The ‘Why me’ conundrum
Oncologists rarely pass a day without hearing a patient wonder “why me? Why did I get cancer?” As valid as the question is, rarely do we have an accurate answer. Most have lived their lives in moderation, perhaps never smoking or drinking. Many are good people never intentionally harming anyone, in case one fears karma. […]
From early lump detection to treatment
I vividly remember the day, as if it was just yesterday. I was preparing to go for a vacation when I first detected the lump. My mind was filled with an array of conflicting thoughts, as I had to catch a flight in mere hours. Despite the excitement of my trip, the questions in my […]
Compassion Fatigue
Compassion fatigue is a condition characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others, often described as the NEGATIVE COST OF CARING. It is sometimes referred to as secondary traumatic stress and is mostly faced by caregivers. Compassion fatigue is similar to burnout. But burnout usually […]
You are not alone
Connecting with a 52-year-old patient with advanced stage of Brain tumour proved to be a challenge. When prompted, she was able to share her thoughts, feelings and wishes. She talked in a feeble voice about her belief of a speedy cure so that she could go back to her village to be with her home and […]
Thoughts of a Cancer Conqueror and Counsellor
A patient after talking to the doctor often has unanswered questions such as – Dr: Your hair will grow back. Pt: How do I cope till it doesn’t? Dr: Why are you sad? There are so many who live with stoma bags.Pt: Can you imagine how I feel to see the stool in the stoma […]
Loved ones suffer just as much
Raju, a software engineer, lost his father when he was only four years old. His mother raised him single-handedly with utmost difficulty and determination. Now, in her last stages of cancer, she was admitted to the hospital for palliative care. Being a family of just two, Raju was very close to his mother. When we […]
My family knows I lived happily
Rashmi was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer at the age of 46. She has two children, one studying in B.com final year and another son studying PUC 2nd year. I first met her when I was counselling voluntarily for the Cancer patients in palliative care. Months later, knowing the state of progression of her […]
A young couple that wouldn’t say “Die”
While on one of our weekly visits to a hospital in Bengaluru, we (a couple of ICS volunteers) happened to meet a young patient who had delivered her daughter just three months back and her caregiver husband. The couple was grappling with a number of concerns and were very happy to have someone to talk […]
Multilingualism in counselling
Pain is the same in all languages and I have had the privilege to counsel patients in at least eight different languages at ESI hospital Rajajinagar, where I volunteer as part of the Emotional Support group of ICS. As a counselor I have reached out to patients who are complete strangers, but who have come […]
Inspiring fight against cancer
I always wanted to do something more than the regular role of a wife, mother or working woman. It was always my dream to give back to the society. Counseling was my passion. It became a reality with ICS’ emotional support group. I attended ICS’ cancer counseling workshop. It was a great experience which helped […]
