Sam Long, a chemotherpay nurse at Spire Bushey Hospital near Watford, speaks about her job providing cancer treatment services to her patients.
"My patients are my most inspiring people."
Sam Long
Spire Bushey Hospital
How long have you worked as a chemotherapy nurse?
I have been a chemotherapy nurse for approximately 10 years.
What do you like most about your job?
The very close relationship I build up with my patients and the multi-disciplinary team we work extremely closely with.
What is the hardest thing about your job?
Dealing with patients when they have a recurrence of their disease.
How did you get to where you are today in your career?
By showing an interest in chemotherapy and not being afraid to talk to patients who have cancer.
What would be the best piece of advice you would give to someone who has been newly diagnosed with cancer?
To stay positive, and keep a sense of humour. That it is often very treatable today with new treatments every few months.
What would you say to someone who is delaying getting that lump/pain checked out?
Early diagnosis usually improves the chances of successful treatment, and not all lumps are cancerous!
Can you describe an inspiring person or event in your job?
My patients are my most inspiring people. Giving chemotherapy treatment to two pregnant ladies, and then seeing the babies fit and well despite the treatment during their pregnancy.
Also seeing my patients who are terrified at the beginning of treatment learning to cope and managing to keep smiling and carrying on with life. And of course, seeing them finish their treatment stronger people than they were before diagnosis.