Q I specialise in thoracic oncology nursing because...

A I want to help alleviate cancer patients' suffering, be it emotional or physical.

Q If I were to give an analogy for what I do, I'd be a….

A Bridge. I usually approach patients after they receive the news of their cancer diagnosis, which can be shocking for them. I will help to allay their concerns and discuss with them the available options in the current cancer treatment.

When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, it affects not only the patient, but also the whole family. Family members who care for the patient may be experiencing an emotional roller coaster. It is never an easy journey for patients and their family.

I also ensure the patients' care is seamless as they transit across Singapore General Hospital, National Cancer Centre Singapore and National Heart Centre Singapore.

Q I come across all types of cases...

A From patients with lung cancer or gastrointestinal cancer to cancer of the breast or head and neck, and more.

Every patient is unique. This means that even patients with the same type of cancer may get different treatment plans as these are tailored to them individually.

Other than the co-morbidities (additional diseases or disorders) that patients have, their functional status and social support play an important part in their cancer treatment journey.

Q The more challenging ones are...

A Those where family members do not know what the patient wants because they are afraid to ask.

Or when patients are unaware of the diagnosis because their family members fear that the news will be too much for the patient to bear. However, patients are even more distressed when they are kept in the dark.

It is also impossible for patients to make informed choices about their treatment plans without fully understanding what is going on.

Q A typical day for me is one...

A That starts at 7.30am, when I see patients in the ward and discuss their care plan with the doctors.

I will also identify the patients who may need more attention. I will then go back to them after the ward round to address their concerns.

I track the updates in patients' treatment plans and coordinate their care processes. At times, I also train new nurses to equip them with the knowledge and skills to care for cancer patients.

Although my days are occupied and busy, it is fulfilling knowing that my work has an impact on the patients. On weekends, I put work aside to recharge myself and spend quality time with my family.

Q One little known fact about the profession is...

A Lung cancer patients often suffer from shortness of breath, a most distressing symptom that causes discomfort for the patients and emotional unrest for their families.

I am one of the first people they can approach to ask for help. I act as an advocate for patients and communicate their needs to the care team so that we can work towards an optimal outcome.

Q Patients who get my goat are...

A None that I can think of. I can imagine how devastating it is to find out about a cancer diagnosis.

Initially, the patient may be in denial and will get angry at everything and with everyone, but these are unintentional.

Q A memorable patient was one...

A Who insisted on continuing his chemotherapy even though it would not benefit him as he was already in the last stage of the cancer.

We later found out that he wanted to live long enough to witness his daughter's wedding. He gave the treatment one last try but his condition deteriorated further. So his family finally agreed to focus treatment efforts on the management of his symptoms instead.

That was when we arranged for the traditional wedding tea ceremony to be held in the ward.

Although the patient eventually passed on, it was fortunate that we could fulfil his last wish.

Q Things that put a smile on my face are...

A When I know that my patients are able to find closure with their families and journey together with them during the illness.

I see them spending quality time together as a family. Family bonds are strengthened as a result.

Another instance would be to witness patients pulling through and getting stronger with rehabilitation.

Q It breaks my heart when...

A I see cancer patients declining functionally to the point of requiring intensive care.

For patients who no longer have cancer treatment options, I do my best to help them spend their last days more comfortably by focusing on palliative care, which also involves symptom management.

I also help my patients and families find closure by discussing end-of-life issues with them.

Q My best tip is...

A It's never too early to show your care and concern for your loved ones because you never know when they will not be around.

Q I wouldn't trade places for any other discipline in the world because...

A I make a big difference to the lives of my patients and their family. It is a privilege to care for them.