When a loved one has terminal Cancer

Terminal Cancer is a stage of cancer that cannot be cured or treated sufficiently and there is a high chance that the patients will meet with death in a short duration of time. In these final moments, a ‘caregiver’ who knows the patient beforehand such as a relative, partner, parent, or even close friends is necessary for assisting and meeting the needs of the patient. Most of the time, these caregiver’s may not have any experience in taking care of a terminally ill person but might be the only person that can assist the patient at the moment.

Roles of a Caregiver:

A caregiver has many parts which are always changing according to the progression of disease faced by the cancer patient. Even though the caregiver knows that the patient might bid farewell soon, a real encouragement can help the patient to cope up with the situation and have some confidence in dealing with his present life. While dealing with the patient, the caregiver might face many new obstacles daily. There are few duties that a caregiver must follow such as:

• Purchase and prepare food that is healthy to the patient.

• Help the patient eat adequately.

• Make sure that the patient is in a clean environment at all times; it is to avoid any further disease that may attack the patient’s weak (low immune) body.

• Soothe and comfort the patient at all times.

• Provide emotional and mental support.

• Always be positive and don’t talk about any negative matter.

• Settle all bills at the right time.

• Don’t allow people to crowd around the patient which may induce fears in the patient’s mind.

• Help the patient to bath, primp and dress appropriately.

• Assist the patient during movements.

• If seeking medical attention, take notes of the patient’s progress and effectively discuss with the doctor. Help the patient take medicines at the right time that are advised by a qualified medical practitioner.

• Preparing the Will (Testament) by having a proper communication with the patient might be an appropriate thing to do during these final moments.

Psychological counseling:

A proper counseling can help the patient to cope up with his/her reactions to cancer, Deal with family matters, relationship, and practical issues. An appropriate counseling by a caregiver can help to avoid different fears or phobias that are present in the patient’s mind.

Pain management:

A caregiver should persistently work to eliminate any pain experienced by the patient. Always keep some time daily to communicate with the patient to know the new difficulties he/she might be facing. A caregiver should be a good listener and should pay a heed to the patient’s needs.

Financial Burden of Cancer Care:

The financial expense associated with cancer care is a huge burden to people who are being diagnosed with cancer, Patient's family or the entire society. It's also expected that the cost for treatment will continue to rise in the upcoming future due to new and advanced treatments that are being introduced for various cancers.

There are many traditional cancer centers in India for people fighting with cancers such as Yoddhas (Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai), Indian Cancer Society (Mumbai), Mahatma Gandhi Hospital and Institute (Andhra Pradesh), etc. which one can turn to advice, guidance and support at these times and one should make full use of their facilities and help to tide over these difficult times.