Working Life: Penile cancer is a rare form of cancer affecting around 60 men each year in Ireland
Alison Doran, clinical nurse specialist in penile and bladder cancer: "After a new diagnosis, I bring the patient and family/friend into the family room for a debrief. I answer questions and signpost appropriate services, which can include psychology oncology, medical social worker and lymphoedema services." Picture: Gareth Chaney
Alarm, shower, dress, wave goodbye to my husband and hit the road.
I put the kettle on when I arrive at the office in Beaumont Hospital, where I respond to emails, listen to voicemails and triage new referrals.
Thursday is clinic day. I have a general urology clinic from 8am-11am in the outpatients' department. Here, I counsel patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who are being considered for cystectomy and ileal conduit formation. This is major urology surgery. It aims to redirect urine so it drains into a bag (stoma) on the side of the patient’s abdomen.
Each patient requires extensive emotional, physical and practical support to adjust to this new way of life.
In October 2023, consultant urologist Mr Mark Broe commenced the first robotic-assisted radical cystoprostatectomy and ileal conduit formation at Beaumont Hospital. We created the pathway and patient information leaflet, which has been a great success to date.
I coordinate the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway with the help of the dedicated staff on St Damien’s ward.
I prep the penile cancer clinic in coordination with our secretary. I sit in consultation with the patient and consultant urologist Mr Ivor Cullen, and the HSE NCCP clinical lead in penile cancer in Ireland, and we establish a treatment plan or surveillance regimen for the patient.
After a new diagnosis, I bring the patient and family/friend into the family room for a debrief. I answer questions and signpost appropriate services, which can include psychology oncology, medical social worker and lymphoedema services.
Lunch at my desk.
On the ward, I follow up on postoperative patients. For penile cancer patients, I attend to wound dressings, drain care, urinary catheter education and provide emotional support.
If a patient needs further psychological support, I refer them to the psychology-oncology team, cancer support centres, or other multidisciplinary team members.
I head home to make dinner and next-day lunches before going for a walk with my husband for much-needed fresh air.
- Penile cancer is a rare form of cancer that affects approximately 60 men each year in Ireland. The penile cancer team in Beaumont Hospital, in conjunction with the HSE National Cancer Control Programme, has launched a new patient leaflet, 'Penile Cancer: What I need to know.'
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