Today is National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Day in the UK, and we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the Clinical Nurse Specialists who make such a difference for people affected by blood cancer.
Many of you will know firsthand how much a good CNS can mean, and here’s just one person’s story. When Matthew was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma at the end of 2022, his CNS Zoe was a real rock to him - helping him make sense of his treatment, preparing him for what was ahead, and supporting his family through the toughest moments too.
We also know that not everyone is fortunate enough to have a CNS, and that can feel very isolating. That’s why Blood Cancer UK is calling for everyone diagnosed with blood cancer to have access to one.
We’d love to hear from you - has a CNS made a difference during your or your loved one’s experience? Whether it was a phone call that came at exactly the right time, or someone who just really got it - feel free to share your stories below.
I’m not sure if Clinical Research Nurse Specialists fall into the same category but my team at Worthing has been awesome - I’ve had a handover to UCLH Stem Cell Clinical Nurse Specialist now too - and could not feel more looked after. These are special people indeed xx
A great big thank you to every single CNS. I have found that you are that practical, approachable, knowledgeable link between the patient and the physician. I have found that you are someone I can ask questions of and that you will answer in a language I can understand and without me feeling silly.
I had one CNS who took me for an op and saw I was shivering during it and she brought me a heated blanket, that act of thoughtfulness and kindness will stay with me forever.
Thanks for posting this. I wasn’t aware it was National Clinical Nurse Specialist Day.
Such an important role to acknowledge.
While I’ve not had one directly related to my blood cancer, I know my sister who passed away in 2016 had an amazing Clinical Nurse Specialist who supported her through her 3.5 years from being diagnosed with Cancer of An Unknown Primary.
She was always there whenever my sister neede her.
Thank you @Ceri_BloodCancerUK for pointing this out. Funnily enough I have just spoken to my CNS, Rory, for advice as I have a high temperature that came on suddenly yesterday. I told him it was National CNS Day and was able to thank him for all his support. He said ‘no one told me!’ Maybe we need to raise awareness of this Day? Warm wishes, Willow x
