DIALOGUE WITH CERVIX CANCER PATIENTS IN GRIEF MS. IVA ATHAVIA Cancer Patients Aid Association Mumbai,India. Email: ivathavia_17@yahoo.co.in www.cancer.org.in

“ A Man’s Dying Is More The Survivor’s Affair Than His Own.” Introduction ----------Care for the family and bereavement follow-up is considered part of good palliative practice. “ A Man’s Dying Is More The Survivor’s Affair Than His Own.” --- Thomas Mann.

Service With the Cervix Cancer Patients in Grief It provides understanding and compassion for patients with advanced illnesses and their loved ones

The Goal of our Service With the Cervix Cancer Patients To relieve suffering and improving the quality and quantity of life of the patients

CPAA’s Counselling Cell in a Govt. Hospital

MEANING OF GRIEF GRIEF: Is the feeling of reaching out to the departed one. MOURNING GRIEF: Rites and Rituals which follow death. ANTICIPATORY GRIEF: Sense of loss before death. ABNORMAL /PATHOLOGICAL GRIEF: Extended grief in different issues.

Counselling with a Cervix Cancer Patient in a Sanatorium

Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer Patients Having sex at an early age Multiple sexual partners Sexual partners who have multiple partners Women whose mothers took the drugs during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage …………..2

Weakened immune system Infections with genital herpes Chronic chlamydia infections Poor economic status (may not be able to afford regular Pap Smear) Long-term use of birth control pills.

GROUP COUNSELLING IN A SANATORIUM

Psychosocial Issues Faced by Cervix Patients Lack of awareness Anxiety and sadness Guilt and Regret for not going to the doctor earlier Anger directed at doctors for mismanaging their treatment Fear of the future for family specially children Early marriages and Child birth …………2

Stress and Fear of social boycott Sexual problem on post treatment Differences with the spouse attitude Extra marital affairs or remarriage of their husband Suicidal attitude.

A Cervix Cancer Patient expressing her grief

MARITAL PROBLEMS WITH CERVIX CANCER PATIENTS (Grief questionnaire among 126 Cervix patients) Domestic abuse - 54% Abandonment - 37% Material support only - 21% Infidelity - 95% Suicidal - 11%

Factors Influencing on Cervix Cancer Patients Duration of cancer illness Age of the deceased Extent of physical suffering Lack of support from the family ….….2

Depletion of resources Guilt feelings Feelings of social isolation.

A Cervix Cancer Patient Expressing her Torture

The Best Primary Support to CERVIX Cancer Patients in Grief 1) To Understand & Be Available during their grief 2) Offering friendship / A listening ear / Companionship. 3) COUNSELING: Identifying - Physical / Psychological / Social / Emotional needs.

Possible Reasons For Abnormal Grief. Dependent relationships A history of unresolved grief Guilt feelings Idealization of the deceased ……………2

Creating a shrine Fear of the disease Negative Personality Trait Sudden and unexpected death.

Counselling at CPAA Office with a Cervix Cancer Patient

Stages Of Grief 1) Initial Reactions of grief:-

2) Grief:- Common Emotions & Experiences

3) Despair:- 4) Adjustment:- Loss Of Meaning In Life For Survivor - Nil 4) Adjustment:- Acceptance: The Road Ahead - Total

Reactions To Cervix Patients at Home visit -Enriching And Fulfilling Experience Social Maintenance / Need Help - 32 %

A Cervix palliative cancer patient with her family members

Conclusion 1) Local Situations different to those in the West 2) Financial / Social Help Needed 3) Not much Abnormal Grief found

A ROLE PLAY God hath not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through; God hath not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain. But God hath promised strength for the day, Rest for the labor, light for the way. Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy Undying Love. ……………………………………….. A ROLE PLAY

Data has been collected from the following Hospitals B.Y.L. NAIR Charitable Hospital Mumbai, India. & Cama & Allbless Hospital

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