any suggestions?

[Dnmh]

Thank you. I'm sorry for yours. It's difficult losing a loved one.
Music would be a wonderful gift...

[MilanMiller]

Sorry for your loss Dnmh.  I know it's tough.  We're going through it too.

[MilanMiller]

I'm certainly planning to do some volunteer work at the hospice my step-father passed away in.  Those people are the most wonderful folks I've ever met.  I'm just now getting home and getting my life "reorganized" from the weeks away taking care of him.  I'm hoping that around the hollidays I can spend some time there.  Maybe even bring my instruments and play some Christmas tunes.  

[Dnmh]

I just had a step-father pass away in Hospice. He was there from July to September. I know from that experience that the rely on a lot of volunteers to offer support and comfort to the patients and family. Maybe that could be a stepping stone for both of you?
Good luck,

[MilanMiller]

Thanks.  I am going to go for it.  It just feels right.  I'd also like to get into hospice care myself, eventually, but first, I want to work with cancer patients.  I live in Memphis, TN.  My dream job would be to work at St. Jude.  Oddly enough last summer before my stepfather's diagnosis, we had a scare with our 13 year old that sent us there becuase of an abnormal MRI and bloodwork.  Everything ended up ok for us, but I remember thinking what a wonderful, awesome place and how much I would be honored to work there.  Then this happened with my stepdad.  Now I want to work there more than ever.  

Good luck to you in getting into school yourself.  I wish you the best and thanks again for the support.

[Spicy1]

If you feel it in your heart, and its a true passion, how could you NOT do a good job?  Only you can answer that from within yourself.  I have been wanting to become a hospice nurse for the past 8 years, but circumstances prevent me from that at the moment.  I'm trying my hardest to get to school though..oh and I'm 46.  I'll do it, and I believe that if its what you really want, you will too.  Don't second guess yourself, Milan.  You seem like you would have a lot to offer, and from going through what you've gone through, compassion.  I am sorry for your loss, but you get on the ball, and start looking into becoming what you want. :)  Good luck to you!

P. S,  naaaa you're not crazy. Just do it.