Second Trial of Breathing Technique for Pain Management in a Cancer Patient

Today was a meaningful and learning-filled day for me during my duty at the hospital. I conducted my second trial of a breathing technique for pain management with a cancer patient. Working in healthcare often reminds us that patients suffering from serious illnesses such as cancer experience not only physical pain but also emotional and psychological distress. Because of this, modern nursing care focuses not only on medications but also on non-pharmacological interventions that can help patients manage discomfort and anxiety. One such simple yet effective approach is the breathing technique, which helps in relaxation and pain control.

During my shift, I noticed that the patient was feeling uncomfortable and experiencing some level of pain. Instead of keeping the patient confined to the bed, I guided her to sit near the large window in the hospital corridor. The natural light and calm environment can often improve a patient’s mood and reduce stress. Creating a peaceful environment is very important when applying relaxation techniques because it allows the patient to focus better and feel mentally calm. After the patient was seated comfortably, I explained the deep breathing exercise in a simple and supportive way.

I instructed the patient to slowly inhale through the nose, hold the breath for a few seconds, and then gently exhale through the mouth. I demonstrated the technique myself so that the patient could understand it easily. At first, the patient seemed a little hesitant, but with encouragement and reassurance, she began to follow the steps. We practiced this breathing cycle repeatedly for about five to ten minutes. During the process, I noticed that the patient gradually became more relaxed and focused on her breathing instead of concentrating on the pain.

Breathing exercises can have a significant physiological effect on the body. Deep breathing helps improve oxygen supply to the tissues and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and stress reduction. As a result, the body experiences a calming effect, which can indirectly reduce the perception of pain. After practicing the technique for some time, the patient’s facial expression appeared calmer and more comfortable than before.

In this second trial, I observed that the breathing technique had a positive impact on the patient’s comfort level. The patient reported feeling lighter and slightly relieved compared to earlier. While this technique does not completely eliminate pain, it certainly helps in reducing pain intensity and improving emotional well-being. This experience reinforced my belief that combining medical treatment with supportive techniques can significantly improve patient care. In modern nursing practice, this is often referred to as a holistic approach, where both physical and psychological needs of the patient are addressed.

For me as a healthcare professional, experiences like this are extremely valuable. They remind me that patient care is not limited to medications, injections, or clinical procedures. Sometimes simple human interaction, communication, and guidance can bring a meaningful difference in a patient’s recovery journey. Helping patients feel heard, supported, and relaxed is an important part of compassionate nursing care.

Today’s small activity gave me a sense of satisfaction and motivation to continue exploring such breathing and relaxation techniques in patient care. In the future, I would like to practice and study more about these non-pharmacological pain management strategies so that I can provide better and more comprehensive care to my patients.