Patient
Your preparation time is over. You can now start your speaking role play. Don’t worry if I stop you when the time is up.
Nurse
Good morning. My name is Narso Maria. One of the nurses working in this department. Could you please tell me your full name for the record?
Patient
Good morning, Nurse. My full name is Jane Brown.
Nurse
Thank you, Jane. Please confirm the reason for your visit.
Patient
Yes, Nurse. I am here to attend an appointment to get information about chemotherapy.
Nurse
All right. How do you feel about starting chemotherapy?
Patient
Nurse, I am feeling really worried about having chemotherapy because this is my first time.
Nurse
Jane, I can imagine the situation you are going through. Try not to worry about it. Just think this is a treatment procedure, and you will be all right afterwards.
Patient
I was leading a normal life. I am trying to realize that, Nurse.
Nurse
That’s good. Well, Jane, before proceeding further, tell me, what you know about chemotherapy.
Patient
The doctor told me the aim of chemotherapy was to reduce the risk of cancer after my bowel operation. This is what I remember.
Nurse
Okay. What about the duration of the treatment?
Patient
No, Nurse. I don’t remember anything else.
Nurse
It’s okay Jane. I will explain it to you. Let’s first discuss the course of treatment.
Patient
Okay, Nurse.
Nurse
Basically, chemotherapy is a three-week cycle. That means you might get a dose of chemotherapy on the first day and then have three weeks of recovery time before repeating the treatment. Each three weeks is called the treatment cycle. Is it clear to you?
Patient
Yes, it is clear.
Nurse
Several such cycles make up a course of chemotherapy for your treatment. The total duration of the course is 6 weeks.
Patient
Oh, I see.
Nurse
The chemotherapy drug can be administered at a day clinic. Well, Jane, may I know if you have read the patient information leaflets?
Patient
Yes, Nurse, I have read the information on chemotherapy that you were given, but I am still unclear on what exactly will happen during the procedure.
Nurse
It’s all right. No worries. I will explain the treatment procedures to you.
Patient
That will be of great help, Nurse.
Nurse
All right Jane. The treatment procedure begins with a blood test before each round of chemo. You will have a blood test called a complete blood count. This is done to get the levels of blood cells that can be affected by chemotherapy.
Patient
Oh, I see.
Nurse
Afterwards, chemotherapy will be performed. The drug is infused into the vein. That is intravenous delivery of chemotherapy. Drugs will be carried out for you.
Patient
Okay.
Nurse
After chemotherapy, your doctor and treatment team will constantly monitor the effectiveness of your treatments. Moreover, you will be provided food and drink after the chemo. If you are not nauseous, you will be provided six short meals instead of three large meals, but in short intervals. The procedure’s duration may vary from hours to hours, depending on the situation.
Patient
Okay. I understand that.
Nurse
Jane. I will make some recommendations to pass the time during the procedure. Some methods you can adopt include reading books and using electronic devices such as music players or video players to make you comfortable.
Patient
That sounds good, Nurse. It’s a good idea to bring something to pass the time. I hadn’t thought about that.
Nurse
Yes, Jane. Now, I would like to bring your attention to some of the common side effects of chemotherapy. After the procedure, you may experience nausea and fatigue. There is a lot of chance of losing your appetite and taste as well. Try not to bother about it too much. This will fade away sooner.
Patient
Okay, Nurse. I know about the side effects, but I was concerned that they might be quite serious.
Nurse
I appreciate your thoughtfulness. More importantly, reactions to chemotherapy are different for each individual. There are several reasons for the reactions. It depends on factors like the medication, treatment duration, level of fitness, and so on.
Patient
Oh, okay.
Nurse
Don’t panic. Hearing the same. I can reassure you that we will be here to help you. Assistance available for your condition includes medication for symptom relief and helpline numbers to clarify concerns or to get advice.
Patient
All right.
Nurse
I would also like to remind you to arrange transport after the sessions. It is because, after the procedure, you are not allowed to drive. May I know? Is there anyone to accompany you back home?
Patient
Yes, Nurse. My brother will be picking me up after the procedure.
Nurse
That’s perfect. Do I have to address any more concerns?
Patient
No, Nurse. I am now feeling more informed and prepared for my first session of chemotherapy.
Nurse
That’s great. I wish you all the very best, Jane.
Patient
Thank you, Nurse. That is the end of your speaking role. Play All the very best.
Nurse
Thank you.
